Grades K-6

Building Foundations

Our academic program sparks the joy of learning through meaningful relationships that form the foundation of every student's experience. With guidance from specialized teachers and the support of a close-knit community, our intentional curriculum ensures students build personal and academic confidence, form connections, and develop strong communication skills. As they engage in a wide range of subjects and experiences, they shine—developing the knowledge and skills they need to thrive both in school and beyond.

Every Child is Seen and Known

Small Class Sizes

Kindergarten

8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
Language Arts and Math
16 Average Class Size
Science, History, Spanish, Art, Music, P.E.

1st-6th Grade

9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
20 Average Class Size

What we love about Pinewood is the careful preparation the teachers do to create the most engaging, thoughtful academics. Our teachers' dedication to our children shines when we hear about daily lessons or how excited they are to learn.

Sarah Lyndsey-Wong
Pinewood Parent

1 Subject = 1 Teacher

Pinewood nurtures well-rounded students in departmentalized classes, a distinctive approach for grades K-6. With specialized teachers for each subject, we ensure that our students receive a balanced learning experience across all disciplines.

Student Support

Our teachers, learning specialists, counselors, and administrators work together to ensure every Pinewood student is supported and equipped with the resources, care, and opportunities to not just succeed, but truly thrive.

Curricular Overview

Language Arts

Our language arts program empowers students to master literature, conventions (grammar, spelling, vocabulary), and writing. Through daily small group reading sessions with teachers, students develop accuracy, expression, and comprehension skills. We emphasize the importance of understanding English grammar—not just for writing, but for fully grasping spoken and written language. The strong foundation built in reading, spelling, vocabulary, and grammar seamlessly integrates into our writing program, where students engage with each stage of the writing process. By studying and practicing the Six Traits of Writing, students gain the skills and diligence needed to craft thoughtful, polished pieces.

Math

Our mathematics program equips students with strong computational skills, a deep understanding of core concepts, and sharp logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities. We ensure students see the relevance of math in everyday life. Through a blend of teacher-guided instruction and opportunities for independent and group activities in enrichment classes, students learn to articulate logical steps in their work, compare strategies, and grasp each concept thoroughly. Regular review of previously studied material enhances retention and automaticity, improving both speed and accuracy. This mastery of fundamentals lays the groundwork for understanding new concepts with confidence.

Science

Our science curriculum emphasizes discovery and hands-on experimentation, ensuring that students engage with the real world in meaningful ways. The phenomena-based curriculum combines hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools, empowering students to think, read, write, and argue like true scientists and engineers. In our classrooms, learning is tangible, active, and rooted in real experiences.

History

Our history curriculum follows the Core Knowledge sequence for history and geography, as established by the Core Knowledge Foundation. This carefully structured progression ensures that knowledge and skills build cumulatively each year, providing students with a rich and comprehensive understanding of American history, world history, and geography. The program is designed to ignite a deep passion for history, with each grade preparing students to eagerly explore the next layer of subject matter. The thoughtfully crafted sequence also eliminates repetitions and gaps, offering a seamless and engaging learning experience.

Spanish

Our Spanish curriculum at Pinewood follows a spiraled, six-level program that builds students’ functional skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. As students progress, each level increases in complexity while reinforcing prior knowledge. Through creative and participatory learning, students also explore Hispanic cultures, fostering understanding, tolerance, and respect for diverse cultures and countries. Our elementary program lays a strong foundation in the fundamentals of the language, supporting the children’s growth and ensuring a deep and lasting connection with Spanish.

Computer Science & Engineering

At Pinewood, we’re redefining K-12 education with our comprehensive Computer Science & Engineering (CS&E) curriculum, starting in kindergarten. From their very first year, students are introduced to early programming concepts, robotics, and design thinking through hands-on learning and cross-curricular projects that integrate science, social studies, and language arts.

As they progress to grades 1 and 2, the curriculum expands with monthly modules that alternate between programming lessons and engineering/design collaborations, introducing them to platforms like Scratch 3.0, VEX, Ozobots, and Lego Spike.

In grades 3 through 6, students delve into advanced daily lessons that transition from block-based to text-based programming, with a focus on Python by grade 6. They also engage with tools like CAD, 3D printing, and laser cutting within a Design-Thinking framework.

What sets our program apart is our emphasis on fostering innovation and collaboration through project-based learning. By the time they reach Upper Campus, students not only have a strong foundation in CS&E but also carry forward a passion and confidence to tackle future challenges.

Visual Arts

Our visual arts curriculum weaves together art history, art criticism, and studio art, enabling students to express themselves creatively while recognizing the vital connections between art and life within our community. Students build a personal vocabulary of expression, gaining confidence in their creativity and mastering a diverse range of artistic techniques. They learn to observe details, envision possibilities, persevere through challenges, and make thoughtful, justified critical judgments, all while nurturing a deep appreciation for the role of art in their lives.

Performing Arts

The tradition of performing arts at Pinewood School traces back to our founder, Gwendolyn Riches, who was dedicated to fostering confidence and dynamic communication—essential life skills. Through the performing arts experience, students learn to express themselves using their voice, body, and facial expressions. Every class has the opportunity to rehearse and perfect a production that is performed for the school and families, resulting in sixteen plays each year. This experience not only hones students' performing skills but also teaches them the important skills of being an engaged and respectful audience member.

Music

In our music program, students engage in a comprehensive, hands-on experience that includes singing, movement, basic music theory, and instrument instruction. We encourage a creative and expressive connection to music, with much of the curriculum centered on the Orff Approach and the Kodály method. Throughout the year, students explore and perform a wide range of musical genres, including traditional, folk, patriotic, holiday, and contemporary songs. They also gain familiarity with some of the world’s greatest composers and musical works, enriching their understanding and appreciation of music.

Physical Education

Physical activity at Pinewood does more than improve fitness; it enhances academic stamina and overall well-being. Our physical education program offers daily classes for all grade levels, where students engage in a wide range of activities, including both competitive and non-competitive team sports. These activities are designed to promote good social behavior and cooperation among students. The program's goal is to cultivate lifelong skills in sportsmanship and physical fitness while fostering a genuine enjoyment of athletics.

Social and Emotional Learning

At Pinewood, our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program is deeply integrated into the fabric of our students' daily experiences, guiding them to develop the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills essential for thriving in both school and life.

For our K-2 students, we use the Kimochis program, which introduces young learners to feelings and emotional expression in a playful and engaging way. Through Kimochis, students learn to identify and communicate their emotions, fostering empathy, kindness, and positive social interactions from an early age.

As students progress to grades 3-6, our SEL curriculum evolves with the Wayfinder program. This research-based approach helps students deepen their self-awareness, resilience, and relationship skills. Through interactive lessons and real-world applications, Wayfinder encourages students to navigate social challenges, set goals, and contribute positively to their community.

Together, Kimochis and Wayfinder create a seamless SEL journey from kindergarten through 6th grade, equipping Pinewood students with the tools to build strong relationships, make responsible decisions, and grow into confident, compassionate individuals.

Empowering Learning Through Technology

Balanced Integration

Technology is seamlessly integrated into Pinewood's curriculum to enhance learning across all subjects. Starting in kindergarten, students in K-2 classrooms benefit from shared iPads, while from 3rd grade onward, each student has their own iPad (that stays at school). Our teachers use these tools daily to enrich their lessons, whether it’s for interactive learning experiences or fostering creativity and collaboration.

Technology at Pinewood serves as a tool to support—not replace—the critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills we prioritize. While we encourage the use of technology in the classroom, students are taught to rely on their own skills, using devices in a balanced way that complements their learning journey.

In alignment with our generative AI guidelines, AI tools are only introduced with purpose and teacher approval, ensuring they enhance learning without compromising our students' development as independent thinkers. This approach helps us shape students who are thoughtful, curious, and equipped to navigate a dynamic world.

Course Catalog

Our course catalog provides a detailed overview of our subject-area curriculum, including learning objectives at each grade level.

Explore the Course Catalog

Sample Schedules

Take a look at how our students progress through their subjects each day in these sample schedules.

Sample Kindergarten Schedule

Sample 1st and 2nd-Grade Schedule

Sample 3rd through 6th Grade Schedule

Student Resources

We are committed to providing every student with the support they need to succeed. We focus on creating an environment where both teachers and students feel supported and empowered, ensuring that each learner has access to the resources necessary to thrive.

Our team, made up of dedicated teachers, learning specialists, counselors, and administrators, works together to make sure no student is left behind. We are focused on not only helping students succeed but also ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.

Learning Specialists

Learning Specialists

Provide support for students experiencing learning challenges, and identify and implement accommodations.
Work directly with teachers to help them support individual students' needs.
Offer faculty training to help teachers recognize and support students with learning difficulties.
Provide education and resources to parents/guardians to support their children.
Coordinate with outside tutors and therapists as needed to meet students’ learning and social-emotional needs.

Tutoring

Tutoring

Language arts and math teachers are available weekly during certain periods for extra help, as needed, during the school day.
Some teachers offer private tutoring after school for students who need additional support. Arrangements and fees are handled directly with the teacher, but tutoring cannot be done by a student’s classroom teacher, nor can tutoring take place during school hours.

Parent-Teacher Conferences