Crossroads Academy Grades 3-5 Viewbook

Enriching Opportunities

Crossroads Academy

3–5 Grades

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

Cursive and Handwriting Skills

People and History of Vermont

Sousa, Copeland, Chaikovsky Music Theory

Spanish and French Culture and History

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.

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

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

IN FOURTH GRADE CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHTS Geography, Government, and History of New Hampshire

Islam, Medieval Europe, Africa, and China Studies

Anatomy Studies & Sheep Heart Dissection

Recorder and Medieval Dances

Medieval Gargoyle Masks

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 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

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

IN FIFTH GRADE CLASSROOM HIGHLIGHTS Classic Literature Studies & Odyssey Museum

Civil War Research Project

Persuasive Speech Contest

Renaissance Music, Beethoven, and American Spirituals

A Midsummer Night’s Dream Performance

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 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

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

140 ACRE CAMPUS • 5 ACADEMIC BUILDINGS • 1 STATE-OF-THE-ART SCIENCE LAB

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.

144 SOLAR PANELS • LOCATED 7 MILES FROM DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

FOUNDED IN

1991

BY 21 THE NUMBERS

FACULTY & STAFF WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

14

135 STUDENTS ENROLLED

STUDENT: TEACHER RATIO

6:1

Crossroads Academy 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