Harbor's small classes provide a secure, nurturing learning environment for our youngest students, beginning with our toddler program that starts at age 2. Our state-certified teachers, along with their teaching assistants, provide a hands-on, multi-sensory approach to instruction using learning centers, children's literature, music and movement. Age-appropriate skills, and concepts in literacy, mathematics, science and social studies, are presented in the context of a variety of thematic units, designed to inspire and engage the students physically, mentally and socially. The Early Childhood program is based on responsive teaching that allows each child to develop at his or her own pace, cultivate individual interests and curiosity and develop independence and self-confidence in the context of a welcoming and supportive community of classmates and teachers.
Afternoon Enrichment Program
Afternoon Enrichment for morning Pre-K students, and for Kindergarten students who currently attend a half -day Kindergarten program, enhances and extends learning opportunities presented in the regular classroom setting. Afternoon Enrichment takes place daily, or on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons, from 12:30 to 3:00 pm with a lunch program available. The program features creative activities that reinforce skills and concepts presented during the morning academic program. Connie Gillies from Constant Wonder brings her musical talents and creative experience to the Harbor campus, integrating science and mathematics with music and literacy in a manner that is truly unique. Mrs. Gillies works collaboratively with the Pre-K and Kindergarten teachers offering our young students unique enrichment experiences in science, literature, mathematics, social studies, as well as physical education, music, studio art, computer technology, and Spanish. Mrs. Gillies also teaches a Kindergarten Enrichment Program to all Harbor Kindergarten students three days a week.
Lower School - Grade 1-4
Students in Grades One through Four develop the skills that are essential for academic and personal success - problem solving, critical thinking and effective communication. Language arts instruction focuses on making the transition from learning to read to reading to learn, while mathematics centers around the development of strong reasoning skills and building a foundation of important math concepts. In addition to reading, writing, and mathematics, the students cover grade-level courses in science and social studies and have regularly scheduled courses in foreign language that have already begun in Pre-Kindergarten. Vocal and instrumental music, studio art, technology, physical education and library complete the course of study. Field trips throughout the year complement the curriculum. Passionate teachers develop classroom learning communities based upon respect for individuals that foster an environment wherein students can exceed their perceived abilities because they are willing to take risks. This sense of community, coupled with the high quality resources and technology available in each classroom, fuels the Harbor student's innate love of discovery and learning and propels them toward our goal of developing lifelong learners.
Upper School - Grades 5-8
The challenging curriculum for Grades Five through Eight is built upon the academic foundation provided by the lower school program. Talented teachers nurture intellectual curiosity as they guide students to academic success. In addition to the core subjects of English, math, science and social studies, all students study either French or Spanish. Vocal and instrumental music, studio art, technology, physical education and library complete the course of study. Personal responsibility, stewardship and leadership are encouraged through involvement in student council, community service projects, National Junior Honor Society, National Junior Art Honor Society, interscholastic athletics as well as musical and theater productions. Day and overnight field trips complement the integrated curriculum and promote camaraderie among students. An emphasis on higher level thinking skills, such as questioning, analysis and synthesis provides the basis of an excellent academic preparation, while a community of caring and respectful teachers and classmates produce graduates who are open to a diversity of people and ideas.
