Our Educational Philosophy

As students move from learning to read to reading to learn, they 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 themselves reflected in what they read, and step into worlds that are new or unfamiliar. 

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. Decodeable texts, fiction, and nonfiction stories are carefully selected, in order to ensure that students are challenged and exposed to books with increasing levels of text complexity. Phonics, word study, and morphology instruction is infused into both the reading and writing curriculum. 

Students have daily opportunities to write in multiple genres and for different purposes. From small moment stories, journaling and poetry to persuasive letters, nonfiction articles, and argumentative essays, students develop a sense of voice and agency, recognizing the power of their words. 

There are many components to the literacy program that include:

• Direct reading instruction
• Word Work
• Morphology 
• Guided Reading Groups
• Shared Reading and Read Alouds
• Phonics
• Writing 
• Comprehension
• Vocabulary

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. 
 

Our rigorous mathematics program based on a curriculum known as Singapore Math (Math in Focus), which emphasizes computational fluency, advanced numeracy, geometry and algebra. Our teachers encourage students to think like mathematicians and apply mathematical solutions to a variety of problems and subject studies. This program highlights problem-solving as the focus of mathematical learning.

Math in Focus empowers all students to develop critical-thinking skills, conceptual mastery and the level of confidence needed to set the stage for long-term math achievement. Supported by global research and instructional best practices, Math in Focus provides learning experiences that emphasize student exploration, metacognition, classroom discussion and small-group instruction.

Singapore Math uses a Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach to provide hands-on learning and unique, powerful visual models that support and optimize learning, helping students visualize complex mathematical situations and make connections across numbers and operations to solve problems effectively. 

Sixth through 8th grade math provides students with the tools to think independently, solve problems, and to question whether an answer is reasonable. Students worked on sprint and fluency challenges, adrenaline-rich activities that intentionally build energy and excitement. Students work with their classmates to solve problems, participate in learning activities and games, and discuss their results.  

At Stevens, we believe students experience academic and social success by developing skills that promote their social and emotional well-being. Teachers and counselors collaborate to plan and execute thoughtful lessons that allow students to engage in conversations and activities that build their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. Students critically examine and explore different materials like books, videos, and activities designed to promote conversation and self-reflection. Development of social and emotional skills is interwoven into all parts of a student’s experience at Stevens. Social-emotional lessons occur once a cycle and take a proactive approach in educating students about identity, self awareness, wellness, relationships and learning from PreK 3 through 8th grade. 

Music classes help foster a deep love of music and involve and encourage movement and listening 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, theater 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 intertwine with subjects they encounter in other disciplines, especially Social Studies/Humanities and Literacy. Topics in Art History and Modern Art are 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.

World language studies at Stevens are well-rounded and comprehensive. The program is designed to enhance students’ understanding of global societies so they may succeed in a multicultural world, achieve proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening in a second language, and develop their ability to apply critical thinking skills across language barriers. Our World Languages program begins in PreK 4, where children start their study of Spanish. Beginning in 2nd grade, students experience Spanish for half the year and Mandarin for the other half, gaining exposure to two world languages. At the end of 4th grade, students select to continue learning either Spanish or Mandarin through 8th grade. 

We integrate the Standards for Learning Social Justice across the curriculum. The Standards are a road map for anti-bias education at every stage of student development. Comprising 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 our youngest classrooms, student progress is assessed through close observation and recording by faculty members, conferencing with students individually, and creating opportunities that allow them to demonstrate and apply knowledge, skills or abilities.

Beginning in 3rd grade, students write self-evaluations that are included in the in-depth progress reports our parents/guardians receive twice a year. Throughout Lower School and Middle School, students are also assessed on quizzes, tests, project-based work and research papers that demonstrate the application of knowledge, problem-solving and mastery of subject matter.

Students first encounter standardized testing when they take the CTP5 exam, administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB), in 4th and 6th grade. This rigorous exam assesses proficiency in math and language arts by measuring student competency in verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning and math.

Seventh graders are introduced to the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) a year earlier than is typical with the aim of better preparing them to take the test in 8th grade, when their results will be used for admission to independent high schools.  Eighth graders also take multiple TerraNova3 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 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Alstede Farms, the Brooklyn Bridge, 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 travel to cities including Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, and also visit outdoor recreation centers for nature-based learning and team-building. In 8th grade, students visit Mexico City as part of a cultural exchange program that dates back to 2003. Learn more about our trips here!