The Hawthorn Preschool follows the distinctive approach of Maria Montessori's "Casa Dei Bambini" or "Children's House" The classroom welcomes three and four year-olds who progress through a Montessori course of study that prepares them for the primary grades. Some distinctive characteristics are:

·  Mixed-Age Classrooms – Placing children in mixed age groups, corresponding to planes of development, allows them to relate to children who are both older and younger. It also allows for a “confidence interval” around learning in that a child is not labeled as either behind or gifted simply because they acquire a concept a little earlier or a little later than same age peers.

·  Observation – The teacher’s observation of the child reveals the proper timing for the presentation of new information and experiences academically, socially and personally.

·  Developmental Fit – Awareness of the needs and abilities during specific times of development allows for optimal engagement and learning for the child.

·  Classroom Community – The classroom experience builds on the desire of the young child to master his or her environment. The classroom community is child-centered rather than adult-centered.

·  Montessori Materials – The use of self-correcting, beautifully designed materials allows children to manipulate and explore at their own pace, experience satisfaction and develop self-confidence

Math: Saxon Math, Homeschool Edition Level 1. Topics: months, date, shape patterns, writing numbers, counting, identifying 2D and 3D shapes, making and analyzing picture graphs, determining ordinal value, drawing and writing number sentences, measuring in inches and centimeters, telling time, skip counting by 2s, 5s, 10s; counting money addition and subtraction with single digit numbers. (+/- 0, 1, 2, 3), and doubles facts (1+1 through 9+9).

Language Arts: Wilson’s Fundations (TM), Level K. Topics: lower and uppercase letter formation and sounds, digraphs (wh, sh, ch, th, ck), blending and decoding CVC/ CVCC words, phonemic and phonetic awareness, rhyming, ‘trick’ words, and sentence structure. Students retell short stories and identify characters, setting, problem, and solution.

Geography: Learn from nonfiction texts and songs. Topics: The American Flag, Communities, Solar System, Seven Continents, Landforms and Bodies of Water, 50 States, Presidents, American Holidays, reading a map, and using a compass.

Religion: Catholic children’s texts by Fr. Lawrence Lovasik and Rev. Jude Winkle that discuss the Mass, Ten Commandments, Seven Sacraments, The Rosary, Guardian Angels, Advent, and Lent. Memorize and copy prayers: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Grace before meals, and The Apostles Creed,

Art: Explore Color, Shape, Line, Texture, sketching nature, creating self portraits, Roman Mosaic, Mondrian, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, and more.

Nature Study: Adapted from the Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock; study of leaves, trees, insects, animal hibernation, habitats, birds, mammals, amphibians, pond life, flowers, plant life, rocks and minerals, the weather, seasons, and water cycles.

Literature & Poetry: Timeless children’s classics including Winnie the Pooh, Various Fairy Tales, Beatrix Potter, Madeline, Curious George, Make Way for Ducklings, The Velveteen Rabbit, Pinocchio, Where the Wild Things Are, Babar the Elephant, Aesop's Fables and more. Memorize and recite Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes through pictures, song, and movement. Favorites include Little Bo Peep, Mary Had a Little Lamb, Sing a Song of Sixpence, Jack and Jill, Old King Cole, Little Miss Muffet, One Two Buckle My Shoe, and more!

Music: Introduction to classical music of Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and more. Fundamentals of pitch and rhythm are explored through singing and playing simple percussion instruments. Students memorize songs to build their repertoire of patriotic and folk music.

Physical Education: Daily structured movement activities to enhance physical fitness, impulse control, spatial awareness, gross and fine motor skills, cooperating as a team and good sportsmanship. Explore creative movement, elements of dance, basic tumbling, strengthening and stretching sequences, axial and locomotor movement; the use of props such as scarves, ribbon wands, pool noodles, bean bags, parachute, and hula hoops.

Math: Saxon Math Level 2. Concepts include skip counting, telling time, calendar, adding and subtracting two-digit numbers. 1st graders also begin to learn the basics of multiplication and division.

Language Arts: Fundations Levels 1 and 2 for phonics and grammar. Vowels, consonants, diagraphs, vowel teams, syllables, prefixes, and suffixes. Parts of a sentence and rules for punctuation. Weekly spelling tests.

History: US Geography; identifying regions on a map, the 50 states, American landmarks such as the Great Lakes, the Grand Canyon, and major mountain ranges.

Religion: Discussion of Old Testament Stories, the Trinity and Incarnation, and the gift of the Eucharist as presented in God Our Father from the Faith and Life Series, Grade 1. Memorize basic prayers of the Catholic Faith and learn to sing hymns.

Art: Students learn a variety of art techniques including form, 3D shapes, sketching still life, texture, color, and shadow.

Nature Study: Students develop a love of nature and knowledge of life around campus. This includes study of trees, butterflies, mammals, plants, insects, amphibians, birds.

Literature & Music: Read and recite classic poems and sing daily, amassing a large repertoire of folk and American songs. Several books are read and discussed as a class including The Great Quillow, Grimm’s Fairytales, Rikki Tikki Tavi, Call It Courage, and James and the Giant Peach. Introduction to classical music of Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and more. Fundamentals of pitch and rhythm are explored through singing and playing simple percussion instruments.

Physical Education: Students learn stretching and the basics of exercise, running and relay races, teamwork, skills in catching and throwing, kicking, dribbling, scooters, games and sports like floor hockey and soccer.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Students develop reading fluency using the Fundations phonics method. The boys learn handwriting and spelling through the Zaner-Bloser series. 

History: Through reading Joy Hakim’s The First Americans (Prehistory–1600), second graders discuss pre-Columbian Native American life and famous explorers, such as Columbus, Ponce de León, Cortés, and Henry the Navigator.  

Religion: Class discussions and the course of study are based on the Faith and Life Series: Jesus Our Life. This text explores one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church.

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Students read classic works such as Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Farmer Boy, and E.B. White’s The Trumpet of the Swan. Students sing often to develop a strong repertoire of folk and American music. They also memorize and recite poetry. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Students have a daily gym class where they learn the fundamentals of various sports and have the chance to play games and practice good sportsmanship.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The boys study cursive handwriting and spelling through the Zaner-Bloser series. Students learn to write organized paragraphs before moving into multi-paragraph responses later in the year.

History: Through reading Joy Hakim’s From Colonies to Country (1735–1791), third graders study the rising tensions after the French and Indian War and the war for independence that followed. Particular attention is paid to the great heroes and battles of the American Revolution. 

Religion: Class discussions and the course of study are based on the Faith and Life Series: Our Life with Jesus. This text explores one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the teachings and Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Students read classic works such as E.B. White’s Stuart Little, Marguerite de Angeli’s A Door in the Wall, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Farmer Giles of Ham. Students sing often to develop a strong repertoire of folk and American music. They also memorize and recite poetry. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Students have a daily gym class where they learn the fundamentals of various sports and have the chance to play games and practice good sportsmanship.

Latin: The boys study the fundamentals of the Latin language and Roman culture, beginning the Paideia Institute’s Elementa I Latin course.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The boys study cursive handwriting and spelling through the Zaner-Bloser series. Students review the fundamentals of writing and structure, progressing from well-structured paragraphs to mini-essays. 

History: Through reading Joy Hakim’s Liberty for All? (1820–1860) and War, Terrible War (1855–1865), fourth graders study westward expansion, prevailing attitudes on slavery, and the bloody Civil War that ravaged the country.  

Religion: Class discussions and the course of study are based on the Faith and Life Series: Credo, I Believe. This course explores the Apostles’ Creed, the Trinity, the prophets, and the prayers of the Catholic Church.

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Students develop an appreciation for singing, reciting poetry, and reading books of high adventure, including Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster, and My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George.

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Through teamwork and healthy competition, students learn to work together and acquire new physical and social skills.

Latin: The boys continue their study of the fundamentals of the Latin language and Roman culture, finishing the Paideia Institute’s Elementa I Latin course.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The boys study cursive handwriting through the Zaner-Bloser series and build vocabulary through the Vocabulary from Classical Roots course. Students write often and become familiar with the five-paragraph essay.  

History: Students study turn-of-the-century turbulence and the World Wars, using Joy Hakim’s An Age of Extremes (1880–1917) and War, Peace, and All That Jazz (1918–1945) as textbooks. Topics discussed include the Gilded Age, U.S. involvement in the Great War, and the great saga of World War II. 

Religion: Using the Faith and Life Series: The Life of Grace as its textbook, the course explores God’s action in the life of each human being, particularly emphasizing Revelation, the Incarnation, and the efficacy of the Sacraments. 

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Literature class involves poems, songs, and stories to help students appreciate the beauty of language. Students sing American, Irish, and English folk songs, developing a repertoire with their peers. The boys also memorize important poems, which they recite in front of the class. Finally, students read classic works such as Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and Elizabeth George Speare’s The Bronze Bow. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Physical education classes take place daily. Students stretch and run, learn the basics of sports, including handball, hockey, and soccer, and then engage in spirited competition.

Latin: Fifth-grade boys study Latin from the Cambridge Latin I course, progressing through the first half of the book. Latin classes meet twice per week and emphasize fundamental vocabulary, grammar, and reading fluency.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The boys study cursive handwriting through the Zaner-Bloser series and build vocabulary through the Vocabulary from Classical Roots course. Students write often and become familiar with the five-paragraph essay.  

History: Sixth-grade boys begin their study of ancient history, using The Human Odyssey as their textbook. By the end of the course, boys will have an understanding of ancient civilizations such as Sumer, Babylon, China, India, Greece, and Rome, as well as the lasting impact these societies have today. 

Religion: Using the Faith and Life Series: The Life of Grace as its textbook, the course explores God’s action in the life of each human being, particularly emphasizing Revelation, the Incarnation, and the efficacy of the Sacraments. 

Physical Science: Using the Novare Physical Science textbook, sixth-grade boys learn about energy, forces, fields, motion, and waves.  

Literature: Literature class involves poems, songs, and stories to help students appreciate the beauty of language. Students sing American, Irish, and English folk songs, developing a repertoire with their peers. The boys also memorize important poems, which they recite in front of the class. Finally, students read classic works such as Jack London’s The Call of the Wild, Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, and Elizabeth George Speare’s The Bronze Bow. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Physical education classes take place daily. Students stretch and run, learn the basics of sports, including handball, hockey, and soccer, and then engage in spirited competition.

Latin: Boys study Latin from the Cambridge Latin I course, progressing through the second half of the book. Latin classes meet twice per week and emphasize fundamental vocabulary, grammar, and reading fluency.  

Spanish: Twice per week, students learn Spanish, focusing on fundamental grammar, vocabulary, and conversation.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Students develop reading fluency using the Fundations phonics method. The girls learn handwriting and spelling through the Zaner-Bloser series. 

History: Through reading Joy Hakim’s The First Americans (Prehistory–1600), second graders discuss pre-Columbian Native American life and famous explorers, such as Columbus, Ponce de León, Cortés, and Henry the Navigator.  

Religion: Class discussions and the course of study are based on the Faith and Life Series: Jesus Our Life. This text explores one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the establishment of the Catholic Church. Preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion is offered if the family and the child desire reception of the sacraments.

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Students read classic works such as Johanna Spyri’s Heidi, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods, Anna  Sewell’s Black Beauty, and C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Students sing often to develop a strong repertoire of folk and American music. Girls also memorize and recite classic poems. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities primarily through drawing, focusing on shadow, value, and depth. Girls study famous artworks and gain a greater appreciation for the most prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Students have a daily gym class where they learn the fundamentals of various sports, continue to develop gross motor skills, and enjoy varied games while practicing good sportsmanship.

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The girls study cursive handwriting and spelling through the Zaner-Bloser series. Students learn to write organized paragraphs before moving into multi-paragraph responses later in the year.

History: Through reading Joy Hakim’s From Colonies to Country (1735–1791), third graders study the rising tensions after the French and Indian War and the war for independence that followed. Particular attention is paid to the great heroes and battles of the American Revolution. 

Religion: Class discussions and the course of study are based on the Faith and Life Series: Our Life with Jesus. This text explores one’s personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the teachings and Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Girls read classic works such as Frances Hodgson Burnett’s Secret Garden, Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth, Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows, and J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Students sing often to develop a strong repertoire of folk and American music. The girls also memorize and recite classic poetry. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history. Supporting the improvement in each girl’s drawing skills is the central aim of the course. 

Physical Education: Students have a daily gym class where they learn the fundamentals of various sports and have the chance to play games and practice good sportsmanship.

Spanish: The girls study the fundamentals of Spanish language and culture in an immersive environment, learning simple greetings and phrases, colors, numbers, objects, and practicing basic dialogues. 

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The girls study cursive handwriting and spelling through the Zaner-Bloser series. Students review the fundamentals of writing and structure, progressing from well-structured paragraphs to mini-essays. 

History: Over the course of two years, girls read Joy Hakim’s A New Nation (1789-1850) and War, Terrible War (1855–1865) in full, as well as excerpts from Liberty for All? (1820–1860). Fourth and fifth graders study the formation of the early American republic, westward expansion, prevailing attitudes on slavery, and the bloody Civil War that ravaged the country.  

Religion: Class discussions and the course of study over two years are based on two texts in the Faith and Life Series: Credo, I Believe, and The Life of Grace. The first text explores the Apostles’ Creed, the Trinity, the prophets, and the prayers of the Catholic Church. The second text explores God’s action in the life of each human being, particularly emphasizing Revelation, the Incarnation, and the Sacraments. 

Nature Study: This hands-on class inspires students to discover, observe, and appreciate the natural world. Students find and sketch plants, trees, insects, and animals, and learn about them in depth.

Literature: Students develop an appreciation for singing, reciting poetry, and reading stories of increasing depth, including Oscar Wilde’s Stories for Children, Mary and Charles Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare, Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, and Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities further and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history. Increasingly students explore working in various media while refining their drawing skills. 

Physical Education: Through teamwork and healthy competition, students learn to work together and acquire new physical and social skills. Girls improve their personal fitness and are expected to run a mile weekly. 

Spanish: Now meeting twice per week, the girls continue their study of the fundamentals of the Spanish language and culture in an immersive environment. 

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The girls build vocabulary through the Vocabulary from Classical Roots course. Students write frequently, producing analytical essays, personal narratives, and research papers. 

History: Students take an in-depth look at Ancient and Medieval History, using John Cribb et. al.’s The Human Odyssey, studied over two to three years. Topics discussed include the civilizations of Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, the Greek polis, the conquests of Alexander the Great, founding of Rome, the rise and fall of the Roman Republic and Empire, the Vikings, the Christianization of Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and Medieval Europe. 

Religion: Sixth through eighth-grade girls study the history of the Catholic Church, including the first-century spread of Christianity, important councils and heresies, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and the great saints of the Church. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is offered for those girls and families who wish to receive the Sacrament. 

Life, Earth, & Physical Science: Girls study Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science in a three year rotation. Life Science begins with the scientific method and progresses through cell structure, tissues, organs, and ecosystems. Physical Science looks at the fundamental building blocks of the physical world with an introduction to physics and chemistry topics. Earth Science investigates topics in geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and labs, the science curriculum aims to give students a broader knowledge of and a greater appreciation for the created world. 

Literature: Literature class involves poems, songs, and stories to help students appreciate the beauty of language. Students sing American, Irish, and English folk songs, developing a repertoire with their peers. The girls also memorize important poems, which they recite in front of the class. Finally, students read classic works of literary significance, including Greek mythology, Beowulf, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice, Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history. Girls continue to develop their skill in drawing while exploring varied media. 

Physical Education: Physical education classes take place daily. Students stretch and run, learn the basics of sports, including volleyball, hockey, and basketball, and then engage in spirited competition. Girls improve their personal fitness and are expected to run a mile weekly. 

Latin: Middle school girls study Latin twice per week using the Cambridge Latin Course: Books I, II, and III, according to their level. 

Spanish: Twice per week, the girls study Spanish in an immersive environment, focusing on fundamental grammar, vocabulary, and conversation. The girls use Prentice Hall’s Realidades curriculum. 

Math: Students are placed into a math course according to their ability. Advanced math placement is available based on a placement test and teacher recommendation. Students follow the Saxon Math series. 

Language Arts: Grammar is taught using the Saxon Grammar and Writing Series. The boys build vocabulary through the Vocabulary from Classical Roots course. Students write frequently, producing analytical essays, personal narratives, and research papers. 

History: Students take an in-depth look at Roman history, using Tom Cox and Bill Dardis’ Becoming Rome. Topics discussed include the founding of Rome, the rise and fall of the Republic, famous and infamous emperors, and the eventual decline of the Empire. The course emphasizes primary sources, including works by Livy, Suetonius, and Tacitus.

Religion: Seventh- and eighth-grade boys study the history of the Catholic Church, including the first-century spread of Christianity, important councils and heresies, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and the great saints of the Church. 

Life Science: Our Life Science course begins with the scientific method and progresses through cell structure, tissues, organs, and ecosystems. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and labs, the class aims to give students a broader knowledge of and a greater appreciation for the great mystery of life. 

Literature: Literature class involves poems, songs, and stories to help students appreciate the beauty of language. Students sing American, Irish, and English folk songs, developing a repertoire with their peers. The boys also memorize important poems, which they recite in front of the class. Finally, students read classic works such as Homer’s Odyssey, Vergil’s Aeneid, Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, and Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring. 

Art: Students develop their artistic abilities and gain a greater appreciation as they learn about some of the most influential and prominent artists in history.

Physical Education: Physical education classes take place daily. Students stretch and run, learn the basics of sports, including handball, hockey, and soccer, and then engage in spirited competition.

Latin: Seventh- and eighth-grade boys continue their study of Latin, using the Cambridge Latin Course: Books II and III. 

Spanish: Twice per week, students learn Spanish, focusing on fundamental grammar, vocabulary, and conversation.