ART: PRE-K - 8TH GRADE
The Art program at TCS moves beyond the traditional Art curriculum. It encompasses all the aspects of a TCS education: meeting children where they are, thinking in innovative ways, sparking creativity, and making sure that each child who enters the Art studio sees themselves represented in what they learn. Students not only develop skills and practice various Fine Art techniques (from drawing to painting, printmaking, and ceramics), but they continuously learn about a diverse set of Artists from around the world. From Derrick Adams to Takashi Murakami, Esther Mahlangu to Georgia O’Keeffe, students are introduced to the creative processes of these Artists, along with their lives, successes, struggles, and legacy. The Art Studio at The Country School is a creative space designed to encourage every student to build confidence in their ability to create. Our philosophy is that there is an Artist in all of us and we are here to express ourselves through our Art!

ETHNIC STUDIES: MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ethnic Studies at TCS centers stories and experiences of people of color, and authentic history that is factual, relevant and honest about hard topics, while not forgetting tales of joy and solidarity. Facing some of the most pressing issues in the United States today, students use historical and critical thinking skills to figure out how we got to where we are, and where we go next. In this class we begin creating a safe and brave class community in which we can learn about, think about, talk about, and even disagree about these important topics with an open mind, empathy, and respect. With a focus on social justice and youth empowerment, students develop their skills, deepen their knowledge, build confidence and strengthen connections.

MUSIC: PRESCHOOL - 8TH GRADE
Preschool-5th Grade Music
Students learn about vocal techniques, music theory, music history, and ear training. The program focuses on vocal development, along with diction and clarity of speech. Students learn about composers from Renaissance to Rock & Roll and see how their music influenced what we listen to today. All levels of skills and abilities are welcomed in the music classroom because each student’s voice is essential to the ensemble. The goal is to help them grow and learn together to find a deep appreciation for the music around them.

Middle School Music
The core music program in Middle School is Violin ensemble, but it isn’t your traditional violin class. Violin is the method by which students learn ensemble skills, musicality, reading music, and so much more. It’s a stepping stone that opens the door to the magic of playing music with others. During rehearsal, students play out of a method book, learn scales and rounds, and come up with harmony parts and counter melodies to play along with contemporary songs. In doing this, they explore other ways of learning music (by ear, call and response, improvising) and strengthen their overall musical abilities.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION: PRESCHOOL - 8TH GRADE
The P.E. and sports program at TCS is centered around fostering a love for fitness and being active. Activities are introduced that develop balance and coordination while teaching basic skills such as kicking, throwing, and jumping. As students move into upper elementary and middle school, they are eligible to join after school sports teams which offers an opportunity to learn a specific sport and how to be a part of a team. Elementary aged students will most often play on a 4th/5th grade team, and Middle School students play on a 6th-8th grade team.

Playing a team sport is an excellent opportunity to use the skills developed in their Physical Education class in an inclusive competitive environment, as well as develop team building, sportsmanship, and interpersonal skills. Students of all ability levels play on a team together, putting students in a position to share and develop their skills from where they are in their athletic journey.

SPANISH: PRE-K - 8TH GRADE
The Country School’s Spanish language program is offered in grades Pre-K through 8. The overall objective of the course (per grade level) is for each child to be able to read, write, speak, and understand Spanish; both in the classroom and in context through real-world application. Students will simultaneously learn about the vast amount of Spanish speaking countries there are throughout the world. Students’ will learn the language through read-alouds, videos, music, projects, games, activities, and academic texts. As Spanish is a phonetic language, we will initially be focusing on the pronunciation of letters and how they form the words students will hear, speak, and read to set them up for success.

TECHNOLOGY: KINDER - 8TH GRADE
In the Technology Classroom, students in 1st through 8th grade gain facility with unique tools and refine new skills in order to leave a powerful, positive digital footprint. Students will gain confidence and competency using cutting edge technologies to express themselves and augment their life experience, which includes typing, coding, STEM challenges, maker projects, 3D modeling, stop-motion films, graphic design, web design, interior design, and even Minecraft!

ELECTIVE AND ENRICHMENT CLASSES: 3RD - 8TH GRADE
3rd-5th Grade students have the opportunity to take an elective class like drama, choir, beginning violin, yoga, stop motion animation, and baseball (with new offerings each term).

In addition to their academic and specialist classes, Middle School students get to sign up for an enrichment class each term. Class offerings include: vocal ensemble, rock band, chess, silk screening, stop-motion animation, theatre, sports, and more!