Keys School is an independent, K-8 school that offers a broad hands-on curriculum. It fosters high academic achievement and emphasizes balanced growth - intellectually, physically, emotionally, and socially - for every student. Within a diverse and highly supportive community, Keys is committed to maintaining a caring and creative environment that encourages children to love learning, to take intellectual risks, and to treat others with respect and empathy.
Hands-on Curriculum
We believe children learn best by doing. Teachers incorporate simulations, discussion, group projects, and field trips into the curriculum.
Around campus you may see -
- eighth graders staging a mock Supreme Court trial
- students building a walk-in model of a whale
- young authors sharing their own stories in writers workshop
- first graders inventing leprechaun traps
- middle school students raising fry to release into local streams
- sixth graders using natural materials to fashion Stone Age tools
- second graders greeting one another and their teacher in Spanish
"A single good point or question is quickly fueled by the teacher and becomes a full-fledged debate. It can get pretty animated around here sometimes!" Sixth grade student
Caring and Creative Environment
Students are encouraged to ask questions and explore new things. We value them as individuals and provide an environment in which it is safe to experiment.
Examples:
- Self-science is a component of every homeroom from kindergarten through middle school. Led by our on-site counselor, students explore their inner selves and learn to respect and empathize with others.
- Throughout the year older children are paired with younger buddies. Together they do crafts, participate in community service, and help and recognize one another.
- The individual child is recognized and welcomed by the whole community, teachers, office staff and administration.
- We seek out opportunities for community service. Students organize food drives, sing at care facilities, and make care packages for those in need.
Fifth graders serve a meal at a local shelter and gain understanding about the problems of homelessness.
"I like self-science because it teaches you about your inner self, friendship and problem-solving."- Sixth grade student
"I felt well prepared when I got to high school - not just academically but socially because I was used to having strong relationships with my teachers, and I learned to get along with lots of different kinds of people." Keys graduate
The music teacher organizes a series of mini-recitals where students can share their talent with small, appreciative audiences.
"I have friends in every grade at Keys. Some are girls and some are boys, but they're all good." -Third grader
Broad Curriculum Designed for Academic Achievement
We believe in a strong foundation in basic subjects areas and that art, music, drama, and physical education are integral to whole child development. Different students learn in different ways, and we offer a smorgasboard of teaching approaches to allow individuals many ways to approach the subject matter.
Examples:
- An interdisciplinary unit about the Renaissance combines art, music, movement, science, language arts and social studies, and lets students experience the material using different "intelligences".
- There is opportunity for "mastery type" learners to conquer bits of material in "bite-sized" pieces when there are weekly checks on learning and projects are divided into manageable steps.
- Students learn algorithms as a foundation for higher math and also participate in hands-on problem solving. Together they explore different approaches to understanding concepts and finding solutions.
- The reading program balances phonics with literature-based curriculum. Students read widely to explore other cultures and to find insights into their own lives.
- Young writers participate in writing workshop. Throughout all grades writing skills are taught step-by-step and students receive constructive and specific feedback in both creative and expository writing. Speeches delivered by eighth graders at their graduation banquet showcase the progress they have made in learning to express themselves with confidence, clarity, and grace.
Balanced Approach
- The arts and physical education are integral to growth. The art program gives students the opportunity to draw, sculpt, and paint while learning about history and theory. In the music program students learn theory, practice technique, and sing and play instruments while learning about genres and music history. Physical education is skill-based, developmentally appropriate, and emphasizes building self-confidence and respect for others. We believe that experience in these areas leads to increased confidence and mastery of all other subjects.
- Our physical education program focuses on sportsmanship and skill building. After-school sports allows children to participate without fear of rejection. We de-emphasize competition and concentrate on encouraging each person's personal best.
- Underlying the curriculum is a deep-seated belief in recognizing the whole child as an individual. Emotions and a sense of belonging are just as important to how we learn as study skills. Keys addresses both.
- Growth is promoted throughout the community. Teachers challenge themselves to learn about new practices and theory; parents participate in educational opportunities coordinated by the KSA. We agree to share and learn from one another.
- Teachers monitor and endeavor to keep homework in balance with the rest of life.
"The study of music charges both sides of the brain and helps develop the 'whole' person. Body, spirit, mind, and voice all come into play when we make music." - Music teacher
"The sports program at Keys is a gem. The students show such heart. Participation and effort are valued." - Keys parent
"For learning to be optimal, my classroom has to be a truly collaborative experience, where everyone feels encouragement and a sense of belonging. " - Kindergarten teacher
Diverse and Supportive Community
- The Keys community reflects an unusual degree of ethnic and socio-economic diversity.
- We look for opportunities to share different traditions and viewpoints.
- The Admissions office and our counselor have programs in place to welcome and foster new students and their families throughout the first weeks of school.
- We aim for a collaborative atmosphere. To prepare for conferences, teachers meet as a team in order to present a picture of the whole child.
