The Upper Primary Division of Summit School consists of Grades 1, 2, and 3. Our highly dedicated, caring, and experienced teachers work toward providing a challenging curriculum within a caring environment to help students develop their full potential (as stated in our school mission statement). Upon visiting the Summit Upper Primary Division, you will immediately feel the Summit difference. You may hear music coming down the hall and the joyful voices of our students. You will be welcomed into classrooms that are inviting and equipped with the best resources available. You may hear students in a lively discussion about various famous Americans. You will see original student art on the walls. In short, you will feel energy, warmth, and inclusion into a community of learners.

Summit School understands that not all students learn alike and that we can learn from each other. Therefore, we provide a variety of experiences that help each child reach his or her full potential. While we provide expert instruction on the basic skills, we also challenge children to apply and refine their skills in real world situations through hands-on projects and interdisciplinary activities. For example, the First Grade Famous Americans, the Second Grade Native Americans, and the Third Grade Pioneers units of study require students to apply their math, geography, reading, writing, research, speaking, and artistic skills in an integrated way. Our students benefit from the vast knowledge of our classroom teachers as well as specialists in the areas of the visual and performing arts, music, foreign language, and physical education. We are also fortunate to have the help of volunteer parents who come from many walks of life.

We subscribe to the belief that "it takes a village to raise a child," so we encourage open communication and strong working relationships among teachers, parents, and the administration. At the beginning of the school year, we have informative Parents Nights at each grade level. Throughout the year, we hold three parent/teacher conferences. In addition, we send home a weekly folder in which we include vital information for parents in the form of newsletters, hand-outs, and personal communications. Of course, parents and teachers may contact each other at unscheduled times to share positive feedback or seek help. Our staff is highly accessible through 24-hour phone and e-mail systems. We invite you to contact us for further information.

Roanne Ornelles
Head of Upper Primary