Lower & Middle School

The reading program at Park Century School is a dynamic process facilitated by intervention specialists. Evidence-based programs, observations, and assessments guide individual student programming. Instruction is determined by a student’s strengths, challenges, and an understanding of their learning styles. This is especially important when teaching students with learning differences. A particular method does not work for all students, may only work for a given period, or may work better in conjunction with another approach. For this reason, Park Century’s reading specialists do not use any one program; instead, they are familiar with and have been trained in various evidence-based approaches and structured literacy programs to adapt and adjust a student’s instruction. The learning model is responsive. Students work in small groups according to their individual learning needs and abilities. The structured literacy reading program contains many components, including decoding, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, and literature analysis. Throughout the program, there is an ongoing collaboration between the reading specialists and other professionals in the school, including
content area teachers and therapists.

Students begin their math program through hands-on experiential learning. They manipulate physical objects when counting, sorting, and graphing while simultaneously referring to pictorial representations and using mathematical symbols. Students continually focus on developing number sense, critical thinking, and problem-solving strategies. Students attain a foundational knowledge of numeracy, geometry, operations, and algebraic skills.

Park Century’s writing program aims to teach students the process of writing. It starts with sentence structure and ends with multiple-paragraph essays. The main components of the writing program are journal assignments, whole-group writing instruction, conferencing, and content-ased writing. Each year students are assessed individually and receive targeted writing instruction based on their strengths and areas of need.

Park Century School uses a student- centered approach to teach the social studies curriculum. Teachers support the
ongoing development of study skills and critical thinking. Students participate in hands-on, experiential, and research- oriented activities, research projects, active listening, and oral presentations.The curriculum aims to develop students into informed, creative thinkers in our growing society.

The science program at Park Century School guides students’ natural curiosity about the world toward scientific thinking lifelong observation, and inquiry skills.Through hands-on exploration and utilizing the latest technology, students broaden their understanding of scientific phenomena in a safe and fun space.

Park Century School incorporates group and individual activities into the physical education program. There is an emphasis on sportsmanship, cooperation, and being a team player. Students participate in P.E. every day. P.E. teachers strive to provide an exciting environment that incorporates different elements of age-appropriate physical activity and instruction to help develop a commitment to life-long health. Rather than being competitive, Park Century School’s physical education program focuses on developing each student’s self-confidence by improving
their coordination, spatial awareness, and understanding of rules and strategies.Most importantly, the students are
provided with an opportunity to participate in sports in a safe, consistent, and supportive environment.

Park Century School is a vital and dynamic part of every student’s educational experience. Through this program,
students are empowered to explore their creativity and develop as artists, performers, designers, and creators. Our
robust fine arts offerings include music and art classes that emphasize essential skills and activities that connect to curricular learning. In the Innovation Lab, students use a wide range of technology tools and software to design, build, and express their ideas in innovative ways. Together, these experiences nurture imagination, problem-solving, and creative confidence – core components of a well-rounded Park Century education.