• Early Childhood
• Kindergarten
• Intermediate
• Upper
• Special subjects

The Primary Program approaches academics in a variety of creative and stimulating ways in order to develop in children the ability to think independently and solve problems creatively.  Independent tasks in problem-solving, discovery and practice, as well as cooperative work in class discussions, group activities and learning centers meet the needs of students with varied learning styles.  Reading is the foundation of all academic areas, and therefore is stressed throughout the students’ daily classroom routines, including its integration into language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and specials classes.

Language Arts

Reading and writing are rooted in language.  Language development is the essence of the reading process.  As children go through the Nursery, PreKindergarten and Kindergarten classes, the use of language is the basis of the program.  In the Primary grades, students begin using their knowledge of letter sound relationships and context to decode the printed word.  As the process of decoding becomes automatic, children are able to concentrate more on meaning.  The emphasis then becomes the reading of both fiction and nonfiction.  Children begin to appreciate a variety of literature.  They find humorous stories enjoyable; they begin to read about other people, and become more interested in the world around them.  Reading and writing are related processes that are mutually supportive.  In the first and second grades, there is a continued emphasis on self expression.  Children develop an understanding of the complexity of sentence structure, the use of more exciting vocabulary words as well as correct use of punctuation and conventional spelling.

Mathematics

Students develop an understanding of whole numbers while learning to use a variety of strategies to add, subtract and problem solve.  They also learn the basics of fractions, money, and time.  Much of the arithmetical work is done through hands-on explorations with manipulatives.  Students learn to express mathematical thinking verbally and in written form.

Science

The Primary Program begins to develop science skills that will carry through the six grades of elementary school at Westbury Friends School.  Using the scientific process that is standard in the scientific fields, they measure, classify and question. From these investigations they learn to hypothesize and predict.  By testing, observing, and collecting data, they learn to interpret and compare/contrast that data in order to draw a conclusion.  In so doing, they apply concepts, principles and theories to the environment around them, as they interact with the natural systems that guide life on earth.  Learning is conducted through the children’s awareness of their senses, how they receive information about conditions around them, and through critical questioning about their observations.

Social Studies

In 1st grade, children focus on family genealogy and their relationship to generational connections in time and place.  They learn the concept of location, both locally and nationally, while studying about the land, water, and mountains of the North American Continent.  In celebrating America, its holidays and celebrations, students develop cultural awareness of being an American. The Primary social studies courses stress problem-solving and conflict resolution. 

The 2nd grade children study themes of community within the context of people, places, and holidays from our past and present.  The students pay particular attention to geography: land forms; continents, countries, and states; direction and location; characteristics of a map and globe.  Basic concepts presented in first grade are expanded upon at this level.

Visit first grade and second grade!