Licensed
by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Private
Schools since 1971
Accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs
Academics
Academics
At Londonderry, children learn and grow in an atmosphere that supports who they are – CHILDREN! Children are encouraged to explore, move about, discuss and enjoy their learning experiences and each other. A family atmosphere and individually paced learning are promoted through small class sizes of about 15 students and mixed age groupings within classrooms, spanning several grade levels.
The Londonderry philosophy views the student as a natural and curious learner with the teacher a facilitator in the learning process. The teacher establishes a varied and flexible daily routine that allows for individual, small group and whole class learning to take place. Student conversation and discussion is encouraged. A supportive learning environment is created wherein students can question, risk and learn from mistakes and each other. Critical thinking and problem solving are fostered.
Elementary students spend the mornings and one to three afternoons per week in their self-contained classrooms. Afternoon classes investigate special topics and also include art, computers, music and physical education. Students get two or more recess periods per day of free choice active outdoor play.
The following methods are used to promote the Londonderry philosophy by teachers in the elementary grades.
Reading and Writing
A literature-based approach to learning to read and write is utilized in all classrooms. Children and teachers select literature to read and explore. A wide variety of techniques is used to assist children as they learn to read, respecting the variety of learning styles in the classroom. Children write across the curriculum about their interests and class projects. Spelling words, writing, science, art and math often relate to current topics. Children keep writing folders, diaries, and/or journals in various classrooms in which they create writings based on their own interests and teacher ideas. Inventive spelling is encouraged, students write for content primarily. Students select writings for further work, reworking their writings by editing and then publishing. Specific grammar skills are taught in later grades to enhance written communication.
See Literacy Learning in Londonderry's Kindergarten
Math and Sciences/Technology
Math and science activities are planned to give children hands-on experiences before moving to abstract concepts. Children move through the math curriculum at their own pace. Science activities culminate in an all school science fair or technology study, emphasizing the process of science and critical thinking. All classes at Londonderry learn about the natural world through various themes and topics studied. Care for the environment is emphasized. First grade and up enjoy a field trip to a state park to conclude their afternoon "Outdoors" classes. An annual "primitive" camping trip is a special event in fall and/or spring for third through sixth graders. All elementary classrooms have computers in the classrooms that are constantly in use - students play problem solving games, write and extend their programming abilities. Elementary students learn to program from the start, using logic and math skills as they work in small groups with our computer teacher using the LOGO language.
See Math for Young Children at Londonderry
Integrated Education
Themes and topics are explored in classrooms and afternoon class groupings based on children’s interests. teacher’s interests and talents and appropriate subject matter for certain age groups. Whenever possible, such topics utilize all areas of the curriculum: reading for information and ideas, art, science, math, cooking, etc.
Individualized Curriculum
Londonderry’s philosophy recognizes that each child is an individual. Each child brings to the learning experience his/her own set of abilities, experiences and needs. Therefore, much learning takes place at the child’s own pace. Small and large group activities group children for interest or ability, but each child’s expected contributions and assignments are based on the individual child.
Cooperative Learning
Recognizing that students cannot live or work in a vacuum, cooperative learning is planned in all classrooms to some degree. From informal cooperative group activities to organized, regularly-meeting cooperative groups for specific activities, cooperative learning activities help students recognize and build on the special talents of individuals in the group and facilitate understanding of others.
Celebrating the Arts
All elementary students participate in art classes. Children explore media and materials, experiment with various subject matter and learn about the history of art and famous artists. Third through sixth grades enjoy annual field trips to art museums. Londonderry students produce musical plays in fall and spring, with all students having the opportunity to be on stage. Children also have the option of choosing afternoon music classes, and Londonderry students look forward to their fifth and sixth grade years when they can form their own rock and roll "band" under the guidance of elementary teacher, Rick Stevens, and perform at the spring play. The Annual Spring Arts Festival is an all-school celebration of the artwork and creativity of Londonderry students.
See An Integrated Arts Curriculum - the Londonderry School Model
Learning About Others
Londonderry’s mixed age groupings and purposeful interactions among classes promote a family feeling at school. Most older students in grades 1-6 are paired with nursery and kindergarten children as "Special Friends." These friends visit each other informally and enjoy special activities, as younger students get to know older students and older students learn about caring for a smaller friend. Fifth and sixth grade students participate in school-based community service, and the whole school has chosen special community minded projects, such as tree plantings and raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. Each year before winter break, the school celebrates the variety of human experience with a Multi-Cultural Festival. Each classroom learns about another culture, planning special activities and food to share with the rest of the school that day reflecting the culture they have studied.
Parental Involvement
All parents are trustees of the school. Parents are encouraged to be involved in Londonderry in many ways. Parents are an important resource for the curriculum. A log is kept of parental professions and hobbies, so that parents can be used as resources during themes, topics and for special projects such as the Science and Technology Unit. Parents also teach specialty classes, such as foreign languages, drama, etc. Parents assist with providing resource persons to classrooms and facilitating field trips and out-of-school experiences. Parents are involved in many ways in community service projects.
At Londonderry, children learn and grow in an atmosphere that supports who they are – CHILDREN! Children are encouraged to explore, move about, discuss and enjoy their learning experiences and each other. A family atmosphere and individually paced learning are promoted through small class sizes of about 15 students and mixed age groupings within classrooms, spanning several grade levels.
The Londonderry philosophy views the student as a natural and curious learner with the teacher a facilitator in the learning process. The teacher establishes a varied and flexible daily routine that allows for individual, small group and whole class learning to take place. Student conversation and discussion is encouraged. A supportive learning environment is created wherein students can question, risk and learn from mistakes and each other. Critical thinking and problem solving are fostered.
Elementary students spend the mornings and one to three afternoons per week in their self-contained classrooms. Afternoon classes investigate special topics and also include art, computers, music and physical education. Students get two or more recess periods per day of free choice active outdoor play.
The following methods are used to promote the Londonderry philosophy by teachers in the elementary grades.
A literature-based approach to learning to read and write is utilized in all classrooms. Children and teachers select literature to read and explore. A wide variety of techniques is used to assist children as they learn to read, respecting the variety of learning styles in the classroom. Children write across the curriculum about their interests and class projects. Spelling words, writing, science, art and math often relate to current topics. Children keep writing folders, diaries, and/or journals in various classrooms in which they create writings based on their own interests and teacher ideas. Inventive spelling is encouraged, students write for content primarily. Students select writings for further work, reworking their writings by editing and then publishing. Specific grammar skills are taught in later grades to enhance written communication.
All elementary students participate in art classes. Children explore media and materials, experiment with various subject matter and learn about the history of art and famous artists. Third through sixth grades enjoy annual field trips to art museums. Londonderry students produce musical plays in fall and spring, with all students having the opportunity to be on stage. Children also have the option of choosing afternoon music classes, and Londonderry students look forward to their fifth and sixth grade years when they can form their own rock and roll "band" under the guidance of elementary teacher, Rick Stevens, and perform at the spring play. The Annual Spring Arts Festival is an all-school celebration of the artwork and creativity of Londonderry students.
Londonderry’s mixed age groupings and purposeful interactions among classes promote a family feeling at school. Most older students in grades 1-6 are paired with nursery and kindergarten children as "Special Friends." These friends visit each other informally and enjoy special activities, as younger students get to know older students and older students learn about caring for a smaller friend. Fifth and sixth grade students participate in school-based community service, and the whole school has chosen special community minded projects, such as tree plantings and raising money for Cystic Fibrosis. Each year before winter break, the school celebrates the variety of human experience with a Multi-Cultural Festival. Each classroom learns about another culture, planning special activities and food to share with the rest of the school that day reflecting the culture they have studied.
Academics 
