Elementary School (K - Grade 4)

Mathematics

At The Cooper School, our approach to math education is designed to nurture both procedural and conceptual understanding. In the early grades, we provide a diverse range of instructional methods, including whole group, small group, and individual instruction, to foster strong mathematical thinking in our young learners.

Math concepts are seamlessly integrated into real-world contexts and introduced using concrete objects, enabling students to cultivate robust number sense and problem-solving skills. Our students begin to articulate their mathematical thoughts effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Our teachers serve as guides, pairing robust direct instruction with hands-on exploration of math materials and engaging mathematical games. In our math curriculum, we prioritize depth over breadth, placing emphasis on understanding the fundamental concepts rather than memorization of equations and procedures.

This approach not only ensures a deeper grasp of mathematics but also equips our students with the foundation they need to excel in more advanced math courses.

Language Arts

Our elementary reading program is a dynamic journey that intertwines reading and writing, setting the stage for a lifelong love of literacy.

In this program, our youngest students learn to decode using structured literacy practices including phonics, as they begin to comprehend, compare and contrast a variety of texts, from fiction to non-fiction and poetry. Small group reading enhances learning strategies and genre studies, while partner and individual reading time allows for personalized instruction.

As students progress to the upper elementary grades, they work in self-selected reading groups, participate in book clubs, and delve into complex novels. They explore figurative language, author’s purpose, point of view, tone, mood, and make connections across themes in informational texts. Our teachers continually assess language competency, ensuring the work is challenging and that students make progress.

By the end of their elementary years, students emerge as confident, capable readers and skilled discussants, equipped with a rich reading life and the ability to support their ideas with text evidence.

Science

At The Cooper School, we empower our students to dive into the captivating world of science, guided by the exploration of the four disciplinary core ideas: life sciences, earth sciences, physical sciences, and the scientific process and applications.

​​Incorporating technology, engineering, and art, our science curriculum offers an enriching and multifaceted experience at every grade level. In the elementary years, students embark on an exciting journey of scientific discovery. They encounter scientific patterns, such as cycles, and eagerly seek answers to questions that pique their curiosity about the world around them.

Our young scientists explore a diverse range of topics, including mammals, fish, reptiles, insects, weather, trees, seeds, biomes, solids and liquids, magnetism and electricity, astronomy, and the water cycle. Throughout this journey, they engage in a dynamic process that involves investigation, questioning, reasoning, prediction, discovery, and problem-solving.

Incorporating an engineering strand into our science curriculum further empowers our students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges, fostering creativity, innovation, and the ability to engineer solutions to complex problems.

Social Studies

At The Cooper School, our Social Studies program is a comprehensive journey that places the world directly in the hands of our students, encouraging them to explore and understand the world through the lenses of social justice and place-based learning.

Through the examination of artifacts, maps, models, and the rich tapestry of world cultures, our students gain a profound appreciation for the intricate interplay between humans and their biological, physical, economic, and social environments.

At every grade level, our curriculum encompasses the study of geography and world cultures, with a strong emphasis on social justice and the importance of understanding one’s place in the world. In the early elementary years, students embark on a captivating exploration of community and culture. They learn to position themselves in both time and space, exploring the interactions between people and their natural environments.As students progress into grades three and four, our themes become more history-focused. Whether in second grade, where they investigate the intricate relationship between people and place, or in fourth grade, where they engage in a comprehensive analysis of the American Revolution, students are encouraged to view these subjects through the prism of social justice and the impact of their geographical surroundings.

Social Studies often serves as the discipline where projects are sparked, allowing students to dive deeper into their interests. This approach equips them with the skills to conduct research, engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences, and effect positive change in their communities. Our Social Studies program offers students the opportunity to not only understand the world but to actively engage with it, advocate for social justice, and create positive change.

Social and Emotional Learning

At The Cooper School, our steadfast commitment to nurturing the whole child extends to our profound dedication to Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). We understand that learning is inherently a social and interactive endeavor, involving collaboration with teachers, peers, and family. These social and emotional skills not only serve as a foundation for academic success but also as a cornerstone of character development that our students carry with them throughout their lives.

In our caring and inclusive community, we recognize that SEL involves not only direct instruction, but also the scaffolding of essential processes that empower children to acquire crucial life skills, all built upon in our culture of kindness. Through our SEL program, we guide students in understanding and regulating their emotions, achieving goals, forming meaningful relationships, managing conflicts effectively, and making responsible decisions.

We also provide comprehensive guidance in conflict resolution, using tools like the Peace Wheel, which empowers children to independently address social conflicts. They learn to initiate mediation, articulate their wants and needs, develop active listening skills, collaborate on solutions, and move forward with peaceful resolutions. Our school culture, deeply rooted in kindness and empathy, reinforces these skills and ensures they go hand in hand with our students as they navigate their academic and personal journeys, here and beyond.

World Language

At The Cooper School, we introduce our elementary students to the beauty of the Spanish language and the rich tapestry of Spanish-speaking cultures. Our Spanish language program provides an engaging and immersive experience.

In the early grades, students are introduced to conversational Spanish through activities such as songs, dramatic role-play, and simple texts. These interactive approaches create a vibrant learning environment and enable students to develop a strong foundation in the language.

In addition to language acquisition, students also delve into the fascinating world of Spanish-speaking cultures. They explore cultural practices and traditions from countries where Spanish is spoken, fostering a deep appreciation for diversity.

As students progress into the upper grades, they continue to build their language skills by reading, writing, and engaging in conversations.

Visual and Dramatic Arts

Our arts curriculum, spanning Kindergarten through grade 4, encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic mediums, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and design. Through both two- and three-dimensional projects, children are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, ideas, and understanding of the world around them. This artistic approach not only nurtures the development of independence, choice, and collaboration but also instills what we refer to as the “Studio Habits of Mind.” Students learn how to keenly observe, hone their craft, envision new possibilities, express themselves fully, embrace exploration, exhibit persistence, reflect on their work, and gain a profound understanding of art from cultures around the world. Our art lessons often align with the themes and subjects students are studying in their academic classes, creating a dynamic synergy between art and other areas of learning.

Within the classroom, dramatic arts serve as a creative bridge across various subjects, as students choreograph mini dramas that intertwine with science, social studies, and literature.

Moreover, elementary students have the privilege of participating in an intensive drama program in collaboration with Charleston Stage, enriching their artistic experiences. It is through this rich tapestry of creative learning that our young artists flourish and grow.

Music

At The Cooper School, we take pride in our holistic approach to music education, encompassing a range of fundamental concepts that enrich the musical journey of our students. For our budding musicians in grades 1 through 4, we celebrate the joy of singing in unison, harmony, and rhythm, instilling a deep love for music that transcends the individual and creates a sense of togetherness. This ethos extends to our vibrant choir, where students come together to discover the beauty of choral singing, experiencing the magic of voices blending in harmony.

Our music curriculum offers a diverse range of instruments, including the voice, percussion, ukulele, and recorder to nurture individual musical abilities. This comprehensive approach not only equips our students with musical skills but also instills a deep sense of confidence in their own musical prowess. Through these collective experiences, our students learn the value of collaboration and sharing music with friends. The outcomes are not only musically confident students but also a vibrant school culture where everyone takes delight in coming together in the spirit of music.

Physical Education

At The Cooper School, we are dedicated to nurturing sportsmanship, leadership, and fostering a positive attitude toward fitness. Our physical education program seamlessly weaves together these aspects with competitive sports training and psychomotor skill development.

Students engage in movement classes, both yoga and PE each week, that encompass balance, strength, and skill development, enabling them to expand their physical competence. Each grade also embarks on an off-campus gym experience project each year, including rock climbing challenges, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding lessons. Additionally, our students enjoy outdoor free play three times daily, further enhancing their physical abilities and fostering a love for active play.