Specialists

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS (PK-5th Grade)

In Music and Performing Arts classes, students expand their skills in singing, speaking, acting, presenting, dancing, and play instruments. Using a Kodály-inspired curriculum based around solfège, singing, and brave instrument use, students explore every facet of the performing arts. A primary goal of the program is to build students' confidence. With many performance opportunities spread throughout the year, no moment is the only chance to try out a solo. Young performers work their bodies, voices, and imaginations to create music and tell stories. As they age, musicians move from unpitched percussion instruments to pitched percussion, gradually finding their way to handheld treble clef instruments like ukuleles and recorders.     

P.E. (P.K-5th Grade)

The Valley P.E. program develops students’ motor, cognitive, and social skills, so they gain the confidence to become lifelong movers. Of course, we also aim to get our wiggles out and have fun using a wide variety of games, sports basics, and moderate to vigorous physical activity, in ways that help students feel successful. In the Lower School, the focus is on foundational movements and skill building, and in the Upper School, the focus is on linking strategies and tactics across groups of sports (net/wall games, invasion games, target games and striking/fielding games). In all grades we have ample opportunities to practice conflict resolution and good sportspersonship.

SCIENCE (PK-5th Grade)

Science at Valley is hands-on and tailored to spark student curiosity and wonder. Each class includes time for inquiry, observation, and investigation, which allows students to take control of their learning. Units are designed to expose students to a variety of scientific fields including life, earth, and physical sciences. Woven throughout our science curriculum is an emphasis on sustainability, stewardship, and environmental justice. At each grade, students look forward to particular culminating projects like raising salmon, creating a Valley School Field Guide, building simple machines or a large scale model of a dinosaur, and dissecting sheep brains! 

SPANISH (PK-5th Grade)

Our Spanish program is based on joyful exposure to language and sets the stage for future language learning. Inquiry, compelling communication, and meaningful connections guide language acquisition at Valley. We practice curiosity for cultures different from our own. We communicate about the things that matter most to us. We build connections within our school and local communities, and with people and places around the globe. We tell and respond to stories, learn vocabulary in context, and steadily grow our ability to understand and produce language. And we do it in Spanish!  

VISUAL ARTS (K-2)

Our Visual Arts program promotes artistic exploration and expression through play. Throughout the year, students are introduced to a variety of artistic media and materials and are encouraged to experiment with form. We celebrate our discoveries, share with each other, and collaborate on select art projects. Projects are designed around skill-building and structured with tinkering and risk-tasking in mind. Rather than focus on cultivating a particular visual aesthetic or sense of perfection, we help our students become confident and creative artists. Students develop visual literacy skills with an emphasis on expressing ideas through nonverbal communication. Together we make connections between the art we make and the art we see in the world around us.