Academics
Rigor, in a room small enough to notice.
Equity follows a U.S. college-preparatory curriculum taught in English, emphasizing reading, writing, mathematics and critical thinking — delivered in classes that average twelve students.
How the school is organized
Two schools, one department, and an orchestra.
Elementary School · Pre-K–6
Teaches students to speak, read and write in English, builds the mathematical foundation for Upper School coursework, and introduces Spanish, art and orchestra. Led by its own principal.
Upper School · Grades 7–12
A standard U.S. course sequence — the equivalent of middle and high school — designed to prepare students to succeed academically at university. Led by its own principal.
Language Department
Teaches Spanish and French, English as a Foreign Language (EFL), Reading Reinforcement and art, across both schools. Prepares Upper School students for the TOEFL.
Pedagogical focus
Structured early, open-ended as students mature.
In pre-primary and early primary years, knowledge and skills are broken into systematic, hierarchical steps small enough for every child to master, with clear direction, frequent assessment and positive reinforcement from teachers who enjoy the work. Immediate feedback is the point — and it is only possible in small classrooms with a low student-to-teacher ratio.
From fourth grade, constructivist elements are introduced systematically: open-ended questions and creative projects that challenge prior knowledge and reward original thought. From seventh through twelfth grade, debate, authentic real-world discussion and creative projects run through every subject area.
Throughout, direct teaching addresses auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners equally, using high-quality textbooks and current technology. A written honor code, discussed often and modeled by staff, is treated as inseparable from the academic content.
Orchestra
Music every day, from the first grade on.
Every Equity student takes orchestra. Children begin on the violin in first grade and may move to other instruments from fourth grade. Reading and interpreting notation, rehearsing as a section and performing as an ensemble build discipline, teamwork and creativity that carry into every other subject.
The school orchestra prepares two concerts a year — Music in the Air in December and the Spring Program in late April.
Academic support
Flexible plans for students who need them.
Small classes make it possible to adapt. Equity has long integrated students with a range of learning needs, while being clear that it is not a special-education school.
English as a Foreign Language
Offered in both schools for students still developing English. Pre-K through first grade classes routinely mix children of varying English ability.
Reading Reinforcement
Small-group support for Elementary students who need help mastering reading and writing in English.
Auxiliary Math
A specialized Upper School math section with very small class sizes, offering one-on-one help for students who struggle in mathematics.
TOEFL preparation
Upper School coursework that prepares students for the Test of English as a Foreign Language required by many U.S. universities.
Measures of success
How Equity checks its own work.
- Elementary–Grade 10
- Tested and comparatively evaluated each year through a U.S. national standardized exam.
- Grades 11–12
- Juniors and seniors sit both the SAT and the ACT; TOEFL preparation is available.
- Graduation
- Every senior is required to apply to at least three universities and be accepted to at least one before graduating.
- Honors
- No AP courses are offered; coursework is pitched at honors level, with three designated Honors courses in the Upper School.
Come experience Equity.
The best way to understand a small school is to walk through it. We would be glad to show you around — before or after you apply.