The elementary school prides itself on the attention and support it gives to each individual child. Small class size in the primary grades helps ensure that each individual's learning needs are met. Gifted students are given special opportunities to grow and progress beyond the core curriculum through the work of a full-time teacher for the gifted.
All students are challenged academically. Beyond basic learning skills, teachers incorporate science labs and experiments, hands-on math activities and a consistent emphasis on reading through literature. Students are also required to do a great deal of writing.
Parents are encouraged to be involved in their children's education. Teachers hold frequent conferences with families and call parents regularly. The Parent Teacher Organization (P.T.O) is very active. The Family Math and Parents as Reading Partners programs support learning through home and parent activities.
A team of Support staff helps students with special needs, to master basic academic skills. The Reading Recovery Program in first grade operates in tandem with remedial reading and math support teachers. Selected students are supported by a special education department and a child study team which includes a psychologist, speech and language therapist, a social worker and, in some instances, teacher assistants.
Besides the core academic curriculum, students round out their education by taking art, music and physical education. Library skills are promoted through an integrated curriculum. PQ students also participate in a number of enrichment and extra-curricular programs such as the Marsville Project, DARE, QUEST Quiz Bowl and National Olympiads in Social Studies, Geography and Mathematics. There is an active student government and many special events featuring the annual Halloween Fair. After-school recreation is offered by the Parent Teacher Organization.
In addition to an outstanding academic program, Middle school students can take advantage of classes in Art, Music, Technology, Physical Education, Study Skills, Chorus, Home and Career Skills. The Middle School offers accelerated programs to selected 8th grade students in Math (Course I) and Science (Regent's Earth Science). Participatory citizenship is learned through the eighth-grade Wreath laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia: A Memorial Day Tree Planting Ceremony and student representation through the Middle School Student Forum.
A strong teacher team for every grade level is used to focus on student needs and curriculum coordination. Both enrichment for gifted students and special education support services are also provided.
All students are encouraged to participate in more challenging courses through course support and extended programs which provide additional class time to master the curriculum. Senior students participate in an integrated English guidance workshop on the college essay and the Senior Experience which includes an oral defense of the senior research paper before a panel of teachers and community members.
Electives in
art,technology, home economics, math, English, social studies and music are open to
students of all abilities. High school academic opportunities include Advanced Placement
courses in calculus, English, biology, chemistry and American history. Special education
and support services are provided to selected students where need is identified.