The ABCs of Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School

WELCOME Each day, Beauvoir students enter a child-centered environment carefully designed for early learners. At Beauvoir, students develop a lifelong spirit of inquiry and joy in learning. We hope you will enjoy this glimpse into the ABCs of Beauvoir.

At Beauvoir, the National

Cathedral Elementary School, our mission states that we provide an extraordinary early childhood education in a diverse community that values every individual. Beauvoir’s program encourages creative, courageous learners and builds an enduring foundation for a lifelong spirit of inquiry and joy in learning.

BRAVE Teachers inspire young learners to develop a courageous spirit and to engage in the world with strength and resilience.

Children learn that mistakes do not mean failure; they lead to a deeper understanding and a wonderful sense of accomplishment having met their challenge.

CATHEDRAL Students share in the rich life of the Washington National Cathedral where all faiths are welcomed and celebrated.

We have 60 acres to explore on the Cathedral Close, from Olmsted Woods and the Bishop’s Garden to stained glass windows and joyful chapel services.

DIVERSITY Our diverse and inclusive community values and respects every individual.

We are a community that welcomes and embraces all family structures, races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. We celebrate our individual stories and collective experiences.

EMPATHY Empathy is an important quality in fostering strong relationships. Teachers nurture empathy in their students by helping them to understand the perspectives and needs of others.

FRIENDS The social curriculum helps children develop the skills to be a good friend. We teach children how to communicate, cooperate, negotiate and solve problems. Beauvoir is a safe and supportive place where all members of the community are included and embraced.

GARDEN Students plant and tend our school garden. They grow vegetables and herbs from different parts of the world and engage in lessons about sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Our harvest finds its way into the lunches we eat.

HOLA!

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Research points to the benefits of learning a second language early in life.

Students begin taking Spanish in Pre-Kindergarten during the school day. The Beauvoir Language Institute offers after-school enrichment programs in Spanish, French and Mandarin.

INNOVATE Teachers apply researchbased methods to update the curriculum, explore digital literacies and design maker spaces where students work collaboratively to create, invent and engage in handson learning, and creatively problem-solve.

JOY Joy in learning and a spirit of inquiry are at the heart of Beauvoir’s mission.

We embrace learning as a lifelong endeavor, where every child grows, explores, questions, creates and achieves.

KIND A unique social curriculum teaches children the four Life Rules: kindness, respect, responsibility and honesty.

These are reinforced throughout every aspect of a child’s day and reflected in all-school meetings, chapel and community service projects.

LITERATE Literacy in the information age includes reading, writing, mathematics and technology: our curriculum empowers students to express their ideas on paper, orally and through digital and technological competencies.

MOVEMENT Young children learn with their whole bodies. Research shows that movement improves focus and primes the brain for learning. At Beauvoir, students are actively engaged when playing indoors and outside at recess, during physical education, music and drama classes, in the garden and while exploring the Cathedral grounds.

NUMBERS A research-based math program goes beyond simply knowing about number concepts.

It teaches mathematical knowledge, problemsolving, reasoning, creativity, communication and collaboration.

OUTDOORS Studies show that time spent outdoors boosts a child’s happiness, health, confidence and resilience.

Beauvoir Outdoors is a unique, multi-level, outdoor learning and play environment that students explore each day.

PLAY Young children learn through free, imaginative play, which is crucial for physical, emotional, cognitive and social development. We encourage natural curiosity and exploration in a joyful and safe environment.

QUESTION Asking ‘Why?’ is a driving force behind scientific inquiry, intellectual discovery and personal growth. Curiosity is also the foundation for project-based learning, where students enthusiastically collaborate to imagine, create and solve problems.

RESEARCH Beauvoir is recognized as a leader in early childhood education. We draw from the best in educational research. We hire and offer professional development to the most talented teachers in the field to create innovative classrooms and curriculum.

SPIRITUALITY Beauvoir welcomes families of all faiths, respects the beliefs of all members of our diverse school community and encourages children in their spiritual development. Monthly chapels explore topics such as kindness, respect and service to others.

TEACHING All resources focus on early childhood learning. In addition to two teachers in every classroom, we have specialists in art, science, library, drama and music, Spanish, physical education and learning resources. We design our classrooms and facilities with young learners at the center.

UNIFIED Beauvoir is an authentic community working together to support each other in all that we do.

We have a shared vision of learning and service to others in partnership with students’ families and the Cathedral community.

VISION We hold a ‘beautiful view’ of childhood and embrace learning as a lifelong endeavor. We align all we do with our goal to be a child-centered, safe and deeply engaging learning community.

WONDER Wondering is welcome here.

Students wonder about nature, their communities, and people and cultures around the world. It is through this sense of curiosity that we discover and learn about the world around us.

XYLOPHONE Music connects us.

We explore music from around the world, develop rhythm and pitch, sing melodies and harmonize together. Children practice their listening skills and learn new forms of creative expression through music.

YOUNG CHILDREN At Beauvoir, every decision keeps a young child first and foremost. All of our resources, time, professional development, curriculum development and planning are completely dedicated to supporting of the growth and development of young children. Just like our students, we never stop learning.

ZZZZZ Our days are filled with discovery, joy, learning and, most of all, fun. After a busy day at Beauvoir, it’s time to enjoy a good night’s sleep.

The best way to get to know Beauvoir is to see it for yourself. We offer tours beginning in the fall for prospective parents of children entering into grades Pre-K through Grade Three. For more information about applying, please visit Beauvoirschool.org.

Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School 3500 Woodley Road NW Washington, DC 20016 202.537.6485 beauvoirschool.org Admissions Office 202-537-6493