Academics

The Lower School curriculum provides a rich environment that teaches basic skills and draws a young child out. The greatest emphasis is placed on reading, writing and mathematics, surrounded by a broad experiential program. A description of the curriculum is available through the Admissions Office.

Focus on Basics

Academic basics are the footing upon which an education is built and it is our primary focus in Lower School. Rather than getting caught up in the "latest and greatest" trend for teaching the basics, we have held on to time-tested methods. No "whole language" or "whole math"––reading and math are not guessing games. The Heron Basics™ Programs bring students at Delphi to a high level of competence in the fundamentals of reading and math as well as writing and spelling. With the basics firmly under their belts, students are able to tackle the rest of their education with greater confidence.

Curriculum

Beyond the focus on competence in the basics, we introduce students to a wide variety of academic subjects. Designed with an integrated approach, the Lower School curriculum includes courses in geography, history, science, music, art, poetry, foreign language (Spanish), and even communication skills. In addition, our teaching methods engage students in creative activities which encourage the exploration of their surroundings and help them relate what they learn to real life.

Learning How to Learn

A unique aspect of the Delphi program is that all students develop excellent study habits. They literally learn how to learn. These are not study tricks or memory tricks. They have to do with really understanding and using what is studied. From the very beginning of their Delphi educations, students become alert to the various signs of learning barriers and gradually gain the ability to overcome them––at first with teacher assistance and then increasingly independently.

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