Elementary
Building on Early Education’s focus on discovery and social-emotional development, our Elementary program centers around exploration, problem-solving, and academic rigor. Students delve deep into the subject matter while developing individual critical thinking and collaborative skills.
Our Anchors
Personal Attention
Small class sizes allow faculty to truly know each student and tailor instruction accordingly. Daily one-on-one feedback conferences between teachers and students are a core practice—not an add-on—helping students understand their progress, set goals, and continuously improve.
At Pilgrim School, education goes beyond academics. Our commitment to social-emotional learning supports students in becoming confident learners, thoughtful collaborators, and kind, engaged members of a global community.
Joyful Experience
Joy is essential to deep learning. Free, open-ended play allows students to explore, experiment, and construct meaning for themselves, while thoughtfully designed lessons spark curiosity through creative materials and engaging challenges.
Learning is hands-on and collaborative, with frequent discussion and conversation-based assignments. Students are encouraged to articulate their thinking, listen to others, and learn through shared inquiry—skills that serve them well both in school and beyond.
Focus on Mastery
Learning at Pilgrim is centered on mastery, not point accumulation. Rather than emphasizing traditional grading systems that reward task completion, we focus on what students actually know and can do.
Student progress is measured through clear learning targets and demonstrated understanding over time. This mastery-based approach empowers students to take ownership of their learning, develop agency in the classroom, and build knowledge that lasts.
The Elementary Program
Core Curriculum
The Pilgrim School's Elementary core curriculum establishes a foundation built upon seven core disciplines: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Arts, World Languages, and Physical Education. Central to our mission is the individual student experience. Every student receives dedicated, personal attention to support their academic understanding and emotional well-being. Our approach helps teachers know who their students are and how best to support them. Pilgrim School offers a supportive and stimulating elementary experience that gives every student the tools and confidence to succeed in Secondary School.
The Arts
The Elementary Arts program is designed to spark creativity and develop fundamental skills across multiple disciplines. Students discover the joy of self-expression through movement in Dance, mastering foundational skills. The Theater Arts program culminates annually in the beloved Spring Musical, ensuring every student has a role in a collaborative, school-wide production. The Elementary Arts program includes: • Visual Arts • Theater Arts • Music • Dance • Digital Arts
Athletics
As our youngest Panther Athletes, we expose elementary students to a variety of sports throughout the school year. Our young athletes build muscle strength, endurance, and resilience. Elementary Panther athletes train alongside older students, practice sportsmanship, and develop new skills, culminating in intrasquad games at the end of each season. Panthers in grades 3, 4, and 5 participate in league play and travel locally to play other elementary schools in our area. While the focus is on skill development and sportsmanship, the competition is real, and we have loads of fun cheering on our athletes. By the end of elementary school, students are ready to choose the sport or sports they want to play in a more competitive arena.
Social and Emotional Development
Emotional development during Elementary school is crucial to student success. Our Amaze Program is a social-emotional program led by our school counselor. This story-based curriculum helps students explore issues of identity and difference in a safe and supportive environment. Through Amaze, students build a supportive community while discussing cultural topics through the lens of family. The Elementary Division is proud to host several affinity groups where children with common identities gather to celebrate and discuss shared traditions, values, and ideas. These safe spaces are led by our dedicated and trained faculty and staff who are committed to creating circles of friendships based on common values and kindness.
After School Care & Enrichment Classes
Pilgrim offers an outstanding after-school program for all students in need of after-school care. The program includes time to visit with friends, time in a supervised home practice club, and then free play in our beautiful play spaces. Additionally, we offer a diverse range of enrichment classes after school where children can explore new concepts like Lego robotics, gymnastics, ceramics, insects and reptiles, cooking, and more. These eight-week classes happen once a week and expose children to new and joyful activities that inspire collaboration and creativity.
