Seneca Academy

Preserving the Wonder of Childhood

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Elementary Curriculum

Elementary students writing their definitions of creativity on a white board

To be truly educated, a student must…make connections across the disciplines, discover ways to integrate the separate subjects, and ultimately relate what they learn to life.

Ernest Boyer, 1995

The Seneca Academy curriculum is designed to be an integrated, transdisciplinary program of study for students in preschool through fifth grade that facilitates the development of learners who can think and act independently. The Seneca Academy elementary curriculum is guided by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program and supported by a variety of other curricula and materials. The framework for our studies is detailed in our Program of Inquiry that outlines the transdisciplinary units of study to be taught and learned in each grade level.

The Seneca Academy written curriculum addresses five elements as discussed in Making the PYP Happen:

Knowledge

Significant, relevant content that we wish the students to explore and know about, taking into consideration their prior experience and understanding.

Concepts

Powerful ideas that have relevance within the subject areas but also transcend them and that students must explore and re-explore in order to develop a coherent, in-depth understanding.

Skills

Those capabilities that the students need to demonstrate to succeed in a changing, challenging world, which may be disciplinary or transdisciplinary in nature.

Attitudes

Dispositions that are expressions of fundamental values, beliefs and feelings about learning, the environment, and people.

Actions

Demonstrations of deeper learning in responsible behavior through responsible action; a manifestation in practice of the other essential elements.

The Seneca Academy taught curriculum is designed to ensure that students are active participants in the learning process and includes inquiry-based, project-based, and direct instruction from our teachers.

Art

Mathematics

Science

Social-Emotional Learning

Foreign Language

Music

Social Studies

Homework Policy

Language Arts

Physical Education

Technology

Download Curriculum PDF

Seneca Academy is an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) World School that fosters children’s natural curiosity and ignites a love of learning through a collaborative, inquiry-based program in a dynamic and welcoming community.

15601 Germantown Road, Darnestown, MD 20874
Phone: (301) 869-3728 • Fax (301) 869-3348

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Fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization as a Primary Years Program World School
A proud member of the National Association for Independent Schools
Accredited by and a proud member of the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools
Site Design by Bethany Ruth | Content © 2025 Seneca Academy
Thank you!

You have successfully submitted your Parent’s Day Out application for the 2020-2021 school year! Once again, we appreciate you being a part of the Seneca Academy village.

 

Thank you so much for your sponsorship of Seneca Academy’s 2020 auction and gala, “Around the World.” Because of you and other generous supporters, we are able to continue serving the children and families in our school as well as the community at large. We appreciate your gift to help us preserve the wonder of childhood for years to come!

 

Thank you so much for your donation to Seneca Academy’s 2020 auction and gala, “Around the World.” Because of you and other generous supporters, we are able to continue serving the children and families in our school as well as the community at large. We appreciate your gift to help us preserve the wonder of childhood for years to come!