At Shady Oak Primary School, mastering academic principles is essential to our philosophy and preparing each student to become a self-motivated, self-reliant, and independent thinker. 

Our Kindergarten through fifth-grade curriculum focuses on building a strong foundation of academic learning through engaging, hands-on activities. Each morning, we encourage active learning in core English Language Arts and Math skills using game-based lessons, stations, and physical activities. We believe these critical tools enhance our students’ academic learning experience. In the afternoons, students explore Science and Social Studies concepts through our Project-Based Learning method. Our engaging, hands-on active learning approach and the use of collaborative, cooperative, and student-led instruction make Shady Oak Primary a unique place where a genuine love for learning is cultivated in our students.

All grades have the opportunity to create masterpieces in our Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) Art Studio each week. This research-based art teaching philosophy encourages students to be artists and the classroom to be their studio. TAB is based on the idea that the mind habits art teaches are more valuable than pre-scripted art projects. 

Third through fifth-grade students are introduced to public speaking through weekly speech class based on the Toastmasters method. Toastmasters speeches help students learn and improve communication skills, and to share information, entertain, persuade, or inspire an audience. 

Our Head of School meets with fifth-grade parents at the beginning of the year to discuss future plans for middle school or junior high. Understanding students' goals helps us integrate the necessary skills for their next academic phase. 

We emphasize from the beginning of the school year that parents are essential partners in their students' academic growth and development. We encourage parents to revisit their child’s schoolwork at home to practice study strategies, math facts, and read 20 minutes each night for academic success. At Shady Oak Primary, we believe “practice makes permanence.”

Our teachers often serve as facilitators, rather than lecturing from the front of the classroom. They specialize in one or two subject areas and bring enthusiasm and a deeper understanding of their subjects to the classroom. This combination fosters self-motivated, purpose-filled learning.