1st to 5th Grades

The School is known for its rigorous program of study, but it has redefined what rigor means blending hard work with joy; effort with curiosity; purpose with laughter; and discipline with discovery.
The School’s teachers work to meet the needs of all learners through differentiated instruction and through research-based curriculum and methods. Small class size and a personalized approach ensure each child discovers their own self, their own pace and their own path to success.

The School’s greatest hope is to develop empathetic, inquisitive, and respectful individuals and to blend the requisite lessons of the classroom with the essential and lasting lessons of character.

PAF Reading Program

The PAF Reading Program uses multisensory techniques and incorporates reading, spelling, and handwriting instruction into lessons that benefit all children. The program prepares students to read for meaning and interpret, analyze, and discuss a variety of texts.

Basic Writing Skills

Writing is embedded in all aspects of the School’s curriculum. Using the Basic Writing Skills program, students learn the skills that are essential to becoming competent, thoughtful writers who engage in all parts of the writing process.

Singapore Math

The Singapore Math Program introduces and nurtures a life-long appreciation of math. In place of rote memorization, students learn to think mathematically and rely on the depth of knowledge from previous understandings. By creating meaningful mathematical experiences, students learn to think critically, solve problems and reason in a variety of ways.

Core Knowledge

Core Knowledge is a comprehensive program in world and American history and geography that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and generates curiosity about the world around us – past, present and future. From 1st through 5th grade, students build knowledge of the diverse civilizations, cultures, and concepts, investigating and analyzing multiple perspectives and sources.

STEAM Program

Waterside’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) program prioritizes hands-on opportunities recognizing that each discipline is more impactful when it is intertwined with the others in high quality, project-based learning environments. The program empowers students with the freedom to imagine, discover, and create with a wide variety of real-world interdisciplinary resources. The program focuses on leadership, creativity and academic and personal growth.

ADMISSION

A safe, nurturing environment; a rigorous, challenging academic curriculum; a strong focus on developing character; an outstanding faculty; financial aid scholarship grants; and an integrated fine arts program are only a few of the features that make Waterside School a unique and special place for children.