With a balanced approach to literacy, students participate in:

• Direct reading instruction
• Independent reading
• Guided Reading Groups
• Shared Reading and Read Alouds
• Phonics
• Writing 

As students move from learning to read to reading to learn, students are exposed to a wide array of genres, authors, stories, and experiences that provide windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for them to understand different perspectives, see into worlds that are new or unfamiliar and also see themselves reflected in what they read. Students examine primary and secondary documents, historical and modern texts and literature, learn media literacy skills, and develop critical thinking skills that help them analyze complex topics and come to their own conclusions, underpinned by reason and evidence. 
Students have daily opportunities to write in multiple genres and for different purposes. From small moment stories, journaling, and poetry to persuasive letters, journalism, and argumentative essays, students develop a sense of voice and agency, recognizing the power of their words. 

Through Social Studies in the younger years and Humanities in Middle School, we use an interdisciplinary approach. We focus on quality over quantity, studying topics deeply, and using authentic texts with a strong focus on understanding perspectives and developing a love for literature and historical study. Students develop an appreciation for how the past affects the present, bringing relevance and meaning to their learning of both historical and current events. 
 

In Science, we focus on the scientific method, including experimental design, making hypotheses, evaluating data, and drawing conclusions based on the scientific evidence. Students have hands-on experiences designing experiments and explore physical science, Earth science, and life science each year. 

In Math, we use the Singapore Math curriculum, which focuses on deep conceptual development and rigorous internalization of concepts through the model of concrete, pictorial, and abstract thinking.

We believe that students experience academic and social success by developing skills that promote their social and emotional well-being. Development of social and emotional skills is interwoven throughout the day and curriculum and is also explicitly taught through our Social Emotional Curriculum from PreK 3-8th grade. Our school counselors work collaboratively with teachers to co-plan and deliver lessons that support students’ growth and positive identity development. 
 

Music classes help foster a deep love of music and involve movement encouraging listening and motion to support emotional growth. In 4th grade, students begin recorder instruction as an additional music class. In 5th grade,, students select from choices of a wind, brass, or string instrument. Students participate in individual and group lessons. 
In 7th and 8th grade, students also have the opportunity to participate in Choir.

Whether creating a film for Mandarin class, playing Cello in the Orchestral Spring Concert, or participating in the 3rd and 4th Grade  Musical, students have large and small opportunities  to get involved in the Performing Arts, from talent shows, theatre electives, and musical productions, to band/orchestra and choir concerts.

In their dedicated Art Classes, students are introduced to painting, drawing, sculpting, woodworking, ceramics, fiber arts, collage, tech/digital art and STEAM integration. Students also complete art projects that connect with the subject matter students are learning about in the classroom. Art History and Modern Art is also introduced in classroom  studies and trips to museums.

Technology is integral to all learning at Stevens; skills are integrated throughout the curriculum. Technology teachers collaborate closely with the classroom teachers to design the program. Philosophically we want students to be creators,not consumers, and to use technology to support their work, solve problems, and enhance their lives. 

Digital Citizenship is taught in every grade, and the school sets standards to ensure that all electronic resources are used appropriately and responsibly. 

In the younger classrooms, technology is slowly and carefully integrated into the learning with a dedicated Technology class beginning in 1st grade. The class teaches students keyboarding skills, coding, and presentation techniques. More sophisticated skills are introduced each year thereafter. By Middle School, students are using a variety of digital tools,from photo editing applications to filmmaking software to create multimedia presentations.

Foreign language studies at Stevens is well-rounded and comprehensive. The program is designed to enhance students’ understanding of a global society, gain proficiency in reading, writing and conversing in a second language and develop critical thinking skills. The school’s world languages program begins in PreK 4, where children begin their study of Spanish. Spanish continues through 4th grade, after which, students can continue with a more advanced course in Spanish or switch to the Mandarin program. Students learn Latin  in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

We integrate the Learning for Justice Social Justice Standards across the curriculum - the standards are a road map for anti-bias education at every stage of instruction. Comprised of anchor standards and age-appropriate learning outcomes, the Standards provide a common language educators can use to guide curriculum development and make school more just and equitable.

Divided into four domains—identity, diversity, justice and action (IDJA)—the Standards recognize that in today's diverse classrooms, students need knowledge and skills related to both prejudice reduction and collective action. Together, these domains represent a continuum of engagement in anti-bias, multicultural, and social justice education. The IDJA domains are based on Louise Derman-Sparks’ four goals for anti-bias education in early childhood.

Stevens uses authentic observation, testing and ongoing assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of each student.
In the youngest grades, student progress is assessed through observation, recording of learning moments, conferencing with children individually and employing activities that require children to demonstrate and apply knowledge, skills or abilities.

All students in 3rd grade and above write self-evaluations, which are included in the in-depth progress reports parents receive twice a year. Other tools for ongoing assessment in intermediate and middle school include quizzes, tests, project-based work and research papers that demonstrate the application of knowledge, problem solving and mastery of subject matter.
Students begin standardized testing in 4th and 6th grade by taking the CTP-V test administered by the Educational Records Bureau. This rigorous language arts and math based test assesses verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning and math (number of operations, algebra, geometry, data analysis and probability).

7th graders take the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) as practice for the 8th grade ISEE that is used for admission to private high schools. The exposure better prepares them for the rigorous test in 8th grade. 8th graders also take the Terra Nova3 multiple assessments.
 

Authentic, experiential learning and real world experiences are integral to our program. From community walks in the younger years to day trips to venues such as Chelsea Market, Alstedes Farm, Brooklyn Bridge, and local museums, students have frequent opportunities to participate in trips that enhance their learning. Overnight trips begin in 3rd grade with an overnight trip to Fairview Lake. Through their middle school experience, students visit Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, and Mexico City as our culminating experience for our 8th grade students as part of a cultural exchange program.