Curriculum Guide
The following departmental mission statements identify key teaching practices and approaches that inform instruction in each of these areas.
ARTS (VISUAL & PERFORMING) At The Lang School, the Visual and Performing Arts Department is dedicated to fostering creativity, self-expression, and artistic exploration in our students. Grounded in a deep understanding of neurodiversity and the unique needs of our learners, our department's mission is to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels empowered to explore their artistic potential. We believe that the arts play a crucial role in promoting holistic development and emotional well-being, and as such, our teaching practices are centered around fostering a love for creativity and self-discovery. We prioritize differentiated instruction and personalized learning experiences to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students. We embrace a student-centered approach that celebrates individuality and encourages students to explore and express themselves authentically through various artistic mediums. Our teaching practices are characterized by a blend of structured guidance and open-ended exploration, allowing students to develop their artistic skills while also nurturing their creative intuition and imagination. Through hands-on experiential learning, collaborative projects, and opportunities for self-reflection, our goal is to cultivate a deep appreciation for the arts and empower students to become confident and expressive artists.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) & ENGLISH At The Lang School, the English Language Arts (ELA) & English Department is committed to fostering a lifelong love of reading, writing, and communication in our students. Grounded in a deep understanding of neurodiversity and the diverse learning needs of our community, our department's mission is to cultivate critical thinking, effective communication skills, and a deep appreciation for literature and language. We believe that language is a powerful tool for self-expression, understanding, and connection, and as such, our teaching practices are centered around empowering students to become confident and proficient communicators. We prioritize differentiated instruction and personalized learning experiences to meet the unique needs and interests of each student. We embrace a student-centered approach that values individual voices and encourages students to explore diverse perspectives through literature and writing. Our teaching practices emphasize the development of essential literacy skills, including reading comprehension, writing proficiency, and critical analysis, while also fostering creativity, self-expression, and intellectual curiosity. Through a combination of traditional and innovative teaching methods, collaborative discussions, and meaningful literary experiences, our goal is to inspire a lifelong passion for reading and writing, equipping students with the tools they need to succeed academically and thrive in a complex and interconnected world.
FOUNDATIONS & LEARNING SKILLS In the Foundations & Learning Skills Department at The Lang School, we are dedicated to nurturing the social-emotional growth and executive functioning skills of our students. Recognizing the importance of a strong foundation in these areas for academic success and personal well-being, our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our teaching practices are informed by the principles of social-emotional learning (SEL) and neurodiversity, and we prioritize the development of self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills. Through a combination of direct instruction, experiential learning, and individualized support, we aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of social interactions, manage their emotions effectively, and develop resilience in the face of challenges. Our curriculum integrates evidence-based strategies for executive functioning skill development, including organization, time management, problem-solving, and goal-setting, to help students become more independent and self-directed learners. By fostering a culture of empathy, collaboration, and mutual respect, we strive to create a safe and supportive community where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
GUIDANCE & COLLEGE PLANNING In the Guidance & College Planning Department at The Lang School, our mission is to empower students to navigate their educational journey with confidence and purpose, guiding them toward their post-secondary aspirations and personal goals. Grounded in a student-centered approach, we provide comprehensive support and resources to help students identify their strengths, interests, and values, and explore pathways that align with their individual needs and aspirations. Through personalized counseling, academic advising, and career exploration initiatives, we assist students in developing a clear vision for their future and navigating the college admissions process with clarity and confidence. Our team is committed to fostering a culture of self-discovery, resilience, and lifelong learning, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and pursue meaningful opportunities beyond high school. By cultivating strong partnerships with families, educators, and community organizations, we strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment where all students feel empowered to pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.
LIBRARY In the Library Department at The Lang School, our mission is to cultivate a culture of curiosity, inquiry, and lifelong learning through dynamic library programs and resources that inspire intellectual exploration and creativity. Serving as the heart of our school community, the library provides a welcoming and inclusive space where students can discover the joy of reading, explore diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful research and inquiry-based learning experiences. With a focus on information literacy and digital citizenship, we empower students to become critical thinkers and responsible users of information in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Through a rich and diverse collection of print and digital resources, as well as innovative programming and collaborative partnerships with educators, we support students in developing the skills and competencies they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our dedicated team of library professionals is committed to fostering a love of reading, nurturing intellectual curiosity, and empowering students to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens in our global community.
MATHEMATICS In the Mathematics Department at The Lang School, our mission is to foster a deep understanding and appreciation of mathematics while empowering students to become confident problem solvers and critical thinkers. Through innovative and differentiated instruction, we aim to meet the diverse learning needs of our students and cultivate a growth mindset that promotes perseverance and resilience in the face of mathematical challenges. Our dedicated team of educators utilizes research-based teaching practices and instructional strategies to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students can explore mathematical concepts, make meaningful connections, and develop essential skills for success in school and beyond. With a focus on inquiry-based learning and real-world applications, we inspire students to see the beauty and relevance of mathematics in their everyday lives and encourage them to pursue their interests and passions in the field. By fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning community, we aim to empower all students to reach their full potential and become lifelong learners and problem solvers in an ever-changing world.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION In the Physical Education Department at The Lang School, our mission is to promote lifelong health and wellness by providing engaging and inclusive physical education experiences for all students. Through a holistic approach that emphasizes the development of physical, social, and emotional well-being, we strive to empower students to make healthy choices, set and achieve personal fitness goals, and develop positive attitudes towards physical activity. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment where students of all abilities feel valued and encouraged to participate actively in physical education. With a focus on skill development, cooperative games, and fitness challenges, we aim to instill a love of movement and a sense of confidence in students' physical abilities. By integrating concepts of teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership into our curriculum, we seek to cultivate important life skills that extend beyond the gymnasium and into students' everyday lives. Through ongoing assessment and reflection, we continuously strive to adapt and improve our teaching practices to meet the evolving needs of our diverse student body and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
SOCIAL STUDIES & HISTORY In the Social Studies & History Department at The Lang School, our mission is to foster a deep understanding of the past, present, and future through the exploration of diverse perspectives, critical inquiry, and engaged citizenship. Grounded in the belief that history is not only a record of the past but also a lens through which to view the complexities of the present, we strive to empower students to become informed, empathetic, and active participants in society. Our dedicated team of educators is committed to providing students with a comprehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates historical content, geographic knowledge, and social sciences. Through inquiry-based learning experiences, primary source analysis, and project-based assessments, we encourage students to question, analyze, and interpret historical events and social phenomena. By examining issues of power, privilege, and justice, we aim to cultivate students' critical thinking skills and equip them with the tools to engage in meaningful dialogue and action around pressing social issues. Through experiential learning opportunities, community partnerships, and digital resources, we seek to inspire students to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens who contribute positively to their communities and the world at large.
SUPPORTS (Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Therapy, Counseling, Learning Support) The Supports Department at The Lang School strives to provide comprehensive and individualized support services that empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our interdisciplinary team of professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Therapists, Counselors, and Learning Specialists, collaborates closely with students, families, and educators to address the diverse needs of each learner. We are committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where all students feel valued, understood, and supported. Through evidence-based interventions, personalized strategies, and differentiated instruction, we strive to help students develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential. Whether supporting students in developing executive functioning skills, enhancing communication abilities, promoting social-emotional well-being, or providing academic accommodations, our team works tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the individualized support they need to succeed. By fostering strong partnerships with families and educators, advocating for student needs, and staying abreast of the latest research and best practices in our respective fields, we are dedicated to promoting student growth, independence, and self-advocacy. Through ongoing collaboration, professional development, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we strive to create a supportive and empowering environment where all students can thrive.
TALENT DEVELOPMENT In the Talent Development Department at The Lang School, our mission is to provide innovative and enriching opportunities that nurture the unique talents, interests, and passions of each student. Through our Lower School KidWorks program, Middle and Upper School IndieStudies program, as well as our elective and internship offerings, we aim to foster creativity, curiosity, and personal growth in all learners. Our KidWorks program in the Lower School provides a dynamic and hands-on learning environment where students can explore their interests, develop new skills, and engage in creative expression. Through project-based learning experiences, collaborative activities, and experiential learning opportunities, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning journey and pursue their passions with enthusiasm. In the Middle and Upper School IndieStudies program, students have the opportunity to design their own course of study based on their interests, strengths, and goals. Whether through independent research projects, internships with local organizations, or immersive learning experiences, students are empowered to take risks, explore new ideas, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through our elective and internship programs, students have access to a wide range of enriching experiences that allow them to pursue their interests outside of the traditional classroom setting. From fine arts and performing arts to STEM fields and community service, our students have the opportunity to develop their talents, hone their skills, and make connections with experts in their chosen fields. By providing a supportive and flexible learning environment, fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, and empowering students to take ownership of their learning, we are dedicated to cultivating a community of lifelong learners who are prepared to make meaningful contributions to the world around them.
WORLD LANGUAGE In the World Language Department at The Lang School, our mission is to cultivate a deep appreciation for language, culture, and global citizenship primarily through the study of the French language. Our goal is to provide students with the linguistic skills, cultural knowledge, and global awareness necessary to thrive in an interconnected world. Through immersive language learning experiences, authentic cultural exploration, and meaningful connections to real-world contexts, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of language and learning in our students. Whether through interactive language lessons, cultural celebrations, or virtual exchanges with students from around the world, we strive to create dynamic and engaging opportunities for students to develop their language proficiency and cultural competence. While our primary focus is on French language instruction, we also recognize the value of exploring other world languages and cultures. Through elective courses, independent study opportunities, and extracurricular activities, students may have the chance to explore other world languages, deepening their understanding of global diversity and fostering a spirit of inquiry and exploration. By fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity, and empowering students to become global citizens, we are dedicated to preparing our students to thrive in a multicultural world and make meaningful contributions to the global community.
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