Curriculum

At Southfield School, we use the Superkids K–2 Curriculum by Zaner-Bloser to build strong foundational literacy skills in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. This comprehensive, phonics-based English Language Arts program uses engaging character-driven stories to teach phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, handwriting, vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension through a structured, sequential approach. With a blend of print and digital resources, it supports differentiated instruction and helps all students become confident, fluent readers and writers by the end of 2nd grade.

At Southfield School, we use Illustrative Mathematics for grades K–2 to build deep math understanding through a problem-based, concept-driven approach. The curriculum encourages students to explore and discuss real-world math problems, developing reasoning and strong math habits. It follows a clear, standards-aligned sequence covering foundational topics like numbers, operations, and geometry, with a focus on student thinking and collaboration.

At Southfield School, our integrated social studies curriculum helps students explore their communities, develop a sense of self and others, and understand the world around them. Through literature, projects, and hands-on activities, students learn about family, traditions, geography, citizenship, and basic history. Each grade also reads, researches, and learns about an ancient civilization—such as China, the Vikings, or the Middle Ages, as part of a school-wide celebration of world history. The curriculum encourages curiosity, empathy, and foundational civic understanding by connecting social studies topics to students’ everyday experiences.

At Southfield School, our integrated science curriculum fosters curiosity and a love of discovery through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Students explore topics such as weather, seasons, plants and animals, habitats, the five senses, and basic physical science concepts like motion and matter. Lessons are designed to build observation, questioning, and problem-solving skills while encouraging students to make connections between science and their everyday experiences. Through experiments, outdoor exploration, and engaging classroom activities, young learners begin to see themselves as scientists exploring the world around them.

At Southfield School, we use Being a Reader and Being a Writer in 3rd and 4th grade to help students become confident, independent readers and strong writers. Being a Reader builds fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary through engaging whole-group and small-group lessons, encouraging meaningful discussions and critical thinking. Meanwhile, Being a Writer guides students through the writing process, helping them develop clear, organized, and creative writing skills across different genres. Together, these programs foster a love of reading and writing while supporting collaboration and growth.

At Southfield School, we use Illustrative Mathematics in grades 3–4 to build deep understanding through problem-based learning and real-world applications. It emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical discourse, and real-world applications. It guides students through key topics such as multi-digit operations, fractions, area and perimeter, and early geometry, using investigation-rich tasks and purposeful use of representations like ratio tables and partial products. It encourages students to explain and defend their reasoning while building a strong classroom math community. Overall, the curriculum equips 3rd and 4th graders with deep mathematical thinking, collaborative skills, and readiness for more advanced concepts.

At Southfield School, our integrated 3rd and 4th grade social studies curriculum builds on foundational knowledge by exploring key moments in history through engaging, thematic units. Students study the experiences of American pioneers and immigrants’ journey through Ellis Island, developing an understanding of perseverance, diversity, and cultural identity. Each grade also researches and learns about an ancient civilization (Egypt and Greece) as part of a school-wide celebration of world history. Through literature, research, and hands-on projects, students connect past and present while building empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

At Southfield School, our integrated 3rd and 4th science curriculum encourages deeper investigation and critical thinking through hands-on experiments and real-world applications. Students explore more complex topics such as ecosystems, energy, force and motion, weather patterns, the water cycle, and the human body. Building on foundational skills, they learn to form hypotheses, conduct experiments, analyze data, and communicate findings. The curriculum fosters curiosity, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts, helping students develop the tools they need to think like scientists and make meaningful connections.

In Lower School, students explore the elements and principles of art such as color, form, line, shape, space, and texture while developing an appreciation for art in the world around them. They are encouraged to express themselves creatively, experiment with different techniques, and discover their individual artistic voice. Throughout the year, students are introduced to a variety of artists, styles, and mediums, expanding their understanding of artistic expression. The focus remains on the creative process rather than the final product, fostering a love for the fine arts and a growth mindset in each young artist.

In Lower School, our physical education curriculum emphasizes the development of motor skills, coordination, and overall wellness.  From kindergarten through fourth grade, students engage in activities that promote cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, and balance. Through a variety of group games and activities, children learn the importance and enjoyment of staying active. The program fosters positive attitudes toward fitness by encouraging teamwork, skill-building, and a lifelong appreciation for movement and healthy living.

With the support and expertise of a dedicated Lower School science specialist, students engage in hands-on experiments in the school’s science lab. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including ecosystems and habitats, human body systems, the solar system, and physical science concepts such as magnets, pulleys, and simple machines. A key goal of the program is to spark curiosity and build students’ confidence in using the scientific research process. Learning extends beyond the lab into our garden, where students plant and care for vegetables, monitor a hydroponic lettuce system, and observe the activity of our resident beehive. Adding a special touch to the classroom experience is Hip-Hop, the beloved bunny who roams freely and is a favorite among students.

In lower school, there is a strong commitment to the fine arts by fully integrating performing arts into the curriculum for every student. Along with bi-weekly music classes featuring Orff instruments, students from Kindergarten through 4th grade take part in grade-level musical performances that showcase their growing skills. As the sole Centenary Suzuki School satellite, our students have the unique opportunity to receive private lessons in violin, viola, and cello during the school day, with additional private instruction available in piano and guitar. In 4th grade, students further develop their musical skills by learning to play the ukulele, adding a new dimension to their musical education.

At Southfield school, we use Sonrisas for Kindergarten through 4th grade as a fun, standards-aligned Spanish curriculum that integrates music, games, art, and culture. The multi-sensory lessons follow Communicative Language Teaching methods—like Total Physical Response and the Natural Approach—to teach pronunciation, conversational vocabulary, simple grammar, and cultural awareness through songs, stories, chants, and hands-on activities. Lessons are structured around three routine segments – Circle Time, Story Time, Art Time. This engaging curriculum fosters vocabulary retention, student confidence, cultural understanding, and a lifelong love of Spanish.