Academics

A Strong Academic Foundation

Whether they are analyzing a novel, solving an equation, debating historical events, investigating a scientific question, or cracking a logic puzzle, TMS students are engaged and empowered learners. They leave our campus not only with a deep academic foundation but with the confidence, creativity, and curiosity to thrive in middle school and beyond.

That journey begins in the earliest grades. Our youngest learners build joyful routines, rich language, early numeracy, and strong social-emotional foundations. Through play, exploration, and purposeful instruction, they grow confident in who they are as learners and lay the groundwork for all that follows.

With small class sizes, our teachers truly get to know each student: how they learn, what sparks their curiosity, and where they shine. This deep understanding allows us to support both academic growth and personal development. Along the way, students build strong executive function toolkits by learning to plan, stay organized, manage time, and approach challenges with focus and flexibility.

At TMS, academics are not about racing ahead. They are about building up. We help students carry their learning with them wherever they go next.

Reading & Language Arts

Reading

Students progress from learning to read to reading to learn. Early instruction focuses on phonemic awareness, decoding, and fluency, while older students build comprehension skills through group discussions, nonfiction texts, and novel studies.
The reading journey culminates in 5th grade with a class reading of The Princess Bride, celebrated with a special event that brings the story to life.

Language Arts

Through daily practice, students strengthen vocabulary, grammar, and language mechanics. Word study is integrated into reading and writing to support effective communication and a rich command of language.

Writing

In the early grades, students begin with inventive spelling and journal entries to build comfort with expression. Over time, they learn to structure, revise, and refine their work. This process culminates in polished, research-based writing projects that showcase both creativity and skill.

Handwriting

In an age of screens, we intentionally keep technology limited in the early grades and place a strong emphasis on handwriting. Students receive direct instruction in print and cursive, supporting the development of fine motor skills, visual-motor coordination, and neural connections essential for memory, focus, and language processing. Handwriting is more than penmanship. It is a foundational tool that helps students organize their thinking and express their ideas with clarity and confidence.

Library

Students visit the library weekly to explore books, build research skills, and foster a lifelong love of reading. Younger students enjoy interactive story time with our librarian, helping them develop listening skills, early literacy, and a joy for storytelling. Older students use their time for independent reading, book discussions, or research tied to classroom learning. All students check out books each week.

To enrich their experience, we host both in-person and virtual author visits which give students the chance to meet real writers, ask questions, and see firsthand how books come to life.

Math

Math: Confidence Through Understanding

Our math curriculum builds deep understanding, fluency, and confidence. It helps students become flexible thinkers and capable problem-solvers from Pre-K4 through 5th grade.

In Pre-K4 through 1st grade, students explore math through hands-on activities, visual models, and real-life problem solving. Early concepts like counting, number relationships, patterns, and shapes are introduced in playful, developmentally appropriate ways. These experiences lay the groundwork for more abstract thinking.

In 2nd through 4th grade, students deepen their understanding of number operations, place value, measurement, geometry, and fractions. Instruction is designed to promote both conceptual understanding and skill fluency. There is an emphasis on applying math in meaningful contexts. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, try multiple strategies, and work collaboratively to solve problems.

In 5th grade, students engage in a spiraling curriculum that continually revisits and builds upon key concepts. This approach reinforces retention and mastery as students tackle more advanced topics in multi-digit operations, decimals, fractions, ratios, and early algebraic thinking. Daily practice and review help solidify skills while encouraging students to make connections across mathematical strands.

Math at TMS fosters:

Conceptual Understanding – Students explore not just how to solve a problem, but why strategies work.

Skill Mastery – Ongoing practice supports fluency and confidence in core operations.

Perseverance – Students build resilience by tackling challenging problems and reflecting on mistakes as part of the learning process.

Mathematical Communication – Students regularly share their thinking and reasoning through discussion and written explanations.

Science

Science: Curiosity in Action

Our commitment to fostering a love for science begins in Pre-K4 and continues through 5th grade. The curriculum is designed to ignite curiosity and build a strong foundation in scientific principles.

In Pre-K4 through 1st grade, students explore science through a hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum. They investigate natural phenomena using simple tools, observation, and guided experimentation. This approach nurtures early critical thinking and a natural curiosity about the world around them.

In 2nd through 5th grade, students transition into a NASA-inspired, mission-based curriculum. Using real-world challenges rooted in Earth science, physical science, life science, and space exploration, students engage in collaborative missions that simulate the work of real scientists and engineers. This PITSCO-supported curriculum builds teamwork, problem-solving, and research skills in a way that is both exciting and deeply educational.

Science at TMS fosters:

Critical Thinking – Students learn to ask questions, form hypotheses, and analyze evidence.
Collaboration – Mission-based learning emphasizes teamwork, communication, and cooperative problem-solving.
Real-World Relevance – Students see the connections between classroom learning and the world around them.
Preparation for Future Success – A strong foundation in science builds readiness for more advanced coursework in middle school and beyond.

Social Studies

Social Studies: Exploring Community and Culture

Social Studies at The Mandelstam School begins with the familiar and gradually expands outward. It guides students from an understanding of self and community to a broader awareness of the world.

In Pre-K4 and Kindergarten, students learn about families, neighborhoods, and local helpers. These early lessons build a foundation of empathy, civic awareness, and social responsibility. As students progress through the grades, their learning expands to include history, geography, world cultures, government, and current events. All topics are grounded in age-appropriate, meaningful contexts.

From Pre-K4 through 5th grade, every class participates in an annual, schoolwide project-based learning experience centered around global exploration. Each grade is assigned a different country to study throughout the year. Students engage in cross-curricular research and creative expression. They bring their assigned country to life through:

Hands-on research and writing projects
Visual displays and cultural artifacts
Traditional music, dance, and art
Interactive performances and presentations

This immersive approach allows students to make meaningful connections between global cultures and their own lives. It also helps them practice critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Social Studies at TMS fosters:

Global Citizenship – Students develop respect and curiosity for cultures, traditions, and perspectives different from their own.

Research & Inquiry – Children learn to ask meaningful questions, gather information, and share their learning in creative ways.

Cross-Curricular Integration – Through collaboration with the arts, language, and movement programs, students experience history and culture through multiple lenses.

Community Connection – A strong foundation in civic values begins with understanding and caring for the communities we belong to.

Spanish

TMS student, Harriet, starring as Coppélia in Mandelstam Dance's production.

Spanish: Language in Motion

Spanish is an essential part of every student’s journey at The Mandelstam School, beginning in Pre-K4 and continuing through 5th grade. Our goal is to cultivate a love for language learning while helping students build lasting proficiency.

In the early years, Spanish comes to life through games, songs, stories, and movement—making learning fun, natural, and engaging. As students grow, they gradually take on more reading, writing, and conversation, always at a level that meets their individual experience and ability.

Along the way, students also explore the rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries around the world. Through music, food, traditions, holidays, and geography, they gain a deeper understanding of the people and perspectives behind the language.

Whether a child is a beginner, intermediate, heritage speaker, or native speaker, there’s always more to discover. Instruction is carefully differentiated so every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.

A beloved annual tradition is the Spanish Poetry Recitation. Each student memorizes and performs a Spanish-language poem on stage in front of an audience and a panel of judges. It’s more than a language milestone—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, develop public speaking skills, and celebrate the power of preparation.

Spanish at TMS fosters:

Joyful Engagement – Music, movement, and storytelling make language learning come alive.
Cultural Awareness – Exploring Spanish-speaking cultures nurtures empathy and global perspective.
Skill Progression – Language skills build year after year through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Personal Growth – Events like the poetry recitation foster courage, focus, and pride in achievement.

Critical & Creative Thinking

Creative & Critical Thinking: Stretching Minds, Sparking Ideas

Beginning in 2nd grade, students participate in a weekly Creative & Critical Thinking class with a dedicated specialist. This class is designed to expand how students think—not just what they think about.

Through logic puzzles, lateral thinking tasks, collaborative challenges, and philosophical discussions, students explore multiple ways to approach a problem, communicate their reasoning, and consider different viewpoints. Whether they’re decoding a brain teaser, engaging in debate, or building a solution with a team, students develop the mental flexibility and confidence to take on complex challenges.

These sessions go beyond academics—they help students develop habits of curiosity, perseverance, and reflective thinking that serve them in every area of life.

Creative & Critical Thinking at TMS fosters:

Flexible Thinking – Students learn to approach problems from many angles and adapt when strategies don’t work.

Collaboration & Communication – Working together on open-ended tasks builds teamwork and listening skills.

Intellectual Risk-Taking – Students grow comfortable experimenting with ideas and sharing their thinking.

Real-World Skills – The ability to reason, reflect, and problem-solve prepares students for lifelong learning.

Recess

Recess: Creative Play and Social Growth

All students enjoy daily recess. This time is important for creative play and social development, supporting learning beyond the classroom.

During recess, students enjoy free play where imagination and movement are encouraged. Research shows that regular recess helps improve focus, behavior, and academic success.

Teachers actively supervise recess, allowing freedom to play while stepping in when needed. They help students practice conflict resolution skills like listening, sharing, and expressing themselves respectfully.

Recess at TMS supports:

Creative Thinking. Play inspires imagination and problem-solving.
Social Skills. Students build friendships and learn cooperation.
Emotional Growth. Managing feelings and conflicts builds empathy and resilience.
Physical Health. Active play promotes well-being and supports learning.

Recess complements academics and helps students grow both inside and outside the classroom.

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