ACADEMICS
Growing into Independent Learners
Every day at St. Nicholas offers something new to discover. One morning, a child is reading with growing confidence. Later that day, they're testing an idea in science, stopping on the nature trail to investigate something they've never noticed before, or creating artwork that helps them see the world differently. Little by little, they discover the satisfaction of asking thoughtful questions and figuring things out for themselves.
Every year builds on the one before it. Children who arrive sounding out their first words become students proudly holding a book they've written themselves. By fifth grade, they're standing before the school to share a speech they've spent weeks shaping into their own—confident in both their ideas and their ability to express them.
A Well-Rounded Academic Experience
Students build a strong foundation in the core academic subjects while related arts and shared experiences extend learning across the school day. Each part of the program gives children another way to understand an idea, practice a skill, or contribute to their community.
Core Academics
Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies taught with depth and intention.
Core Academics
Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies taught with depth and intention.
- Reading Skills & Strategy
- Language Arts & Writing
- Mathematics
- Science
- STEM Activities
- Social Studies & Exploration
Related Arts
Classes that expand creativity, language, movement, and tools for learning.
Related Arts
Classes that expand creativity, language, movement, and tools for learning.
- Art
- Art History
- Music
- Choir
- Spanish
- Library
- Gardening
- Technology
- Movement
Beyond the Classroom
A consistent rhythm that builds community, character, and joy.
Beyond the Classroom
A consistent rhythm that builds community, character, and joy.
- Daily Morning Chapel
- Active Play
- Mini-Courses
- Service Opportunities
- Lunch
- Self-Responsibility in Class
Mini-Courses are short, immersive learning experiences offered each year, ranging from creative arts to cultural exploration and hands-on projects. Friendly Fridays occur throughout the school year, and are a time when students in Levels 2-7 work together in small multi-age groups on service projects.
How Learning Grows with Your Child
Every stage of elementary school brings something different. At St. Nicholas, wonder remains at the heart of learning while children gradually take on greater challenges and more responsibility each year. The journey unfolds one year at a time, with each experience preparing them for what comes next. Swipe through the journey.
PK3–4
Belonging and Discovery
Our youngest learners begin in a warm, welcoming environment where relationships, play, and exploration intertwine to lay the groundwork of a strong foundation, built on:
- Curiosity and discovery through hands-on play
- Early language and literacy woven throughout the day
- Space to wonder, create, and grow
Kindergarten
Capability and Wonder
Kindergarten is play-based learning with plenty of time outdoors. Our campus and trails extend the classroom, giving children room to explore, experiment, and grow in confidence.
- Learning through play, movement, and hands-on exploration
- Mistakes are expected and help build resilience
- Responsibility grows through real routines and care for community
Lower Primary: Grades 1 & 2
Agency
Students begin to see themselves as learners and community members. They build early independence with the support and challenge they need. Teachers serve as guides to help students build focus, learn stamina, and independence. Attention and self-control grow through:
- Collaboration, friendship skills, and citizenship
- Growth in responsibility for daily plans, routines, materials, and expectations
- Discovering their unique learning styles through reading, writing, and core math skills
Middle Primary: Grade 3
Inquiry and Courage
Middle Primary allows opportunities for challenges and increased responsibility. Students practice strategies for success and learn to take healthy risks with steady guidance from teachers. Students grow through:
- More application, independence, and choice in learning
- Natural consequences that build maturity and problem-solving
- Expanded stamina in reading, writing, and thinking. Grasping of scientific concepts
- Increased participation in speaking, with poise in the expression of ideas, discussion, and thinking
Upper Primary: Grades 4 & 5
Ownership and Voice
Students grow into ownership of their own journey. They learn how they learn, advocate for what they need, and step into leadership roles. They move from concrete thoughts to conceptual ideas. They prepare for middle school by building:
- Time management, organization, metacognition, and study habits
- Leadership, service, and responsibility to the community
- Confidence speaking, writing, and thinking critically
- Ability to understand differing viewpoints
- Integrated STEM Skills
A Campus That Expands the Classroom
Beginning in the primary grades, students spend much of their day in cottages that serve as close-knit home bases for learning. From there, the school day moves across campus to the library, chapel, garden, gym, nature trail, and outdoor learning spaces.
That movement is part of the education. Children have space to investigate something they've noticed outside, carry ideas from one subject into another, and experience learning in different settings throughout the day. Where children learn shapes how they learn.
Who St. Nicholas Students Become
The moments that shape childhood don't end with childhood. Day by day, children grow into thoughtful learners, compassionate friends, and young people who are ready for new challenges. We call that our Portrait of a Graduate.
Ready to Lead with Heart
A St. Nicholas graduate approaches the world with confidence, courage, and care by:
- Acting with empathy and respect
- Leading with humility and kindness
- Viewing the world with joy and wonder
Equipped to Think and Create
A St. Nicholas graduate thinks creatively and critically by:
- Expressing themselves thoughtfully and assuredly
- Adapting and applying skills as compassionate, engaged citizens
- Enjoying challenges and exploring creative solutions
Living with Purpose and Presence
A St. Nicholas graduate understands their place in a wider community and lives this out by:
- Appreciating different ideas, cultures, and faiths while practicing inclusivity
- Serving with humility, integrity, and kindness
- Seeing God in themselves and others