The language arts curriculum, with its focus on developing students' reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, is designed to create lifelong readers and effective writers. The workshop approach begun in Pre-Kindergarten and kindergarten continues to help students with literacy acquisition. Instruction in spelling, phonics and grammar occurs in natural context and emphasizes the interrelationship between reading and writing. Students develop oral fluency and listening skills through their active participation in all classroom study. Read more
The social studies curriculum has five major strands: geography,
history, economics, civics, and ethics. All strands are inquiry-based,
encouraging students to develop basic research and note-taking skills. Read more
The mathematics program provides children with a solid background in
arithmetic, geometry, measurement, and problem-solving skills,
combining discovery and understanding of mathematical concepts with
more traditional practice and review methodology. Read more
The science program has two main goals: to introduce basic science
concepts and to begin student acquisition of science skills. Students
develop a wide range of process and inquiry skills. Hands-on activities
provide opportunities for students to undertake their own
investigations as they learn the scientific method. Read more
Instruction in a foreign language, either French or Spanish, begins in
pre-kindergarten and continues through students' attendance at MKA.
Students begin their language study with either the Primary School's
full-time French or its full-time Spanish teacher as part of a cohort
when they enter pre-kindergarten. Students who begin pre-kindergarten
in even years study Spanish; in odd years, French. Read more
The Primary School nurse provides students with health instruction each
year on topics such as nutrition, dental health, and hygiene; and the
counselor teaches classes that help students to better understand
emotions and the responsibilities of friendship. Read more
Homework at Brookside serves as a daily reinforcement for key concepts
taught in the classroom. It promotes confidence, responsibility and
independence - mastery of not just the material but also of oneself.
Homework management teaches self-discipline, goal setting and time
management. Read more
For curricular offerings in the arts, please see the Arts section in the left-hand column.
