Academics
A Canterbury education is a foundation and a springboard for character development, cultural exploration, and personal growth.
Whether a student attends Canterbury School from Early Childhood through High School, from Grades 9 – 12, or somewhere in between, they will develop:
- A life-long habit of intellectual curiosity and creativity
- Highly developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- The self-awareness and self-confidence to pursue their passions
- A sense of responsibility to others in the community
And, with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, Canterbury students enjoy small class sizes with personalized instruction, meaningful connections, and endless support.
Learn more about each of our departments:
- ENGLISH
- FINE ARTS
- FOREIGN LANGUAGE
- LIBRARIES
- MATHEMATICS
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION
- RELIGION
- SCIENCE
- SOCIAL STUDIES
- TECHNOLOGY
ENGLISH
Because we learn to read by reading, write by writing, speak by speaking, and listen by listening, the English/Language Arts Curriculum centers on the use of literature, not only to accomplish traditional goals of literature itself (such as development of cultural awareness, critical thinking, empathy and imagination), but also to facilitate the acquisition of skills necessary for successful communication in school and beyond.
The curriculum offers students instruction and extensive practice in reading, writing, speaking and listening, presenting them with a progressive series of challenges in their encounters with and use of the English language.
English classes aim to cultivate creative capabilities along with logical and rational faculties; to acquaint students with major works in the literary traditions of the United States and Britain while at the same time exploring nontraditional voices; and to begin their acquaintance (in Matthew Arnold's phrase) "with the best that has been known and said," while simultaneously creating thinkers able to discern meaning and express ideas cogently in an increasingly complex, diverse and changing world.
FINE ARTS
We recognize the arts as reflections of life and history, of cultures past and present, and of human desire for creative expression. Education in the arts is thus an integral part of a full academic process. It contributes to cognitive development and encourages imagination, intuition and reasoning through the direct application of the senses.
Educational experiences in both the fine and performing arts make a vital contribution to the development of the whole student. Since the school's founding, the arts have been an integral part of each student's school day.
Goals include making sure students have experiences in the arts that affect awareness at various levels of abilities and interests; develop individual artistic talents; maintain and develop artistic abilities; study history of the arts; have an opportunity to experience technology as a tool in enhancing creative expression; develop aesthetic awareness and critical analysis skills; achieve physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth through a balance of classroom experiences and participation in performances or exhibitions; and develop an appreciation of the arts as an enriching dimension to life experiences.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Foreign language learning is an integral component of a well-rounded curriculum. Current brain research indicates that foreign language learning should start at the earliest age. Language is a vehicle for communicating ideas and the study of a foreign language opens up new areas of literature and expression to the student.
Foreign language study fosters an understanding of how languages develop and increases an awareness of the logic and structure of language in general. The exposure to other cultures and ideas provides opportunities for developing critical thinking, creativity, and confidence in self-expression.
LIBRARIES
The Canterbury School libraries are an integral part of the educational program of the school at each of the four division levels. As instructional media centers, the libraries provide materials to support the learning process.
While each of the three libraries has its own unique focus, overall the libraries have three fundamental functions: curriculum support and enrichment for students and faculty, library and information skills instruction, and motivation for reading and learning.
Proficiency in library skills provides students a solid base for all library curriculum related activities. In a world filled with information, knowing how to evaluate the credibility of information has become essential. Mastering the use of library resources will give students the means to search for information, which is the key to life-long learning.
In the Middle School library, literature is promoted through English classes and as a tie-in to social studies. The librarian has developed book lists with input from faculty. These lists are updated yearly to include the most recent literature. Historical fiction is a major focus as well as the Newbery award books, realistic fiction, fantasy and biographies. The Middle School library collection reflects these lists. Middle School students use the book lists for both required and recreational reading. Reading for enjoyment is strongly encouraged.
The High School library is used throughout the day for research, for quiet study and reflection, as well as for recreational and independent reading by students and faculty. The relaxed but focused and productive atmosphere of the High School library provides the ideal environment for learning. Peer and faculty tutoring take place in the library. Students work together and individually, as they take advantage of library resources. Students gather in the library and learn from one another, building a sense of community.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is a pure science, a language, an integral part of the humanities and the social sciences, and an applied science. It has a completeness of its own and a use as a tool to organize and analyze information in many other disciplines.
In studying mathematics, students are learning ways to organize their thinking and to solve problems. We intend that students gain a proficiency and understanding of numerical and geometric concepts, both for immediate application and as a foundation for future analytical studies and applications. However, in mathematics education, process is as important as the product, and the final answer is only one component. Just as valuable are the mastery of basic skills and the development of mental agility, creativity, persistence, and patience. Moreover, with the changes in the availability of technology to aid in problem solving and the exploration of concepts, the ability to use these tools effectively has become an integral component of the teaching of mathematics.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical activity and the knowledge necessary to maintain one's body are essential to the optimal growth and development of a child. Physical Education is an integral component of the total educational process, providing planned experiences that are instrumental in the social, physical and mental development an individual.
Through the nature and the discipline of the program, students acquire skills that promote and strengthen self-concept, cooperation within a group, and a respect for varying levels of ability. These skills enable an individual to choose lifelong constructive physical activities and habits, allowing each child to reach his or her potential as a contributing member of society.
RELIGION
Within all cultures, religion has served functions that include, but are not limited to providing people with a sense of heritage and a link with the past; providing a sense of origin, destiny and a bridge to the future; accounting for the supernatural; providing a sense of belonging and meaning for life; and establishing expectations and standards for behavior.
Canterbury School was founded in the Christian tradition, upholding its principles and practices as most fully demonstrated in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In this context, Canterbury's religion curriculum seeks to provide an environment in which students may come to understand for themselves the principles of the Christian faith and their implications in their daily lives, learn of and experience Jewish and Christian traditions, and develop an understanding of and respect for the diverse heritage and faiths of others.
SCIENCE
Science is both a body of organized knowledge and explanations subject to change and modifications germane to the scientific method, and a dynamic process implying activity – a search for knowledge and explanations. Science education should reflect a balance between these two qualities of science.
The world in which we live in is becoming increasingly shaped by and dependent on science and technology, thus mandating that science education should continue to stay current in the uses of technology and prepare all students to become scientifically literate in order to participate knowledgeably in this complex world of the 21st century.
Many issues surrounding science and technology are not value-free, and thus science education should provide students with the necessary information to make intelligent decisions concerning real-world ethical, environmental and economic issues.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies is the study of people as social beings in their historical, cultural and geographical context, an examination of the social, political and economic structures in which the students live.
The social studies curriculum introduces students to that body of knowledge and those skills that will help them understand the affairs of their community, country and world. A democratic society and an increasingly interdependent world call for students to develop insights and skills necessary to comprehend controversial issues and make responsible choices about their own relationship to and involvement in society.
I have learned so much from my teacher this year in Social Studies! I really enjoyed the Europe unit and loved working on the PowerPoint project that we each presented to the class on the European country of our choice.
Sixth Grader, Mrs. McFarland's Social Studies Class
TECHNOLOGY
The influence of computers on human life and on the development of our culture will continue to increase in the years ahead. Students should be prepared to cope with and contribute to this trend.Technology is a powerful information tool, and to use that tool students must understand and master the many possibilities for its use.
In addition to the use of a computer as a tool, the study of programming fundamentals can help to illustrate the nature of software and expand the power of critical thinking by presenting opportunities and procedures for problem solving. Computer literacy and the foundations of computer science are therefore important components of contemporary education.
The Lower School technology curriculum introduces and then builds on the skills necessary to use technology as a learning tool and begin to master basic, lifelong skills. Students are then able to apply these skills to other applications, regardless of the application format, and they learn to adapt to new technologies as they are introduced to them.
Students use a variety of devices including lab computers, wireless laptops and iPods to explore topics in English, science, social studies, math, foreign language and fine arts. In addition, students use Lego robots, sensors and other devices to learn about control technologies and robotics.
The Middle School technology curriculum is designed to allow all students to become knowledgeable and confident in the use of the technology and software available in all aspects of their educational development. The computer and accompanying hardware and software are seen as tools to be used in the educational process. To get the most out of these tools students must master the basics and be exposed to the possibilities they can create using these tools.
The High School lab and classrooms use computers running Windows and/or Linux. Computers are available in the computer lab, the library, and in several faculty classrooms in order to promote integration of technology into the curriculum. Apple laptops are used in the Fine Arts department for computer and music composition. In addition, wireless laptops and tablets are used for class activities and are available for student use in the library subject to availability.
Additionally, all High School students have opportunities to learn the basic computer skills and knowledge they will need to effectively use computers as learning and productivity tools. To that end, it is a graduation requirement that all High School students successfully complete a one term basic computer skills course (usually taken as part of the 9th grade program) or a basic programming course. Beyond this, courses in more advanced areas of computer study are offered as electives, including College Computer Science and Advanced Projects in Computer Science.