Elementary
Pre-K through Grade 6
The Elementary School teaches students to speak, read and write in English, builds the mathematical foundation for Upper School coursework, and introduces Spanish, art and orchestra — with every child known by name.
The curriculum
What the early years are built on.
English language
Vocabulary, reading and writing in English from the first day — with English as a Foreign Language support for children who arrive with little English. Pre-K through first grade classes routinely mix children of varying English ability.
Mathematics
A deliberate foundation for middle- and high-school mathematics, taught in small, hierarchical steps with immediate feedback.
Spanish introduction
Non-Spanish speakers are introduced to the language of the country they live in; Spanish speakers continue to develop it.
Orchestra
Every child begins on the violin in first grade and may switch to another instrument from fourth grade. Music is part of every school day.
Art
Taught by the Language Department faculty as part of the weekly rotation, alongside physical education and computers.
After-school program
An established, year-long after-school activities program for grades one through six, with a wide range of topics for students to choose from.
How children learn here
Small steps, clear direction, immediate feedback.
In the pre-primary and early primary years, Equity breaks knowledge and skills into steps small enough for each child to master, gives clear directions as many times as needed, and relies on positive reinforcement from teachers who like being part of the learning. Assessment is frequent, so progress is visible and shared with families.
As early as fourth grade, open-ended questions and creative projects are introduced — the beginning of the critical-thinking work that defines the Upper School.
Practical details
Age, size and schedule.
- Grades
- Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 6, one class per grade.
- Class size
- An average of twelve students; never more than sixteen.
- Entry age
- Pre-K students should be four by August 1; Kindergarten five; first grade six.
- School day
- Pre-K and Kindergarten 7:45 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Grades 1–6 7:45 a.m.–2:30 p.m., with the after-school activities program on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:30 p.m.
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.