Accelerated and Enriched Study
The curriculum includes reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts. Students study content that is more abstract, more complex, broader, and deeper than the norm. Studies are both accelerated and enriched through flexible grouping strategies, field trips, guest speakers, and written and visual media. Instruction in music, art, Spanish, media and technology, and physical education is provided by specialists in those areas.
Thinking skills
After establishing a solid knowledge base, an emphasis is on critical and creative thinking skills, problem-solving and logical reasoning, research skills, and a wide variety of communication skills.
Problem Solving
Students are assisted in individual and group investigations of real problems that necessitate research and involve the development of a product. They create products in several categories including written, oral, media/visual arts, and performing arts.
Environment
The development of positive self-esteem, independence, interpersonal skills, leadership, responsibility, appreciation of diversity, and the understanding of one’s giftedness are aims of Sycamore School. Teachers promote concern and compassion, risk-taking, curiosity, organization, communication, and imagination by establishing classrooms that are complex, open-ended, and accepting environments.