Grades K-8
	Opening in fall 2012 with K-2nd grade; additional grades to be added each subsequent year
	10:1 student/teacher ratio
	Extended care available

 

ACADEMIC APPROACH

We seek to challenge students with a rich and rigorous curriculum relevant to the group and responsive to individual strengths and abilities.

		Learning through direct experience and hands-on exploration that taps into natural curiosity
		Working cooperatively with peers to communicate, negotiate and problem solve
		Taking risks in a challenging, supportive environment
		Engaging with the broader community through service learning projects

Students will acquire the essential skills of reading, writing, mathematics, effective communication and problem solving, and will use technology in support of this learning. They will tap into their creative potential through the arts and find joy in play and movement. Students will develop good study habits based on an understanding of their own learning styles.

Learning Through Interaction

PKS understands that different children have different styles of learning and interacting. Our teachers encourage students to explore their individual interests and to think independently and critically, while also collaborating in teams. The curriculum uses a topic-based approach, combining individual and group projects to give children the opportunity to better understand themselves and their thoughts.

Meaningful Language Immersion

Unlike traditional Mandarin-immersion models, the PKS program instills a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich philosophy and history behind the Chinese language. By exploring the evolution of Chinese characters and understanding Chinese stories and legends, children learn language in the context of its culture, enabling them to communicate even more effectively. From kindergarten to second grade, all subjects except English language arts are taught in Mandarin. Beginning in the third grade, history, social studies and science classes will be taught in English.

Holistic Student Wellness Services

Learning specialists and school counselors support the development of academic, social, emotional and behavioral skills. The team will identify the needs of each classroom and child, and provide a wide range of services from one-on-one support to small group programs.