Academics
The Neighborhood School House:
Welcome to The Neighborhood School House, a haven of learning where children thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. With a focus on traditional phonics and a visual approach to math, we empower young minds to become confident readers and critical thinkers.
In our calming classroom, adorned with colorful artwork and nature-inspired elements, students embark on an educational journey that seamlessly blends academic excellence with artistic expression. Our dedicated teacher, Ms. Hailey, guides them through the enchanting world of phonics, where the magic of language comes alive through engaging activities and storytelling.
In the realm of math, our visual approach takes center stage. Through hands-on manipulatives, interactive games, and real-world applications, students gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts while igniting their curiosity and creativity. From counting shells in nature to exploring geometric shapes through art, math becomes a captivating adventure.
Our commitment to a well-rounded education extends beyond the core subjects. Art infusion permeates our curriculum, nurturing the imagination and fostering self-expression. Through painting, sculpting, and creative projects, students unleash their inner artists, discovering the beauty of blending colors, the joy of storytelling through visuals, and the power of creative exploration.
Nature is our classroom without walls. We embrace the wonders of the natural world, integrating outdoor activities, garden projects, and nature walks into our daily routines. Students develop a deep appreciation for the environment, connecting with the world around them and cultivating a sense of stewardship for our planet.
In our class, we prioritize individual attention and tailor instruction to meet each child’s unique needs. Small class sizes foster a sense of belonging, enabling students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We cherish the bonds we form, creating a tight-knit community where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired.
At The Neighborhood School House, we believe that education is a journey of exploration, empowerment, and joy. With traditional phonics, a visual approach to math, a safe and nurturing environment, art infusion, and a deep connection to nature, we cultivate lifelong learners who embrace the world with curiosity, creativity, and compassion.
Prior to the start of the year, a comprehensive assessment is conducted to identify each child’s strengths and areas for growth. This assessment forms the foundation for a personalized education plan tailored to the specific needs of each student, ensuring they are appropriately challenged and supported. By pinpointing misconceptions and addressing gaps, students are empowered to reach their fullest potential and achieve academic success.
Each self-paced educational plan empowers students to take control of their learning, resulting in a more effective use of instruction time and the elimination of busy work. This approach enables students to focus on mastering critical educational content, fostering independence and building confidence as they progress at their own pace.
Class Size & Set Up
The Neighborhood School House is a micro, in-home private school with a school size of 6 with a single teacher, Ms. Hailey. In this setting, students receive ample one-on-one attention. Additionally, the school employs a mixed-age group approach, where students of different ages learn together in the same space.
In a mixed-age group setting, students from all grade levels share the learning environment. This arrangement allows for unique learning opportunities as older students can serve as mentors and role models for younger students. Younger students, in turn, can benefit from exposure to more advanced concepts and ideas. This approach fosters collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and the development of a sense of community among the students.
The small class size enables the teacher to provide personalized attention to each student. With fewer students, teachers can better understand individual strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. This allows each student’s education plan to be tailored to meet the specific needs of each student and provide targeted support.
Daily rythm
Morning Exploration
Morning exploration is an essential part of our program, as it provides children with the opportunity to develop their imaginations, relationships, and problem-solving skills through creative, free play.
Upon arrival, children are encouraged to play and engage with materials at the Exploration Station. These materials coordinate with current unit of study. Students will have the option to explore using creative and nature materials, child’s literature, and more.
After a morning of exploring, we transition to circle time by modeling the importance of putting our materials away. This helps children develop a sense of responsibility and prepare for the next activity of the day.
Morning Journal
Each morning, students have the opportunity the express themselves through writing and various artistic mediums as they complete a daily morning journal. Students will learn the basics of nature journaling, multiple styles of book making, and simple paper making techniques. Students will have the option to showcase their daily journal to their peers during morning circle.
Circle Time
Circle time is a cherished time, where we come together to connect, share, and build relationships. It serves as a warm and inviting space, fostering a sense of belonging and togetherness. Through engaging discussions, stories, and activities, circle time strengthens the bonds within the class, creating a nurturing environment where everyone’s voice is valued and celebrated.
Once we’ve completed circle time, we transition to guided independent study.
Guided Independent Study
Guided independent study is a dynamic and empowering approach to learning where students take ownership of their educational journey while receiving support as needed. It provides a structured framework for students to work independently on their assignments, projects, or research, while having access to resources, guidance, and mentorship from their teacher . Through this method, students develop self-directed learning skills, critical thinking abilities, and the confidence to explore and navigate academic tasks with autonomy, knowing that assistance is available whenever they encounter challenges. Guided independent study encourages students to become active, responsible learners, fostering a sense of achievement and personal growth as they successfully navigate their educational endeavors.
Throughout the week, we rotate between three different types of activities: life skills, baking, and artistic experiences.
Life skills lessons help children feel a sense of belonging, responsibility, and accomplishment as they contribute to various life-based activities such as setting and clearing the table, washing aprons, wiping windows, washing dishes, and sweeping the floor.
On baking day, children get to pour, mix, knead, shape, and prepare a variety of baked goods for the season, which we’ll enjoy as our snack the following day.
For artistic experiences, we rotate between watercolor painting, art studies, and other seasonal crafts.
When our guided independent study is finished, we clean up and prepare the table for lunch. We encourage everyone to help clean by modeling the behavior.
Curriculum Overview:
Traditional Phonics: Phonics serves as a the gateway to the enchanting world of language, where learners embark on a journey of discovering the sounds, letters, and words that shape our communication. Through exploration of phonics, students unlock the door to reading and writing, awakening their imagination and setting them on a path of linguistic wonder and expression. Students are never expected to memorize hundreds of sight words.
Reading: Our approach to reading is a magical journey where words come alive and open up vibrant new worlds. With each turn of the page, letters and sounds dance together, creating a symphony of meaning that captures our imagination. As we unlock the secrets of reading, stories unfold like blossoming flowers, transporting us to places we’ve never been and allowing us to walk in the shoes of remarkable characters. With reading, our minds take flight, weaving a tapestry of knowledge, empathy, and boundless creativity that brings joy and fulfillment to our lives.
Writers Workshop: In the writer’s workshop, students embrace their identity as writers and come together to nurture their creativity and master the craft of storytelling. Through engaging activities and writing exercises, they have the opportunity to craft their own narratives, develop captivating characters, and give life to their imaginations. With the guidance of their teacher and the support of their peers, they blossom as writers, gaining confidence in expressing their unique ideas and honing their writing skills to communicate effectively and engage readers with their words.
Spelling & Vocabulary:
Spelling and vocabulary are fundamental components of language proficiency, as they contribute to effective communication and comprehension, allowing students to express themselves accurately and understand the meaning and nuances of words with precision and clarity. By developing strong spelling and vocabulary skills, students can enhance their reading and writing abilities, expand their knowledge and understanding of the world, and effectively convey their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in various contexts.
Cursive & Penmanship: Cursive is a valuable skill that promotes fine motor skills development and enhances students’ ability to read and write more efficiently in a connected and expressive manner.
penmanship fosters clear communication, attention to detail, and instills a sense of pride and professionalism in students’ written work.
Visual Approach to Mathematics: The visual approach to math harnesses the power of images, diagrams, and models to enhance understanding and problem-solving. By using visual representations, students can see and manipulate mathematical concepts, making them more accessible and engaging. This approach promotes deeper comprehension, critical thinking, and creativity, while fostering communication and collaboration.
Science: Our science curriculum incorporates hands-on experiments that allow students to actively explore and discover scientific concepts, promoting a deeper understanding and enthusiasm for the subject. By integrating art into science lessons, students can further enhance their creativity and critical thinking skills, as they visualize and represent scientific phenomena through artistic expressions, making the learning process more immersive and multidimensional.
Social studies: Social Studies comes alive as students embark on a captivating journey through history, culture, and society, immersing themselves in interactive learning experiences that bring the past and present to life. Through engaging storytelling, historical reenactments, and hands-on activities, students develop a profound understanding of diverse civilizations, their contributions, and the interconnectedness of our world, fostering a sense of empathy, global awareness, and active citizenship.
Class starts August 2024
School Hours:
Monday- Friday
K-5th Grade: 8:30am- 2:30pm