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: Placement in either the 5/4 or 7/6 Saxon Math grade level. Students at the 5/4 level focus on building a strong foundation in key concepts such as number

sense, numeration, numerical operations, measurement, geometry, mathematical functions, and data manipulation. Students at the 7/6 level solve and think through word problems, correctly use integers and craft exponential expressions, utilize prime factorization, perform divisibility concepts, and solve for ratios and proportions. Curriculum is marked by daily drills to assess skill and to build quick math recall. Regular exams take place after every 5th lesson.

Language Arts: Study grammar, spelling, and vocabulary exploring Greek and Latin roots. Analyze, memorize, and recite poetry of Emily Dickenson, Robert Frost, Lewis Caroll, and Langston Hughes.

History: Early American history beginning with History of Us: The First Americans followed by From Colonies to Country and The New Nation. Study of primary and secondary sources including the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the Bill of Rights.

Religion: Focus on Catholic Doctrine and creed using Faith and Life: Jesus is Our Guide (Book 4).

Art: Drawing, sketching, color theory, mixed media, study of famous artists and American folk art.

Nature Study: Students actively engage in their natural surroundings and have the unique opportunity to directly observe the objects of study. Topics include trees, mammals, and birds.

Literature & Music: The study of classical literature including Black Beauty, The Secret Garden, and Heidi. Introduction to classical music of Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, and more. Students sing daily to develop a strong repertoire of Folk and American music. Fundamentals of pitch and rhythm are further explored through playing simple percussion instruments.

Physical Education: Daily classes focus on building knowledge of team sports. We also work on flexibility through stretching, and strength through fitness challenges. Sports and other activities include volleyball, soccer, basketball, kickball, badminton, floor hockey and elements of dance and tumble from gymnastics. Physical education is taught by Mrs. Louise Montes.

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 classes at their own individual level according to the Saxon Mathematics curriculum. 

Language Arts: Principles of English grammar and composition using Curtis & Hake Grammar and Writing 7, Second Edition, also memorizing and reciting classic poems by authors such as Robert Frost, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, and Langston Hughes. Students practice cursive handwriting.

Latin & Spanish: Study culture, vocabulary, and grammar to promote comprehension and fluency in ancient and modern languages.

Religion: Students study moral theology with an emphasis on Biblical sources, according to the principles and doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church. Students examine the Ten Commandments in depth, including the context of the Exodus, the covenant, and the giving of the law on Sinai. The Faith & Life Series, Book 7 Following Christ, serves as our textbook.

Art/Music: Foundations of drawing and pivotal moments in art history. In music, students grow Listen to classical music from Baroque through Modern periods, learn the basics of music theory as well as note-reading and notation skills to expand musical literacy and lay the groundwork for further study. Music is taught by Mrs. Alexis Walls.

Science: Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science are covered in a three-year rotation. This year students take Physical Science, studying the fundamental principles of physics and chemistry. The students explore theory as well as practice through laboratory experimentation. Science is taught by Mrs. Louise Montes.

Literature & Music: Students study classic works of American and British literature. Works include Pride and Prejudice and Robinson Crusoe. In previous years, students have read The Scarlet Pimpernel, A Christmas Carol, The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, and Julius Caesar.

Physical Education: Daily classes focus on building knowledge of team sports. We also work on flexibility through stretching, and strength through fitness challenges. Sports and other activities include volleyball, soccer, basketball, kickball, badminton, floor hockey and elements of dance and tumble from gymnastics. Physical education is taught by Mrs. Louise Montes.

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.