Programs
Empowering Young Learners
Our Elementary School Program is designed to support the whole child, providing a nurturing environment where students can explore their passions, build relationships, and develop a love of learning. With a focus on art, play, and project-based learning, our curriculum is designed to spark creativity, curiosity, and imagination.
About Our Elementary Program
Daily Schedule
Here's a day in the life of our young learners:
Morning Circle (9:30-10am):
Our day begins with a morning circle where students and teachers come together to set intentions for the day, share stories, and engage in craft activities. This time is an opportunity for students to build community and develop social-emotional skills.
Morning Academic Block (10-11:30am):
During the morning academic block, our younger learners dive into a world of discovery and fun, where foundational academic skills are nurtured through creativity and play. This engaging period includes a delightful mix of games, crafts, and discussions, all thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and interests of each child.
Lunch & Recess (11:30-12:30):
Students have an hour for lunch and socializing. Lighthouse Prep emphasizes the importance of healthy eating habits, so students are encouraged to bring nutritious meals from home, and to compost any food waste leftover (e.g. orange peels).During recess, students have the opportunity to engage in unstructured play activities that promote creativity, imagination, and social skills. Our teachers facilitate this time by providing a safe and supportive environment for students to explore and learn.
Afternoon Academic Block (12:30-3:30):
In the afternoon academic block, our elementary students continue their journey of learning and exploration. This time is filled with activities that further deepen their understanding of key concepts in a playful and engaging manner. From interactive storytelling sessions to hands-on science experiments, and creative art projects, each activity is designed to captivate their young minds and foster a love for learning.
Prepare for Dismissal (3:30-4):
Students help clean up the classroom and prepare for the next day before being dismissed, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork. This daily routine not only instills a respect for their learning environment but also encourages organizational skills and a shared sense of community among peers. As they tidy up and set up for the coming day, students reflect on their day's learning and look forward to new opportunities and discoveries tomorrow.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is designed to provide a well-rounded and challenging educational experience for our students, while also fostering a love for learning and exploration. We align with the Common Core standards to ensure that our students are receiving a rigorous and comprehensive education.
Our curriculum includes:
Math
We use a unique approach to teaching math through stories with the Life of Fred curriculum. By exploring math concepts through narrative, students develop a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and their real-world applications.
English Language Arts
Our ELA curriculum includes phonics-based reading instruction with Explode the Code, independent choice reading with book reports, and regular storytime at our local bookstore. We believe that developing strong reading and writing skills is fundamental to success in all areas of education.
Science
Our science curriculum is designed to be hands-on and engaging, with nature studies at the park, science unit studies and experiments, classroom gardens, and trips to places like the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, the Atlanta Zoo, and the Georgia Aquarium. We believe that by fostering a love for science and exploration, we can help students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Social Studies
We integrate a social justice, antiracist component to our curriculum, which includes discussions and activities around equity, inclusion, and systemic racism. We believe it is important to help our students become aware of social issues and develop empathy and understanding for those from different backgrounds.
Chess, Coding, and Minecraft
In addition to our core curriculum, we offer chess and coding instruction, as well as a virtual Minecraft club, to help our students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
We believe that education is more than just memorization and rote learning. We emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and exploration to help our students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. Through small class sizes and individualized attention, we strive to help every student reach their full potential.