Elementary School
The elementary curriculum provides young learners with a carefully planned, sequential course of study including reading and language arts, mathematics, English, science, social studies, computer applications, art, music, physical education, and Spanish (beginning in 3rd grade). Throughout the elementary curriculum, study skills such as organization and planning, listening, and note-taking are developed in relation to each discipline and learning activity in developmentally appropriate ways. The school believes in the benefits of project-based and interdisciplinary learning, and weaves these dynamics into the overall curriculum. In addition, access to rich technological resources provokes and inspires many different forms of teaching and learning, while instilling necessary skills and confidence. The ultimate goal is the acquisition and development of abilities that can be applied to real life situations.
Enhancing the strong core curriculum are numerous enrichment programs and activities from advanced teaching materials to special lessons and projects designed by teachers for the whole group and for individual children. In addition, independent reading programs at each grade level encourage children to stretch themselves in their reading selections and to explore areas of interest that complement the elementary curriculum.
Each grade level has two sections of approximately 23-25 students. Students are grouped heterogeneously, or in flexible groups except in reading. Small group reading instruction is part of the daily curriculum in Grades 1-4. Special programs in visual and performing arts, science, and computer labs complement the core academic curriculum. Students also meet regularly for physical education classes and visit the library bi-weekly. Experiential education trips begin with the 4th grade trip to Sacramento and Coloma Gold Country, followed by the 5th grade trip to AstroCamp, and the 6th grade to Malibu for a retreat and nature studies. Chapels, assemblies, curriculum-related field trips, a Science Fair, and the Young Authors’ writing experience are some of the programs that enrich children’s experience in the elementary school.
Working, listening, sharing, and playing together are important activities in the primary grades (K-3), resulting in readiness and enthusiasm for learning. The curriculum in the upper primary grades reinforces and builds on basic skills and provides opportunities to develop both independent study habits and cooperative learning skills. The intermediate grades (4-6) require more rigorous study, and students learn to accept greater responsibility for their learning. Art and music are integrated into the core curriculum for intermediate grades. A student generated classroom production is intended to support and reinforce the curricular concepts learned during the school year. Beginning in the 4th grade, a human development curriculum provides information and a forum for age-appropriate discussion of issues relating to all types of interpersonal relationships and to human sexuality.
Elementary students participate in curriculum-related field trips which take them to museums and special programs in the Los Angeles area: they may hatch grunion at the Marine Museum, experience Los Angeles’ Spanish heritage at Mission San Juan Capistrano, or view the works of masters at the Norton Simon Museum.
Student Council initiates experience in self-government beginning in the 4th grade, with 5th and 6th grade students in leadership roles. The Student Council provides opportunities for students to develop leadership and communication skills, to personally invest themselves in programs in the elementary school, and to feel invested in their school community. Community outreach is an additional purpose for Council activities.
Campbell Hall utilizes the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) standardized testing program specifically designed for independent schools with similar academic programs. The ERB is given every year in grades 3-6. The school reports test results to parents and uses them to identify areas of strength and weakness, both for the group and for the individual student, as well as for the evaluation of curriculum.
