Preschool

Our preschool program is carefully designed to provide three- to five-year-old children with a positive school experience in a nurturing atmosphere. Classroom teachers help the children feel good about themselves and the world in which they live. Through constructive play and learning activities, teachers concentrate on developing academic readiness and social skills.

 

Kindergarten

The formal academic curriculum for elementary school begins in kindergarten with the gradual introduction of the skills needed for reading, writing, and mathematics at this level. The main aim of kindergarten is to give the students a solid foundation for these basic academics as they master the social skills necessary for future school experiences. The students explore their environment in a scientific way and develop early concepts of time, money, and measurement. The social studies program stresses the importance of the individual as a well-adjusted, productive member of a group, willing to share and to accept responsibility. The students are always encouraged to ask questions as they learn about the world around them. (NAPS offers two full-day kindergarten classes and one half-day class.)

 

First Through Fifth Grade

The school offers students in first through fifth grade a well-rounded curriculum, which includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, art, music, French, and library and computer skills. Small classes allow close interaction between teacher and student. The schools goals are to develop students individual abilities while encouraging independent thinking and problem solving.

 

A phonics-based reading system, started in kindergarten, is reviewed and strengthened in first grade. The emphasis on writing and listening skills further develops a strong reading and writing vocabulary at all levels.

 

The mathematics program combines drill, problem solving, and application of concepts in everyday living. These activities help students achieve practical math competence and a firm understanding of the concepts necessary for higher mathematics.                                                                     

Introduction of French in the first grade familiarizes the students with the sounds and structure of a second language. Drills, songs, games, and conversation develop oral vocabulary for all grades. Reading and writing are introduced in the upper grades.

 

The schools science program offers the students an awareness of the world in which they live. The science curriculum follows a carefully structured system whereby elementary scientific theories presented in the lower grades are expanded with graduated levels of difficulty in the higher grades.

 

The social studies program focuses on people, both past and present. Through the study of history, geography, and government, students are introduced to our societys diverse cultural heritage. A feel for time and place is enriched through field trips, movies, crafts, map work, and research projects.

 

Special Classes

Students participate in art, French, music, physical education, and computer classes, and make weekly visits to the library for story time, instruction in library skills, and to check out books.

Exceptions:

§       Pre-K students do not check out books from the library.

§       Pre-K 2 students do not have computer instruction.

§       French instruction begins in first grade.

 

The schools part-time resource teacher provides extra instructional support for students who have been referred by classroom teachers. Parents of children who are referred to the resource teacher will be notified in advance of the commencement of such instruction.

 

 

Special Education: NAPS does not have the resources necessary to educate children with special-education needs and accordingly, reserves the right to condition admission or continued enrollment at the school based on the following stipulations:

·       Complete cooperation by the student and parents in special education assessments deemed necessary by NAPS personnel.

·       Full access to preexisting individual educational plans prepared for students by special education service providers.

·       Full access to any special education providers, medical personnel, counselors, and/or mental health professionals providing services for student or potential student.

·       Agreement that in situations identified by the schools director, the student or potential student will be made available for evaluation by appropriate special education assessment professionals.