As students mature, new levels of experience unfold in every subject. Where the nature studies of kindergarten inspire a love for the natural world, this curiosity grows into careful observation of the plant kingdom in 5th grade. By middle school, students are ready and excited to delve into deeper scientific study and more abstract thinking. This developmental approach guides all academic subjects, allowing learning to grow organically alongside the child.
Block Schedule: The curriculum follows a block schedule, where one main academic area is taught for a period of several weeks. The morning begins with a two-hour main lesson period, allowing students to delve deeply into academic subjects.
Specialty Subjects: Taught by specialty teachers, afternoons are devoted to activities such as practical arts, music, Spanish and Mandarin. Other specialty subjects include orchestra beginning in 4th grade, gardening, woodworking, handwork, modeling and drama.
Dedicated Class Teacher: The class teacher accompanies the children from grades 1 through 8, teaching most main lesson subjects. Textbooks are not used. Instead, the teacher creates the lesson, and the children make their own books for each subject, recording and illustrating the substance of their lessons. These books serve as an artistic and lifelong record of accomplishment and development.
Music Program: Music permeates all that takes place at Sunrise School of Miami. Singing is a daily occurrence, and musical instruments abound, progressing from simple flutes in the first grade to the recorder in 3rd, to the violin, viola, cello or bass in the 5th grade and beyond.
Connection to Nature: Connection with nature is woven into our daily rhythm, nurturing curiosity, balance, and joy in learning. Nature studies invite children to observe, question, and develop a sense of wonder about the world around them. Through movement and generous outdoor recess, children engage their bodies while building resilience and focus. Gardening offers hands-on experiences that cultivate care, responsibility, and a living connection to the earth.
Through the long-term curriculum where the relationship between different studies is tightly interwoven, we are given the opportunity to freely discover the many solutions to any given problem. Then as adults we will be capable of creative problem solving.
If given appropriate responsibilities and the opportunity to work independently, then as adults we will enjoy high self-esteem and an ability to be fully capable of setting and reaching goals.
If hallmarks of emotional maturity are cultivated in the social environment, and difficulties in relationships are transformed into learning experiences, then as adults we will succeed in our partnerships, and we will be ready to take an active role in the direction that humanity takes.
