Lower School
Jr. Kindergarten
In the 2008-2009 academic year, the Jefferson School will offer a new Jr. Kindergarten. Parents can choose a half-day or full-day offering. Children staying the entire day will benefit from an afternoon program that is as intellectually and socially stimulating as the morning program. The curriculum involves learning centers that emphasize literacy development, mathematical reasoning, and scientific exploration.
The Primary Classes
The Jefferson School’s primary classes foster the natural curiosity of children and encourage them to become lifelong learners who are sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around them. Our dynamic curriculum provides our students with a well-rounded global perspective. Our students advance at rates that match their abilities while meeting and exceeding Delaware state standards. The curriculum includes:
- A language arts program that gives students a working knowledge and an appreciation of the spoken and written word. Our students master the basics of reading and writing and then move on to creative writing projects that push their skills. Reading takes place in groups and independently; it focuses on critical thinking and editing skills.
- A math program that meets goals set by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, which teaches students to understand mathematical concepts and develop critical thinking. Our students discover alternative ways to reach mathematical conclusions for division, factoring, fractions, equalities and inequalities, skip counting, geometric recognition and measurement.
- A social studies program that emphasizes the study, exploration and appreciation of different cultures. Geography is considered the base upon which cultural and economic studies rest. Our students develop a deep appreciation of people from every corner of the world, not only because they read about them in books but also because many of our students come from a wide variety of economic, cultural, ethnic and geographic backgrounds. We believe that such diversity enriches all of our students in positive ways.
- A science program that focuses on developing scientific awareness, concern, interest, and knowledge of the world around us. Ours is a discovery-based program designed to arouse curiosity through observation, critical thinking and logic.
- Enrichment classes such as physical education, music, art and Spanish that are integrated into the core curriculum. Through a variety of activities in these classes, our students develop an appreciation of art, music, literature, cultural history and drama. By learning Spanish and reading Latin American literature, children learn how to navigate additional codes of expression and behavior.
Upper School
Our curriculum for grades 4-8 builds on the curriculum used in the primary classes. Our older students spend their days learning life skills as well as academic subjects. Because our student population is very diverse, learning about the various cultures of their classmates plays an important part in their education. In addition, they begin developing a value system that will help them live ethical, responsible lives in their communities and in the world at large.
The faculty and staff at The Jefferson School are comprised of talented and innovative educators who are dedicated to each child’s success as a learner. Our faculty holds appropriate certification, is involved in local and national professional organizations, and actively pursues professional development opportunities. Our teachers are trained to recognize individual learning styles and to work with the differences in styles and rates of learning within the classroom.
| Head of School | Lisa C. Crim |
| Pre-K teacher | Patricia Daly |
| Pre-K teacher | Lindsay Lopez |
| Pre-K Assistant | Carolyn Bickling |
| Primary I Teacher | Patricia White |
| Primary II Teacher | Rosemary Lobodzinski |
| Primary II Teacher | Janet Taylor-Smith |
| Primary III Teacher | Rebecca Breasure |
| Primary III Teacher | John Gause |
| Intermediate l Teacher | Grier White |
| Intermediate II Teacher | Joseph Milani |
| Art Teacher | Virginia Parson |
| Music Teacher | Louise Foster |
| Physical Education Teacher | Nancy Berg |
| Spanish Teacher | Stefine K. Pitzer |
| Office | Beverly Wenner |
| Custodian | Dale Biller |
| Before/After Care | Kathleen Hillman |