Subject Areas

English/Language Arts
Ellison’s educators help their students experience the true power and beauty of the written and spoken word. Their unique, interactive approach to teaching instills strong analytical and both oral and written communications skills that students will draw upon throughout their academic and professional careers. Students keep journals and write stories, in addition to polishing their essay writing skills. Writing is taught as an organic process, and grammar lessons are tailored to meet the needs of specific classes. Recognizing the importance of vocabulary in both writing and reading comprehension, the vocabulary program started in the Lower School is continued and intensified in the Upper School.

Science
The Ellison science curriculum is built on the development of scientific method. Ellison’s fully equipped state-of-the-art science laboratory (constructed in 2008) takes science far beyond the textbook. Laboratory experiments encourage the frequent hands-on exploration that is essential to a strong foundation in the sciences.

The Upper School Science curriculum is specifically designed to ensure that all students have opportunity to acquire scientific literacy. Through daily discussions and frequent labs, students develop science process skills (observing, classifying, measuring, inferring, predicting, collecting and interpreting data, used variables, hypothesizing, experimenting, making and using models), critical thinking skills ( analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating, generating and expressing ideas, solving problems), and scientific reasoning skills (questioning of scientific assumptions, demanding verification, respect for logic). While students study a variety of topics in all three of the main areas of scientific knowledge (Earth, Life, and Physical), the program stresses the importance of achieving a comprehensive understanding of a core idea rather than memorizing facts.

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Mathematics
Ellison’s mathematics program helps students develop the skills they need to successfully grasp secondary level concepts. Using Everyday Math offers a framework for problem-solving arithmetic, pre-algebra and geometry. It also provides frequent opportunities for students to place concepts into real-life situations.

Social Studies
The heart of Ellison’s social studies program lies in connecting the past to the present in hopes of a brighter future. Students learn the impact of societal issues and trends, as well as how these trends can affect them as responsible citizens. Through a wide variety of activities, students develop valuable critical thinking skills key to their future success.

Foreign Language -- Spanish
Foreign language instruction begins in Preschool at Ellison and is part of the full-time curriculum in Upper School. Students learn both a new language and culture and become proficient in comprehension and conversation. In fact, many Ellison 8th Grade students test directly into Spanish II in their first year of high school.

Physical Education
Physical Education is a vital part of The Ellison School experience. We believe that healthy bodies lead to healthy minds. As students strive toward overall fitness, coordination and agility, Ellison students learn to employ specific skills in the field and on the gymnasium floor. They also learn to respect each other’s strengths and abilities. This is reinforced with a focus on teamwork and good sportsmanship – two important lifelong assets.

Computer Technology
At Ellison, the possibilities are endless when it comes to computer technology. The school is home to a state-of-the-art computer laboratory and fully equipped media center (both constructed in 2008). Beginning in Preschool, Ellison students use computers to learn new things, expand on and complement instruction across subject areas, explore and connect with the world, and develop an appreciation of technology.

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Fine Arts
From Preschool through Upper School, students are challenged to express themselves and their creativity through the study of fine arts. The instruction of art at Ellison is based on teaching children to not just look, but truly see and experience the world around them. Art class provides opportunities to nourish creative problem solving skills and higher-level thinking. Students are taught to think, ask questions, and create and interpret concepts and designs, as well as to meet artistic challenges and be responsible.

Lower School art reinforces self expression with a focus on process versus the finished product. Students are encouraged to explore the world – real or imaginary – in ways that are exciting and satisfying to them.

Upper School art is based on an approach that incorporates the study of art history, art criticism, aesthetics and the production of artwork. The art program offers an increasing amount of information and a variety of media – with the goal of inspiring self expression.

Music and Drama
Ellison’s vocal and instrumental music curriculum combines fundamental skills with movement, improvisation and appreciation. Performances throughout the year help students of all grade levels to confidently display their musical and dramatic talents. As students progress through Ellison, they are taught to read music and have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of instruments. Upper School students even try their hand at music composition using professional music writing software called FINALE. Individually and in teams, students use this software to compose music for a variety of instruments, as well as for voice.

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