Academics

At SF Day, we meet your children where they are. 

SF Day believes that imbuing the spirit of lifelong learning into our students is essential to their success. Our teachers are always refining  how we teach and what we teach to ensure that all of our learners are intentionally and thoughtfully engaged. 

Lower School

SF Day’s Lower School’s educational philosophy is grounded in foundational academic skills where students learn how to learn – metacognition – while also developing a complex sense of identity as an individual community member and learner. Students develop a range of literacies, both specific and generalizable, including language and communication, mathematic, scientific, historical, cultural, visual, and social practices and applications.

The Lower School curriculum is focused on exploring core knowledge that also incorporates variation based on a student’s strengths, and choice driven by their interests and passions. This approach instills competence and confidence in Lower Schoolers, giving them the tools to tackle challenges and start finding areas of passion. In these years of discovery, the process of learning and making mistakes is prioritized over simply getting the “right answer.” This growth mindset and framework of academic challenge fosters both trust and a deep sense of belonging; students are celebrated in bringing their whole self to school and discovering pieces of their identity along their learning journey.  

By the end of Lower School, students are fully prepared for the increased challenge and pace of work in the Middle School and beyond.

Middle School

Middle School is a time of great change for students – this comes as no surprise! Academically, Middle Schoolers are ready to delve more deeply into subject areas, seek out individual courses of study, and use their understanding of themselves as learners to collaborate. Learning how to solve complex problems and think critically is a crucial part of a Middle Schooler’s self-discovery, both of their intellectual interests and of who they are as people. By understanding themselves, they then can advocate for others – all while synthesizing new subjects, themes, and information.

Student voice and choice are at the center of our pedagogy. When students have agency, they make huge leaps as scholars and stay motivated as learners. Developing their authentic voice is an essential part of the transition to early adolescence and adulthood, and will help them be successful during their high school years. Students enter high school with a strong academic foundation, a solid sense of self, and a love of learning.

We are immensely proud of how our curriculum supports the school’s mission and nurtures students in their path from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Please take a moment to look over this curriculum guide and know that SF Day’s teaching team is always available to answer questions you may have.