Program Structure

Statistics:

• Approximate enrollment: 275
• Average class size: 22
• Teachers per class: 2 - 3
• Student/teacher ratio: 8/1
(including specialist teachers)

Mixed Age Classes:

Montessori’s philosophy emphasized that mixed age classes enhance children’s learning. Students at Caedmon have the benefit of experiencing both mixed age classes as well as single grades during their education. The single age classes are Beginners, Kindergarten, third, fourth, and fifth grades when children are
with other students of the same age. By contrast, Early Program and Lower
Level combine two ages or grades in a single classroom.

Schedule:

• Early arrival: 8:00 am (special arrangements can be made for earlier times)
• School day begins: 8:30 am
• Half day dismissal: 11:30 am
• Full day dismissal: 3:30 pm
• Extended day dismissal: up to 6:00 pm
• All students attend school Monday through Friday

Daily Offerings and Special Programs:

• A nutritious lunch is provided for all students who are in school for the full day.
• Healthy snacks are provided for half and full day students.
• An integrated curriculum with special subject teachers.
• Group violin lessons for Kindergarten though third grade.
• Daily, outdoor playtime in our private, newly renovated playground for all students.
• A Music School offering children the opportunity to pursue private lessons in piano, violin, voice, guitar, cello, flute, trumpet, rock guitar, rock drums, and Dalcroze (a method of musical training based on the concept of eurhythmics). These music lessons are held at the school both afterschool and on weekends.
• A Caedmon Discovery Camp offering a six-week, travel-based summer camp.
• A vacation camp that is available during all school vacations.
• The school offers childcare during parent/teacher conferences as well as for many evening school events, including curriculum night.
• As students live all throughout New York City, bus service is available with a private transportation company.
• The school’s facility is available for birthday parties or other private functions.
• A partnership with Asphalt Green that enables our Elementary students to use the playing fields and gymnasiums at the nearby facility. As a result, our students will enjoy the space that they need in order to refine their athletic skills.

Beginners

• A single-age class for children 2.8 – 3 years old
• Limited to 14 children with two teachers
• Half day and full day options are available for this five day program

A gentle transition from home to school, the Beginners class is designed to foster confidence, independence, and social development. The introduction of many elements of the Montessori philosophy aids the children in their transition to the Early Program.

Early Program

• Mixed-age classes of 3 and 4 year old children
• Children are in the same class for two years
• Half and full day options are available for this five day program

Early Program provides a Montessori environment that creates a strong foundation for successful academic learning as well as social and emotional development.

Discovery

• An extended day option for children in the Beginners class, as well as children who attend Early Program for a half day
• From 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
• Limited to 16 children with three teachers

The Discovery Program allows children to explore materials and activities as well as build social skills. The classroom follows the same structure and routine as Beginners and Early Program, so there is consistency throughout a child’s day.

Kindergarten

• Single-grade classes for children who are 5 to 6 years old
• Children from a wide range of preschool programs begin the school at this level

Continuing with a Montessori based classroom, children enjoy a structured academic day with a balance of core curriculum and specialist subjects. Group violin lessons and technology begin at this level.

Lower Level

• First and second graders are members of the same class
• Children belong to the same classroom community for two years—once as first graders and then as second graders

Children work in small, flexible academic groups, which allows their teachers to adapt the program to each child. The composition of the groups is adjusted as the children progress. The first and second graders are together in the classroom during the most social times of the school day. The second graders act as role models to the first graders, which is a dynamic benefit to children of both grades. While first and second graders collaborate on some academic pursuits, they spend many academic periods, such as mathematics, separated.

Middle Level

• Single age classes for third and fourth grades respectively

Children focus on time management, work-study skills, and long-term projects. Students make the transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. As in Lower Level, the students of Middle Level enjoy individualized instruction and small, flexible work groups. The learning environment fosters passionate, self-guided academic work. Latin class is introduced at this level.

Upper Level

• A single age class for fifth grade students

Upper Level is a challenging academic environment in which children receive thorough preparation for middle school. The class focuses on study skills, time management, planning, and prioritizing. Students continue to be challenged through a comprehensive curriculum, which includes exploring academic texts, taking tests, extensive expository writing, and strengthening their vocabulary through the study of Latin. Field trips to New York City museums enrich their study of ancient history. The Upper Level students, who are the leaders of the school, enjoy many privileges and responsibilities that come with that important leadership role.

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