_edited.png)
Learning
The FIG fosters the love of learning for learning’s sake. Students encounter the joy of an education that builds logically from year to year, evolving from phonics into reading the Great Books, writing, science, and mathematics. Students hear from an early age the stories of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. They read the adventures of the heroes of the Greek myths and the early explorers. They learn about the truly unique revolution and experiment in government that is the founding of America. And they fall in love with history. Our math and science teachers help students encounter the wonder and logic of numbers, the natural sciences, and physical laws.
Kindergarten through
2nd Grade
Our youngest learners start with learning how to read using phonics. They progress to learning basic grammar, and they develop their motor skills by practicing penmanship. In these early years, students also learn numbers, progressing to basic mathematical operations. Throughout these years, students listen to stories about the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. They learn the biographies of historical figures from this period, and through these stories, they become engaged in history.
3rd through 5th Grade
In the upper grades, students build on grammar skills, read more advanced texts, and begin formal writing instruction. They begin training in Latin to enhance vocabulary and connect with history, while also surveying early American history and the Age of Exploration. Science, math, and specials like art, music, and physical education round out the curriculum, fostering both intellectual growth and creativity.
English
Students continue to reinforce their learning of grammar, and they progress to reading more advanced books in the Great Books tradition as well as selected Newberry Award winning books. Beginning in 4th grade, students begin a more formal course in writing that helps them learn how to write clearly and effectively.
Latin
In 3rd grade, students begin the study of Latin, to learn the root of romance languages, which enhances vocabulary and reinforces grammar. Latin also provides a window into ancient history and politics, reinforcing lessons learned in other classes taught in the integrative approach at the FIG.
History
History forms the foundation of our elementary humanities education. Students study the adventurers of the Age of Exploration and move onto early American history, where they get to know the founding fathers and the great experiment in government that is America.
Science
Students start a more formal learning of science in 3rd grade, where they get exposure to elementary concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Math
Students use Beast Academy and The Art of Problem Solving to learn the basic functions of math in a logical way that will form the foundation for our well-regarded higher level math courses and competitions in the upper school.
Specials
Art and music classes help to foster creativity among our students, and during physical education and recess, students are encouraged to play, socialize, and exercise.
Enrichment
Students learn to develop logic skills in enrichment courses such as chess. They have the option of taking Robotics, in which they learn the fundamentals of engineering and programming. Students work in groups of 3 to 5 to design and implement a robot capable of solving a specific challenge that changes from year to year.
Competition
Our students begin to familiarize themselves with competitions in the lower school. There are a myriad of competitions available to them, including math; robotics; chess tournaments; Spelling Bee; Geography Bee; History Bowl; Science Bowl; and writing contests. They consistently take most of the top 15 spots, including 1st and 2nd places.
Clubs
Our students are encouraged to engage in various after school clubs, including math; Robotics; science; chess; Girls on the Run; writing; and spelling clubs.