Programs And Curriculum Overview
Our curriculum is balanced and integrated, and contains a strong traditional component. Our purpose is to provide an environment where learning can take center stage, and where students will be confident thinkers, leaders, citizens and friends. Classes are small and are capped at 15 at all grade levels. Classes may be combined for physical education.
Lower School and Middle School Programs
The Lower School program includes Kindergarten through grades 4. There is one self-contained classroom for each grade level. The Lower School program begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Our Middle School program includes grades 5 through 8. Middle School students rotate rooms for different classes each period depending on the subject matter. The Middle School program also begins at 8:00 a.m. and includes a mandatory study hall from 3:00-3:30 p.m., daily.
Curriculum Outline
Language Arts
The literature read at the Girls' School of Austin is purposeful and meaningful, with the intent of developing in students an understanding of the human experience. Literature selections reflect the multi-cultural, complex world we inhabit. Uncovering and making sense of the deeper meanings and dimensions of assigned readings, using literature as a springboard for personal writing, and developing vocabulary, all support students' growth as readers and writers. Literature Circles allow our students to not only respond to literature but to develop critical literacy skills and lead discussions themselves. Our goal is to teach a love for writing while teaching the students to see themselves as authors in many different genres. Writing class is taught through Writer's Workshop where students focus on not only the grammatical component of writing but also the craft. Public speaking is a vital component, and students gain confidence through experience in a safe environment.
Math
Math at the Girls' School of Austin is integrated within the other sciences as well as taught and experienced through carefully constructed classes. Mathematical learning is supported by the use of tools-manipulatives, games, literature and technology. Through daily practice and reinforcement, the brain is trained to process mathematically and logically. The faculty strives to teach towards conceptual understanding and depth followed by procedural knowledge. We take a balanced approach to mathematical literacy with an emphasis on both basic skills and problem solving.
Science
Girls in all grades at GSA explore the world of science on a daily basis. Science, including physics, biology, chemistry and the earth, is centered around a curriculum grounded in the philosophy that scientific knowledge and an understanding of the scientific process are best gained through activity. By starting experiments and collaborative projects in early elementary, students learn that scientists who perform the scientific method are patient, calm, and observant. By building simple machines and robots, students will learn to integrate the laws of physics. By creating mixtures, polymers and colloids, they will gain an understanding of the properties of chemistry. Field trips contribute to and reinforce students' scientific learning.
Technology
Information technology is a part of our present and our future. GSA has desktop or laptop computers which can be used to take notes, research interests on the Internet, take a virtual expedition, or participate in a Webquest. Girls learn to navigate the Internet, distinguish factual websites from those more opinion-based, and sort and qualify data. Hands-on Robotics projects integrate parallel development in math and science.
Social Studies
The girls gain a global understanding of the history and geography of our world through reading, research and writing. They develop an understanding of the motivations behind historical and political actions, and garner a respect for and an appreciation of world cultures. From school trips and guest lecturers, girls gain first-hand knowledge of our past and our present, of our government, our community and our country and our world.
Foreign Languages
Students in grades 6 through 8 are required to take a foreign language at GSA. Spanish is currently offered and includes the study of language as well as culture. While exploring the cultural components, students also gain confidence in basic conversational skills.
Fine Arts
Fine arts at the Girls' School of Austin is integrated with other studies, yet is taught by experts in their respective fields. Students not only create art in class, but also study the works of Masters. The art curriculum includes a series of technique-oriented projects, each of which integrates personal artistic development, art history, art techniques, and applications. Each grade is taught through the same process, tailored to the grade level, with the intent of maximizing each girl's learning, creativity, and expression. Exhibitions of the projects enhance the girls' overall artistic experience.
Drama
Creative Dramatics can play an important role in who your daughter becomes. Classes are not just performance oriented, but serve as an outlet for many types of expression. These lessons in creative play enhance written and oral communication development, as well as strengthen listening and memory skills for all ages. All students, whether shy or outgoing, are given room to find their comfort level so they have a positive experience in the classroom. We go wherever our imagination will take us, all the while learning and dreaming about who we are and who we want to become.
Music
Music at GSA includes instruction in violin, viola, cello or piano. Music from different cultures and time periods provides a breadth of experience, and theory and appreciation are taught through performance, listening and song. Strings classes at the Girls' School of Austin is goal-oriented since learning music is first about making music. Posture, theory, and technique are important, but only as tools to reach the goal of making music and having fun doing it. Our goal is to have each student feel comfortable with her instrument, learn challenging pieces in a wide range of musical styles, and feel equally good about playing by herself. Piano is paced individually, is tailored to students' interests and includes individual lessons and theory, technique regimen, and studio performances (mock performances, audience behavior, and constructive comment in a supportive, non-competitive environment). A bi-annual school wide concert encourages our budding musicians to display their talents to the community.
Physical Education and Health
Sports at the Girls' School of Austin involve collaborative efforts that help build a healthy physical self-esteem. Students learn that movement can be both fun and recreational as well as essential. Health and nutrition are major components of the curriculum as well, and are addressed through PE and science classes. A positive approach, balancing nutrition, movement, sleep, promotes real health, an enhanced self-image, acceptance and self-respect.
Civic Development
Focusing on the whole child and respecting her as a growing individual is a central component to our school's philosophy. As adults and peers demonstrate empathy, mistakes and personal growth, we strive to build a student whose world view goes beyond herself and considers not only her immediate community but also the global community as a whole. Teachers model and encourage problem solving skills within the student community to help students value that strong interpersonal skills are an important facet to future growth.
Field Trips
The Girls' School of Austin encourages teachers to take advantage of the resources in the area to extend the students' classroom experiences. There are abundant opportunities for interesting and worthwhile field trips. With a wide variety of cultural and educational opportunities, GSA students benefit from these trips every year. The field trips are in conjunction with the classroom program and expand the richness and depth of the girls' understanding. An annual highlight for the 5th and 6th grade girls is Ranch Romp, a team building trip giving the girls an opportunity to also explore the world around us.