Gulliver Schools

PRIMARY SCHOOL(Grades Pk-k)
The Primary Schools curriculum provides a thematically integrated approach to teaching the core disciplines. Pre-Kindergarten, a half-day program focuses upon: language concepts, pre-math, social skills, and fine and gross motor skill development. Junior Kindergarten, a full-day program, is experiential in nature and provides learning experiences in all domains. Its core curriculum consists of: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, while Computers, Music, and Physical Education enrich the curriculum. Senior Kindergarten, again a full-day program, continues the same core subject areas, with the addition of Spanish and library. The Language Arts program emphasizes reading, writing, speaking, and listening; the Mathematics program emphasizes an experimental approach to Mathematical ideas and concepts; Social Studies, Science, and Health broaden awareness of the world and how students interact with it.  

LOWER SCHOOL(Grades 1-4)
The curriculum of grades one, two, three, and four further deepen and broaden the Primary School base of learning. Language Arts integrates reading, writing, spelling, phonics, and grammar sequentially and developmentally; listening comprehension and storytelling, augmented by subsequent discussion and computer instruction, reinforce the curriculum. Mathematics focuses upon mastery of basic concepts and the use of higher-level strategy and problem solving skills. Science integrates exploration and experimentation with mathematics, writing, and thinking skills; a hands-on learning environment and a science laboratory provide authentic investigation and early development of scientific skills. The Social Studies curriculum exposes students to values, customs, geography, economics, history, and other aspects of the human experience; field trips to cultural and historic sites and cultural awareness activities enrich this area. Music and Art programs focus upon the aesthetic meanings of each. Health and Physical Education focuses upon team-building and cooperation skills through activities, which promote physical well-being and encourage lifetime leisure activities. Spanish, which provides initial language opportunities, is presented for the nonnative and the native speaker, and is taught several times weekly in grades two, three, and four. The technology laboratory supplements the curriculum; third and fourth graders have a full year of keyboarding.  

SOUTH MIAMI CAMPUS
The South Miami Campus is a unique school for children in Senior Kindergarten through grade four. The school combines the strong tradition of academic excellence with an outstanding gymnastics and ballet program. This challenging athletic program, which builds self-esteem and kinesthetic skills, contains the core curriculum offered at the Academy campus. Social Studies, Science, Music, and Art are taught in an integrated fashion in hands-on guided discovery activities.  

MIDDLE SCHOOL(Grades 5-8)
The Gulliver Middle School is a thriving community of learners where teachers and students create a dynamic curriculum for inquiry and discovery. Students in grades five through eight participate in classes that are departmentalized by subject area and provide for appropriate placement according to ability. Learning takes place in a student-centered environment that facilitates the student's transition to the college preparatory years. Gulliver Middle School offers a continuation of the academic core curriculum with increased elective opportunities. While importance is placed on the academic disciplines, particular emphasis is given to two critical features: interdisciplinary themes, projects, and curriculum alignment; and focus on the developmental needs of early adolescence. The Middle School is committed to celebrating the unique time of early adolescence by providing a vibrant learning experience worthy of the energy and enthusiasm of the middle years.

English literature and a second course in writing provide students with an opportunity to integrate thinking and writing for four consecutive years. With this strong foundation students develop a repertoire of rhetorical strategies; learn to make valid inferences and judge literature critically; and speak clearly and expressively. Electives include debate and journalism.

The mathematics curriculum emphasizes problem solving in real life contexts, communication of mathematical reasoning, and integration of technology where appropriate. All students explore mathematical concepts through pre-algebra; some complete Algebra I and Geometry.

The science curriculum is laboratory-based and focuses on the use of critical thinking skills and logical reasoning, including observing, inferring, and experimenting. In fifth grade, students enroll in Earth Science; in sixth grade, Florida Science; in seventh grade Life Science; and in eighth grade, Physical Science.

The social studies curriculum seeks to help students develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse democratic society in an interdependent world. In fifth grade, students discover the history of Early America; in sixth grade students explore World Geography; in seventh grade, students learn about the development of cities and civilizations; in eighth grade, students study United States History through the Civil War.

The study of foreign languages provides greater insight into the diversity of our nation and our world. Foreign languages offered include: French, Latin, Spanish, Espaol (Spanish for Native Speakers), and Japanese. Learning in context is enhanced through Classical Forum competitions, classical architecture, ethnic food restaurants, and the use of technology for international conversations.

Computer science courses provide opportunities from keyboarding to applications and the fundamentals of programming. The elective offering of Chess seeks to increase reasoning and analytical skills. An award winning program, students have received national recognition through active participation in Chess tournaments.

Performing arts opportunities include courses in drama, dance, and music. These award winning programs teach students the joy of performance and the discipline of movement, rhythm, and synchronicity. Music elective offerings include Band, Jazz Band, String Orchestra, and Chorus.

Visual arts courses, offered throughout the four years, are designed to enable students to develop skills in studio art while nurturing an appreciation and interest in the arts. Students develop perceptual awareness, creative self-expression, and a basic understanding of the history of art while building a working portfolio.

Physical Education develops well-rounded, healthy, and productive individuals who appreciate rules and sportsmanship. Through a variety of skill drills and games, students develop a favorable attitude towards lifelong physical fitness. All fifth and sixth grade students take physical education, and seventh and eighth grade students may take it as an elective.

Over the last six years the middle school curriculum has evolved, adding a number of courses to meet the students needs and interests. This rigorous and dynamic learning environment continues to prepare students for the new millennium.