3–5 Grades
Enriching Opportunities Crossroads Academy
Lower School Elementary Education
CROSSROADS ACADEMY
LOWER SCHOOL PROGRAM
With a deliberate focus on the integration of content and character, our lower school students develop a strong foundation of academic knowledge while exhibiting honesty, joy, perseverance, and respect, among other virtues. Through this approach, Crossroads students establish a balance between virtue and academic excellence. Our teaching team is dedicated to modeling a growth mindset and a commitment to lifelong learning.
CORE KNOWLEDGE AND CORE VIRTUES PROGRAM
Core Knowledge and Core Virtues are the pillars of our curriculum. The Core Knowledge sequence builds a strong foundation of academic fluency in literature, history, math, geography, the arts, and science. Our Core Virtues program cultivates lifelong habits of the heart that enhance our human experience as caring individuals. This combination of knowledge and virtue helps children grow as curious students and kind human beings.
IN THIRD GRADE CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHTS
Science Unit on Sight & Cow Eyeball Dissection
People and History of Vermont
Spanish and French Culture and History
Cursive and Handwriting Skills
Sousa, Copeland, Chaikovsky Music Theory
Native American Hopi Kachina Dolls
WE ARE COURAGEOUS
STUDENTS ON THE STAGE
The Lower School program prides itself on building public speaking skills through a number of performances throughout the school year. Students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and build upon the Core Virtues that are woven into the Crossroads curriculum. Students support one another and grow in confidence, helping them to succeed in school and beyond.
How do Core Virtues help you to be a better musician?
When I began to play the strings in first grade, I remember how hard to was to learn Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It was important to come to each lesson prepared and ready to focus, showing respect for my teacher. I learned that challenges that may seem impossible at first can be accomplished if you trust in yourself and persevere even when it’s hard. I feel so happy when I can finally play a piece beautifully from memory for my friends, family, and teachers! –Third Grade Student
What do you think about the Core Virtues?
I like the Core Virtues because they help make the world a better place. Respect and hope are my favorite, and I can see them in all of my friends at school. When I was in The Sound of Music at Northern Stage, I used respect, joy, hope, and perserverence. It helps that we perform plays and sing songs in assemblies so often at Crossroads. I feel well prepared! –Third Grade Student
IN FOURTH GRADE
CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHTS
Geography, Government, and History of New Hampshire
Anatomy Studies & Sheep Heart Dissection
Medieval Gargoyle Masks
Islam, Medieval Europe, Africa, and China Studies
Recorder and Medieval Dances
Woodlands Wednesdays & Forest Fridays
WE ARE A TEAM
STUDENTS ON THE FIELD
Across all grade levels, class sizes are small. Students are often encouraged to work in small groups and build the skills to become compassionate listeners who know how to collaborate. Crossroads students bring different ideas and worldviews to any given situation. Our students are encouraged to participate in recreational activities outside of school, and are excited to bring their Core Virtues and team building skills to their extracurricular activities.
How does Crossroads help you to be a good teammate?
I love my Crossroads friends and knowing different communities, too. In sports, my friends show me how to be positive and keep going. I take that to school with me. At school, we learn about kindness, compassion, perseverance, courage, and generosity. I take those qualities to every practice and game. These virtues make me a better person, student, and teammate! –Fourth Grade Student
How important is teamwork to you?
Being part of a team teaches me to work well with others and to always try my best. This year I have made new friends at school and new friends on all my sports teams. At school I’ve learned about perseverance, honesty, courage, and especially how hope, joy, and respect are just as important in sports as they are in my classes.
–Fourth Grade Student
IN FIFTH GRADE
CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHTS
Classic Literature Studies & Odyssey Museum
Persuasive Speech Contest
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Performance
Civil War Research Project
Renaissance Music, Beethoven, and American Spirituals
Goyutaku Japanese Fish Printing Project
WE ARE GLOBAL CITIZENS
STUDENTS OF THE WORLD
At Crossroads, students are encouraged to learn about and appreciate the world around them. Whether it’s snowshoeing on our campus’ Hoopes Loop Trail along Hewes Brook, conducting water sample testing on a local stream, or participating in community service opportunities, they are always learning about the natural world. When students leave campus, they are thoughtful citizens who understand the history of their environment. Crossroads students are excited and proud to make new discoveries—ensuring a bright future for all.
How does Crossroads help you to be a good citizen of the world?
I love exploring, looking at all corners of the world, and helping out where I can. Our family spent time cleaning up the woods and many trails this spring. In science we talk about the environment and how to take care of the outdoors. It’s interesting to learn about what is happening in the world and then make a difference by taking care of our local community. –Fifth Grade Student
How does Crossroads impact your view on the world around you?
I recently traveled to Italy and was excited to see the art in Florence that I had learned about at school. Seeing something so far from home that we had studied with Dr. Freeburg in history class was so cool! I really enjoyed observing the Tiber, taking into account environmental concerns, and considering our impact and mindful efforts to preserve our world. –Fifth Grade Student
Lyme, New Hampshire
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
Crossroads Academy admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, and gender to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to students at the school. Crossroads Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or gender in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, or other school-administered programs.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
STUDENTS ENROLLED
FACULTY & STAFF WITH ADVANCED DEGREES 21
STUDENT: TEACHER RATIO 6:1
95 Dartmouth College Highway • Lyme, New Hampshire 03768 (603) 795-3111 • admissions@crossroadsacademy.org
www.crossroadsacademy.org
“Crossroads has been the perfect balance of comfort and discipline for my son. At an age where distractions can easily overcome learning, the faculty have patiently helped him develop study skills, gain greater attention to detail, and understand the importance of quality work. Academic vigour is blended with personal growth, which is a recipe for creating a strong student who is ready for an exciting middle school experience and adolescent years.” –Fourth Grade Parent