Primary School (K-Grade 2)

At FXW, our dedicated faculty educate the hearts and minds of our students. Children in kindergarten through second grade are at an age of discovery and recognition. We focus on instilling a sense of belonging and confidence in these early years.

By aligning content standards with imaginative themes that link all areas of the curriculum, our teachers cultivate a climate of collaboration and act as guides and facilitators, providing stimulating and challenging materials and activities for students. Knowing that children learn best when provided with hands-on activities, lessons are designed to provide relevant connections to the children’s own life experiences. The classroom setting encourages higher-level thinking and problem solving, while supporting self-esteem and fostering a love of learning.

 

In our classrooms, children become self-directed and respectful learners. We believe that each child has a unique pathway to learning; therefore, teachers use a toolbox of strategies to adapt lessons that best match each child’s individual needs.

 

During the literacy block, teachers deliver systematic instruction in reading, writing and language development. Teacher directed centers offer practice and instruction in the five areas of reading: phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, fluency and vocabulary.

 

Students also participate in hands-on, experiential lessons that are inquiry-based to develop an in-depth understanding of science and math content. Lessons are designed to encourage creative and critical thinking, and provide real-life experiences in problem solving.

Assessment at FXW

We believe that the primary purpose of assessment is to improve teaching and learning. Through annual goal setting, parents are involved as active, essential participants. Assessment involves multiple perspectives and sources of data: checklists, teacher observations, written assessments, self-assessments, and portfolios.  Progress is communicated through standards based reports in conjunction with parent/teacher conferences.  

“Kids at this age are very focused on the destination. I try to get them to focus on the journey – on the things that we can learn along the way. When we conduct experiments in the lab and the students’ results vary, it gives us the opportunity to talk about why they got different results. My goal is to help develop their critical thinking skills.”

- Lindsay Mosshammer, 2nd & 3rd Grade Science Teacher

"Specials" at FXW

Art

Library

Music

Physical Education

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Spanish

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Primary School Leadership Team

Abigail Acuna

OSP Assistant Principal, Early Childhood

Courtney Britton

OSP Principal

Erin Horne

Director of Education

Heidi Meyer

OSP Assistant Principal, Learning and Logistics

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Experience FXW!

JOIN US!

Date: Saturday, November 9, 2024

Time: 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Who: Children ages 2-5 and their parents

Location: Old St. Patrick’s Campus
120 S. Desplaines St.

Registration: Click here