"When we walked in the door it just felt like the right place." - ARS parent
Curriculum
Language Arts
The Alexander Robertson School uses a comprehensive language arts model that teaches students to develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills to become effective, literate communicators. Our Four-Block multi-method consisting of self-selected reading, guided reading, working with words, and writing, allows teachers to instruct each child in a far more engaging manner than traditional instruction alone. Each class spends two to two-and-a-half hours each day on literacy, which integrates social studies and science reading selections into the program.
Social Studies
Social Studies builds on experiences in and out of school, including the study of different cultures, American history, and map skills. Beginning in Kindergarten with the study of the community, we move toward creating knowledgeable, effective citizens of the world.
Science
Using our new state-of-the-art Science laboratory, experiments utilizing plants, animals, and materials are integrated into daily school experiences. Using the scientific method, children learn to observe, formulate questions, collect data, draw conclusions, and make generalizations about the world around them, becoming scientifically literate as well as environmentally conscientious.
Mathematics
Singapore Math is a problem solving curriculum that emphasizes abilities needed to be a “good thinker”. It de-emphasizes procedural skills and rote memorization, while highlighting the development of a strong number sense, excellent mental math, and deep understanding of place value.
In all curriculum areas, the topics are coordinated through the grades. Each year children build on past learning, ensuring broadening knowledge and deeper understanding.
Other Activities
Every week the children go to the Katie Ferguson Library where they follow a curriculum tailored to their grade. In addition, they are given the opportunity to select books to take out for their reading enjoyment. Our library program is wholly administered by ARS parent volunteers.
At Alexander Robertson School we treasure and enjoy Annual Traditions. We make a practice of taking the children to orchestral performances, jazz concerts, ballet, art shows, and opera. Our children love their field trips to the cultural attractions of New York City. Our Halloween party, put on by the Parents' Association, is not to be missed. Holiday programs, multicultural celebrations, an annual Science Fair, poetry month, "Spring Fling" and end-of-year festivities help celebrate the accomplishments and the spirit of our children and our school community.
Each Friday morning, the children participate in an Assembly Program celebrating individual achievement as well as highlighting group spirit, group singing, and group attention to important issues. We are committed to developing the children's awareness and support of the needs of the world around us.
The children participate in several Community Service Projects each year, such as Thanksgiving baskets for the Yorkville Common Pantry, the Heifer Project's "Read to Feed" program, disaster relief, and holiday gifts for children whose parents are in prison. In addition, Alexander Robertson School has forged a "sister" relationship with The Ministry of Hope Orphanage in Malawi, Africa (www.ministryofhope.org). Alexander Robertson School raised money and supplies for this orphanage devoted to assisting the youngest AIDS-related orphans. The children of Alexander Robertson School continue to learn that their efforts make a difference.
Enrichment
Art
Alexander Robertson's studio ART program is renowned for its high quality, sophistication, and attentiveness to the creative gifts of each child.
Music
The beauty and excitement of Music are an integral part of life at ARS. Children have music twice a week.
Using their voices, Orff instruments, and recorders, they learn the fundamentals of sight singing, reading music, and music history. We also have a popular after school Suzuki violin program administered by our Parents Association.
French
At Alexander Robertson School we believe that an enrichment program in French is a vital link in understanding the world around us.
French language and culture are taught once a week to all grades. Once a month each class enjoys "Le Dejeuner Francais," for fun and further appreciation of all things French!
Everyday Ethics
Our curriculum includes a new weekly class we call "Everyday Ethics."
This course uses "Second Step," a research-based, award-winning program integrating academics with social and emotional learning. Empathy, emotion, management, problem solving, and cooperation are life skills that help students in the classroom, on the playground, and at home. These skills, coupled with good old-fashioned manners and civility, help make our students’ sense of confidence and responsibility.
Physical Education
When our Physical Education instructor talks about teaching the children to be swift, agile, strong, skilled, and sportsmanlike he uses the word "joy."
The children have physical education classes twice a week and enjoy recess in the park each day, weather permitting. While nearby Central Park is the world's perfect playground, the children use our own classrooms and gym for recess in bad weather.
