Elementary School Day
The elementary school day officially begins at 8:00 a.m. If students choose, a free breakfast is served in the cafeteria beginning at 7:30 a.m. Students often mingle in the courtyard in front of the school, and a few minutes before 8:00 a.m. are asked to line up with their grade. The elementary doors open at 8:00 a.m., and the children go to their classrooms, unpack their belongings and get ready for the school day.
After settling in – and perhaps some activities – most grades begin instruction in reading and language arts. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade are taught reading using the Direct Instruction Reading Mastery program. Students meet in small groups with the teacher to receive instruction and then complete follow-up reading and writing activities that build on the day’s learning. In fifth grade reading, students’ reading instruction focuses on reading on novels and non-fiction. Reading studies for all grade levels are often enriched with various arts activities.
Mathematics also is taught for an extended period each day. Instruction emphasizes basic computation, mathematical reasoning, and the written explanation of mathematical problems. Each grade level also explores topics in social studies and science. Often because of the number of parents with science backgrounds and affilations with Johns Hopkins University, students receive specialized instruction on scientific topics. Students travel in homerooms to subject area teachers.
During each day, the students will attend one of five “Special Area Resource” or SPAR classes. These classes include art, vocal music, foreign language (Spanish for grades Kindergarten-2, French for grades 3-5), library, or physical education/movement class. Students from grade 3-5 may choose to take band or orchestra in lieu of one of the SPAR classes.
Students are dismissed at 2:45 p.m. Kindergarten and second grade students exit at doors by the kindergarten playground. First, third, fourth, and fifth grade students exit by the “blue doors” on the side of the elementary building.
Some students remain after school in the Roland Park Elementary After-School program or Fitness Fun & Games. Others participate in a wide variety of clubs and activities at the school.
Middle School Day
The middle school day officially begins at 8:15 a.m. Students who arrive early may either go to breakfast, which begins at 7:30 a.m. in the cafeteria, or may wait outside near their grade level entrance. Sixth graders line up in front of the school along the fish fence; seventh graders behind the building by the cafeteria; and eighth graders behind the building near the gymnasium doors. Students enter the building at 8:15 a.m.
Five classes make up a typical day. All middle school students take the core subjects of mathematics, language arts, science and social studies. Some students also take a foreign language: Latin, Spanish, or French.
All students participate daily in a Special Area Resource (SPAR) class. Art, gym, drama, vocal music, and creative writing are offered in semester-long classes. Students also have the option of participating in band or orchestra.
The school day ends at 3:05 p.m. Many students remain after school for sports, clubs and activities.