The Importance of Work Cycle
The morning work cycle is an important part of our day at each level. In Toddler House, the morning is an open work period from arrival until 11:00am, and includes individual snack time. Those who stay a full day nap in the afternoon.
In Children’s House, enrichment activities are incorporated into the classroom with specialists coming in to provide Spanish and Art instruction as part of the morning work cycle. For those who stay a full day the children split out into lunch groups by those who nap, those who rest and extended day Kindergarten. They then have an afternoon work cycle according to their needs after lunch.
At the Lower Elementary level, the morning work cycle starts upon arrival and goes until 11:45am when the children break for classroom jobs before lunch and free play outdoors. Specials occur in the afternoon between 1:00pm and dismissal.
At the Upper Elementary level, the morning work cycle starts upon arrival and goes until 11:50am when the group gathers for a group debrief before lunch. Specials occur in the afternoon between 1pm and dismissal.
At the Middle School level, Math and English/Language Arts (ELA) lessons are given in small groups or individually during the morning open work periods on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Curriculum blocks for Reading and Spanish occur prior to a shorter work cycle on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Science, History, Community Service, Art and PE are scheduled in the afternoons.
At the High School level, students are working towards completing core high-school level coursework which not only meet diploma requirements for the state of NC, but also meet minimum entry requirements for the University of North Carolina system. Students register for a plan of 5 to 6 courses during each school year including a core Math, English, Science and History, plus additional courses as needed in foreign language, social studies, electives or independent study. Course offerings vary from year to year to meet students’ needs, abilities and interest. Open Work Periods include small group and individual lessons in scheduled content areas; when students are not in formal lessons during each work cycle they are working independently on their course load.
Lower School Schedules
(Applicable to Toddlers, Children’s House, and Elementary Classes)
| 8:15am – 8:30am | Morning Carpool |
| 8:30am – 11:00am | Work Cycle, including individual, small-group, and whole-class lessons |
| 11:00am – 12:00pm | Movement and singing, continued work cycle, and classroom jobs, depending on level |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Dismissal for half-day children. Lunch and recess for Kindergarten and up (outdoor whenever weather permits) |
| 1:00pm – 2:45pm | Nap/rest, Kindergarten, and specials, depending on level |
| 2:45pm – 3:10pm | Afternoon carpool |
Upper School Schedules
(These schedules are subject to change from year to year according to credits and courses needed)
