Academic Overview

Key’s Key-Wee-through-Grade 12 math program is carefully constructed to develop mathematical concepts and to build skills in a coherent and logical manner, connecting ideas to each other and developing procedures with understanding. At every point in Key’s math curriculum, emphasis is placed on problem solving, the development of critical thinking and applications to the real world.

Discovery learning, interdisciplinary learning and rigor in learning—three hallmarks of a Key School education—are exemplified throughout the math program.

Study skills and productive work habits are also essential to the learning of mathematics so great care is taken to foster and strengthen each student’s planning and organizational skills, persistence, written and oral communication, and collaborative work habits.

Attuned to the developmental readiness of students, Key’s math program provides differentiated instruction and curricular options to meet each student’s level of maturity and preparedness. The program is supported by Math Resource teachers, Learning Department specialists, and Math Lab instructors who provide both opportunities for students to receive extra help and enrichment challenges as they are ready to move beyond the current class work.

The Key School math program adheres to the principles and standards of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, which specifies focal points and instructional goals at each grade level as well as the integration of concepts across grade levels.

Through discussions, experiments and activities Key's science teachers help students at each grade level answer their questions, revise their misconceptions and add depth to their understanding. Students learn to work collaboratively, with teachers often taking on the role of facilitator instead of lecturer.

The department structure affords the opportunity for cross-grade collaboration to support course offerings that feature a hands-on, active, and experiential approach to concept development.Through cross-divisional work, an integrated, spiral curriculum is maintained by revisiting concepts introduced in First or Lower Schools and in the Middle and Upper Schools. Students experience a variety of lesson styles. Class discussions and lectures address the needs of oral learners while stretching kinesthetic learners.

The scientific method is studied at all levels of the curriculum. Simple experiments and design challenges expose younger students to the types of questions scientists ask and the sorts of problems that engineers try to solve. Older students maintain a formal lab notebook, collaborate on investigations with peers, review each other’s work, discuss experimental errors, and use graphs to represent and analyze their quantitative data. Unexpected outcomes are used to generate questions that allow students to develop a more nuanced understanding of those theories.

Key School's language arts program evolves into an interdisciplinary program in second grade when Language Arts and Social Studies courses are combined. As students move into Middle and Upper Schools, Humanities classes combine the study of history, social studies and English.

Developing students’ abilities to examine their ideas critically, find evidence for or against them, and express them clearly is the heart of the School’s humanities program.

The overarching focus of the curriculum is developing independent reading, writing, research, speaking, and critical reasoning skills. Faculty members are focused on helping children become fluent, flexible, effective users of oral and written language at different stages of their development, as age-appropriate.

Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, children come to understand the world. Curricular choices, at all grade levels, are made with these pedagogical goals in mind. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum supports students’ abilities to apply the skills they learn in a variety of ways and encourages discipline and creativity in problem-solving.

The goal is to engage each individual student’s curiosity and passion, so students will find their classes meaningful and enjoy reading, writing and thinking. The feedback the School gets from alumni shows that students are consistently well-prepared, in terms both of practical skills and curricular content.

At Key School, we believe the future belongs to those who can dream, innovate and lead.

Our comprehensive STEM program inspires curiosity, fosters critical thinking and cultivates the problem-solvers of tomorrow through a rigorous, project-based curriculum across all divisions. 

The spiraling structure of our STEM program ensures continuity and depth, allowing students to build on their knowledge and skills year after year. This approach prepares students for future academic and career pursuits in STEM fields and fosters a lifelong passion for innovation and discovery.

• SPIRALING CURRICULUM: Our STEM curriculum introduces foundational concepts and revisits them with increasing complexity, allowing students to deepen their understanding and master skills over time.
   
• STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES: We provide access to cutting-edge technology, including 3D printers, robotics kits and coding and design software, which enable hands-on learning and real-world applications in our three division-specific Innovation Labs.
   
• EXPERT FACULTY: Our passionate educators offer personalized guidance, nurturing each student’s potential and preparing them for success in the evolving STEM landscape.
   
• REAL WORLD EXPERIENCES: Students participate in STEM-related clubs, competitions and extracurricular activities, applying their knowledge in real-world scenarios and gaining valuable insights and experiences.

Key School has been committed to the study of classical languages since its founding in 1958. World language instruction begins with the introduction of Spanish in first grade, and progresses to provide additional options for students to study French, Arabic, and Latin.

Through the study of world language at Key, students are in the company of some of the world’s best writers and thinkers and a body of literature that has profoundly influenced Western culture.

In modern languages, Key's curriculum is designed to develop the skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. In Latin, the focus is primarily on reading and writing.

In support of these objectives, Key faculty have developed a spiraling curriculum which builds across grade and division levels. Material is learned through a variety of activities, projects and experiences comprising relevant lessons and authentic experiences including: pen pals, field trips (domestic and international), guest speakers, nature walks, cooking lessons and demonstrations, current events (through primary source readings), music, and cultural celebrations.

Key School believes the visual arts are an integral part of every child’s learning and cognitive development.

The Key School Visual Arts program engages student artists Kindergarten through grade twelve in a wide breadth of creative experiences. It provides avenues for self-expression, cultivating artistic behaviors, and the development of critical and divergent thinking strategies.

Lower School and Middle School programs provide year-long, interdisciplinary art curricula with specialized art teachers working with students in art studio spaces. The Upper School program offers a wide range of immersive studio experiences beginning with a year of Art I foundational concepts, and branches out to include studio concentrations and independent studies. Courses include: ceramics, digital photography, digital video, drawing and painting, and printmaking and design. Studio Art students have the option to sit for the Studio Art AP exam.

Key School's nationally recognized Orff Schulwerk music program begins in Lower School and continues through the Middle School involving all students in a daily study of speech, rhythm, instruments, singing, creative movement and dance, drama, and improvisation.

Lower School, the children play xylophones, glockenspiels, metallophones, soprano recorder, and unpitched percussion instruments. They also learn to read music and understand basic theoretical concepts.

In Middle School Orff Schulwerk, an increasing emphasis is placed on music theory and composition. Students are introduced to modes, triads, and asymmetrical meters. The study of recorder progresses during the Middle School years to include alto, tenor, sopranino, and bass.

The study of music and dance in the Upper School involves students in a number of academic classes as well as a variety of activities. Upper School students may choose courses in Music Theory, Chamber Choir, Dance Technique, Theater Design, Acting, Multimedia Storytelling, and Playwriting. These students can also participate in activities such as the Upper School Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, Classical Ensemble, and the Renaissance Consort.

Key School also offers all Lower, Middle, and Upper School students private lessons in voice, string and wind instruments, piano, and guitar.

Because Key emphasizes self-improvement, inclusion and cooperation, each child can participate at his or her own skill level and thereby gain the confidence and pride that accompanies achievement.

Coeducational classes are structured to develop physical fitness, agility, self-esteem, and good sportsmanship. Experience with athletic competition and teamwork is an important aspect of the program. Students learn and apply the skills and concepts of individual and team sports by participating in a variety of athletic activities.

Through a developmentally appropriate program, children strengthen skills, build endurance, enhance coordination, enjoy a sense of camaraderie, and build the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and fitness.

Physical education is required of all students through the junior year. Upper School students who play on an interscholastic team may elect to be excused from physical education for that season.