First grade – a benchmark year signaled by the move to the “big building.” Other highlights include learning about and touring diverse St. Louis neighborhoods, creating time capsules to be opened in sixth grade, and studying Australia. Children also learn about the history of the School, and are allowed to go up into the “spooky” attic – the only grade that gets to do so.

Some favorite books for first graders include the Amelia Bedelia series, The Boxcar Children series, and Stone Fox. And taking home “Mr. Bear” and writing in his journals are very popular.

Academically, students are using a literature-based approach to reading. They secure math concepts through use of manipulatives and learn various strategies for addition and subtraction. They refine their D’Nealian penmanship skills and write in-depth creative stories and a research paper on an Australian animal. They also write original poems which they share with parents during a “Poetry Tea” in the spring. Spelling instruction formally starts in first grade.