Our primary goal is to develop proficiency in the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The reading program incorporates a balanced literacy approach that includes the following components: read alouds, shared reading, guided reading, literature study, and independent reading. A wide range of literary genres and other materials are used, and instruction varies from full class to small groups to individualized work.

Writing is an important part of each curriculum area. The students learn all the components of good writing, are involved in research projects, use the computers to assist them in writing and also learn to produce writing on a given topic within a designated period of time. Writing is also integrated into other subject areas. For example, they are expected to write in math to explain how they solved a problem. Assessment occurs through teacher-directed assessments and through a New York State English language arts assessment administered to all third, fourth, fifth and sixth graders.