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Responsible role model
Enthusiasm
Support
Preparedness
Effort
Challenge & communication
Trustworthiness & truthfulness
Education at Community Prep is a partnership between the school and the family. Together we help students work toward success in every aspect of life. While the school's curriculum focuses primarily on preparing students to meet the high demands of college-preparatory high schools, we also encourage social and emotional learning using the Responsive Classroom™ approach.
Parental interest, involvement, and support of students (as exemplified in the school's core values of RESPECT), are essential. The school's core values of RESPECT (Responsible Role Model, Enthusiasm, Support, Preparedness, Effort, Challenge and Communication, and Trustworthiness & Truthfulness) are outlined in the student-parent-teacher contracts. In these contracts, we promise to make the most of the Community Prep educational opportunity and to honor its core values.
Community Prep groups students into four learning families: 4th/5th grade, 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade. Each family has a dedicated faculty team teaching the core subjects: language arts, math, science, and social studies.
Our math curriculum is rigorous. Students tackle real-world problems and progress to pre-algebra in 7th grade and Algebra in 8th grade. We’ve adopted the Empowering Writers Program in language arts to enhance writing and reading comprehension across content areas. Teachers are receiving ongoing training and working on curriculum alignment to integrate this evidence-based program effectively.
At the outset of every marking period, students, parents, and teachers meet to set personal goals for the child. Students regularly review progress toward these goals. All members of the student-parent-teacher team must contribute toward achieving these goals, and the goals are assessed and modified at subsequent meetings.
In August 2022, our staff trained in Restorative Practices from the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), focusing on community building and conflict resolution. These practices are incorporated into daily activities, especially during advisory and social-emotional learning. Teachers use both formal and informal restorative practices. Restorative practices can be proactive or reactive and include affective statements, affective questions, small conferences, circles, and formal conferences.
Community service is integral to our curriculum, with projects ranging from local initiatives to global support. Notable projects include drives for people experiencing homelessness, fundraising events, and support for various causes, including LGBTQIA+ youth.
At Community Prep, education extends beyond academics. Our passionate faculty fosters a lifelong love of learning through innovative teaching and meaningful experiences.
GRADE 4/5
The 4/5 combined-grade class is designed to be unique and enjoyable. It brings together fourth and fifth graders in a collaborative learning environment. Students engage in a well-rounded curriculum that covers all core subjects. In language arts, they explore a variety of texts—short stories, articles, poems, and novels—and engage in narrative writing and literary responses. In math, students participate in guided examples, partner activities, and independent exercises, focusing on solving equations and word problems and learning new strategies. The science curriculum includes hands-on experiments, group work, and class demonstrations, covering ecosystems, the water cycle, dinosaurs, the moon and solar system, and chemical reactions. For social studies, students examine the history and geography of Rhode Island and the United States while staying updated on current events. This integrated approach ensures that students grasp essential concepts and learn to apply them meaningfully.
GRADE 6
In sixth grade, students develop strong communication skills in language arts by analyzing novels and short stories to understand common themes and conflicts. In math, they use guided notes and practice problem-solving through examples, partner work, and independent exercises, with the IXL Diagnostic helping to address skill gaps and advance their learning. Science involves hands-on labs, doodle notes, and interactive notebooks, covering topics such as earth and space, force and motion, weather, and ecosystems, with engaging activities like STEM Challenges and Salmon in the Classroom. Social studies takes students on a journey through ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, Rome, the Mayans, Incas, and Aztecs, where they explore geography, economy, structures, cultures, and their lasting impacts.
GRADE 7
Students in seventh-grade engage in a dynamic curriculum across all subjects. Language arts explores deep questions about emotions, values, and truth through independent and whole-class reading, diverse writing assignments, vocabulary development with the Wordly Wise program, and discussions. Math is an accelerated Pre-Algebra course where students enhance problem-solving skills through guided practice, discussions, and interactive games like MathJenga and Grudgeball, supported by IXL. Science focuses on life science with inquiry-based learning, including labs, station work, and projects on topics such as cell theory, genetics, and ecosystems. Social studies provides a broad perspective on geography and US history, from pre-colonial times to the 19th century, helping students understand their place in the world.
GRADE 8
Eighth graders dive into a rich and varied curriculum. In language arts, they explore fundamental questions about emotions, values, and truth through independent and whole-class reading, diverse writing assignments (journals, text responses, narratives, informational, and argumentative writing), and vocabulary development using the Wordly Wise program. Students also practice skills with IXL and participate in discussions and debates. Math includes an accelerated Algebra 1 course that prepares students for Geometry in 9th grade, with a focus on problem-solving through guided notes, discussions, and interactive games. Advanced students who progress beyond Algebra take Geometry, where they maintain a vocabulary/theorems notebook and work on projects like tangram puzzles and tessellations. In science, students apply the CER (Claims Evidence & Reasoning) model to labs covering physics, chemistry, and energy, using science notebooks for data recording and observation, and enjoy projects such as building a Rube Goldberg machine and participating in escape room reviews. Social studies builds on 7th-grade knowledge, examining America's role as a global superpower through small-group work on American conflicts, regional histories like the Caribbean, and a family history project.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)
WITH MS. ALEXA
At CP, social-emotional learning (SEL) was designed using an intersectional lens emphasizing social justice and empowerment. Students learn how to understand and respond to their emotions and navigate social situations unique to their lived experiences.
SPANISH
WITH MS. TAMAYO
Students take Spanish twice weekly, building a solid listening, speaking, reading, and writing foundation. The curriculum focuses on vocabulary, basic grammar, and conversational skills, emphasizing using Spanish in everyday contexts. Seventh and eighth graders are divided into two classes: one is a standard class for all students, while the other is a seminar class conducted entirely in Spanish for native speakers. This approach enhances language proficiency and cultural understanding across all grade levels.
TECHNOLOGY
WITH MS. LEE
In technology class, students explore key topics related to Digital Citizenship and Digital Wellness. Through lessons, activities, and simulations, they practice decision-making skills. Using 1:1 Chromebooks, students develop essential technology skills, including typing (for grades 4/5), computational thinking, programming, computing systems and networks, responsible computing, and technology skills vital for success in the classroom.
MUSIC AND DANCE
WITH MS. LEE
In music and dance class, students engage individually and in groups to build skills in singing, playing instruments, reading and writing music, composing, improvising, and choreography. They explore movement, space, time, dynamics, and more. Through creating, practicing, and performing in small groups, students showcase their creativity and collaboration.
VISUAL ARTS
WITH MS. LEE
In visual arts class, students engage individually and collaboratively with various mediums (clay, paint, wire, oil pastel, etc.) to explore art processes. They apply Elements of Design (line, shape, color, etc.) and Principles of Design (balance, contrast, unity, etc.) while drawing on art history, classroom connections, and diverse sources of inspiration to bring their creative ideas to life.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
WITH MR. MOYÉ
Our physical education program encourages students to stay active, build friendships, and have fun through a focus on fitness and teamwork. Each month, students take part in fitness challenges, regular calisthenics, core workouts, and exciting team-building games that promote both physical health and cooperative play.
HEALTH
WITH MR. MOYÉ
Health education teaches students the essentials of healthy nutrition, physical fitness, self-esteem, and building positive relationships. The goal is to help students understand the importance of creating a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
