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Click here to view and print answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Perhaps the most valuable lesson of all education is the ability to make yourself
do what you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.
Thomas Huxley, 1825 - 1895
Program
and Curriculum
Beautiful Family Culture Foundation
The Language Arts: Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
Reading Expert instruction helping children become habitual, critical, passionate readers Shared reading, guided reading,
read aloud, independent reading Mastering the ability to unlock new text through proficiency with critical reading strategies from
all three cueing systems--graphophonic, syntactic and semantic Word etymology and usage Directed reading and thinking activities Read, interpret and appreciate
classic and world literature Powerful vocabulary development Literary analysis circles On-going preparation for SAT college entrance exam
from grade 1 Reading instruction provided by exceptionally trained, highly experienced teachers of reading Supervision of all reading methods, material and instruction by
Cara Day-McKellar, Reading Specialist and Master Teacher of Literacy, including specialized intervention at every grade level
Writing Expert instruction in content, mechanics, organization
and fluency for writing Modeled writing, interactive writing, guided writing and independent writing Integrated writing across the genres and curriculum,
including social studies and mathematics Fluency writing on self-selected and assigned topics Systematic teaching and author development with expository,
narrative, biographical, persuasive and creative writing Author's Chair: Daily teacher, peer and self-evaluation of writing Critic's Circle: Teacher
and peer review methods for student authorship advancement Individual student website development for showcase of student class work and seva works
Speaking and Listening Active listening and communication skills Inspirational speakers' network
Oral
presentation craft across the academic and social curriculum Persuasive debate competitions Storytelling Poetry recital Etiquette and procedure for listening events Capturing the power of the oral art
Mathematics Strong, spiral, traditional mathematics through Saxon
curriculum Quantitative reasoning skills and numerical literacy An appreciation of the usefulness and beauty of mathematics Symbol manipulation, algebra
mastery and problem solving Hands-on geometry and construction Mathematical reasoning, logic and analysis Probability and statistics Practical and abstract mathematics
Critical
thinking, reasoning and deductive analysis skills Familiarity with mathematics for engagement and ease Enrichment topics and application as determined by student
interest, including history of mathematics, cryptography, computer science, game theory and advanced topics
Sciences Cultivating a love for science and investigation Understanding the world around
us Inquiry-based
approach Deductive and inductive reasoning Mastering and applying the scientific method Project-based learning--students use teamwork to investigate
problems, pose hypotheses, design experiments and quantify results Special focus on earth science, chemistry, astronomy, physics
and biology History of science and influential scientists Science and the modern world State-of-the-art science lab for grades K - 8
Social Studies Exploration of a child's place in time and space
Biographical
studies of people who make a difference Awareness and interpretation of current events Understanding of continuity and
change among societies California history and future United States history and geography Ancient civilizations and history Students write and publish their own social studies books
Physical Education
Our school has been chosen as themodel school in America for Polar Fitness Education.
There is no other school in America with a Physical Education program like Day-McKellar Prep. Strength of mind, body
and spirit is foundational to our school and includes staff, students and parents. Daily, quality, cardiovascular,
resistance and skill-building exercise through a wide range of activities, games and sports, taught by personal trainers and
wellness coaches with Bachelor of Arts degrees in exercise physiology and science Full access and membership to The Peak, our on-site
state-of-the-art fitness facility Individualized sports-specific training Access to golf, swimming and tennis at several San Diego resort
facilities Gymnastics, cheer, sailing, sea kayaking, canoeing, hiking, surfing, horseback riding, soccer, baseball, softball,
swimming, rock-climbing, snorkeling and diving experiences Strength and resistance training for the core Virtual reality Trazer training
Presidential
testing with Olympic medal awards Mentoring
with local professional athletes in the fields of football, baseball, soccer, tennis, surfing, golf and motocross
Fine Arts Exploration of San Diego's greatest fine arts facilities,
including theater, symphony, opera, and museums of arts and sciences In-depth exploration of the classic artists and their media Exhibition of student work in
art galleries throughout San Diego, including Little Italy and Hillcrest Two annual student written and produced theater productions
Quarterly
school-sponsored, student-planned dances for the entire community held at a variety of San Diego locations Classical dance instruction,
as well as introductory tap, ballet and jazz for boys and girls Classical guitar instruction
Seva
Strengthening of character and
purpose through selfless service Development of a seva orientation toward self, family and beyond Organization and implementation of local, state and worldwide
service projects
Library Selection of the most-respected
age-appropriate titles Vocabulary development through directed reading Writing craft development through study of the works of great authors Read the Classics program for Alpine Community and DMP families
Technology Technology integration across the curriculum Individual student-created websites for showcase
of student class work and seva works Software engineering for logical thought development Student theater productions in local theater Computer and typing literacy
Advanced computer applications
Student Mentoring Program Mentoring with San Diego's
business, science, technology, education and community leaders Partnerships with local universities Inspirational speakers' showcase
Shadowing of business, educational
and community leaders for students in grades 6 - 8 for lifework exploration
Excursions
Students at Day-McKellar Preparatory have a unique opportunity to explore an extensive array
of locations throughout San Diego adjunct to their studies at the school. Families will be encouraged to participate in these
opportunities, which will be experiences that will bring them closer together, strengthening and binding the family.
Scholarships and Fundraising
Day-McKellar Preparatory School offers full and partial scholarships, based on
financial need and others based on merit. Through generous and innovative financial aid and scholarship opportunities,
we express our commitment to admitting and enrolling the most interested students regardless of their families' financial
resources. Families who are concerned that Day-McKellar Prep may be beyond their means are encouraged to consider financial
aid and scholarships which can make Day-McKellar Preparatory School an affordable and realistic choice.
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