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CURRICULUM
Our
values-based curriculum is an inspiring
arrangement of traditional liberal
arts content that is meaningful,
challenging, and rich. Subjects are
integrated for broader understanding.
Instruction is innovative and child-centered;
teachers differentiate by content,
process, and product to inspire learning
and to meet the individual needs
of each student. |
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| Imagine
your child…learning a second language with
confidence. |
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CHARACTER BUILDING
Regular
integration of character education
permeates the curriculum. Weekly assemblies set the stage for instruction of our Character Building Qualities (CBQ's) of kindness, respect, responsibility, and honesty. These qualities are the focal point of our discipline policy; we have high expectations of our students and
they respond. FRCDS
is the recipient of a Promising
Practice award for Stewardship Crew from the Character
Education Partnership (www.character.org) and has earned the distinction of being named an Ilinois State School of Character. |
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| Imagine your
child…developing a strong personal sense
of character and ethics. |
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CAMPUS
Our
property is a Natural Heritage Landmark
and is recognized by conservation groups
throughout Illinois as a rare wetland
ecosystem of natural springs, flora,
and fauna. Fifty-three
acres of wooded land with a fine arts
and ceramics studio, an indoor pool,
and a regulation size gym make our school
in the woods the perfect backdrop for
a lifetime of memory-making. |
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| Imagine
your child… splashing with friends during
weekly swim lessons. |
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ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION
If we want children to flourish, says educator
David Sobel, we need to give them time to connect with nature and love
the Earth before we ask them to save it. Students
spend time daily in our expansive landscape. Environmental education classes
take place in our vast outdoor classroom to encourage a lasting connection with
nature. This link with the environment fosters empathy, exploration, and social
action for a planet deserving of our best efforts. |
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| Imagine
your child…exploring the forested fen with
our campus naturalist. |
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THE
ARTS
Through drawing, painting, and sculpting in
art; with experiences in ensemble,
hand chimes, musical theater, and drama,
students have varied and rich opportunities
for creative expression. A
four-year study of Shakespeare through
literature and performance fosters
enjoyment and appreciation of classical
arts. Students
gain confidence and satisfaction from
artistic risk-taking. |
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| Imagine
your child…using the potter’s wheel to
turn a lump of clay into a work of art,
or performing in a Broadway Jr. production. |
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HOMELIKE
ATMOSPHERE
Teachers
know each child and expect their personal
best. Small class sizes support safe
and healthy relationships among adults
and classmates. Homelike
qualities of kindness, respect, responsibility,
and honesty are mutually valued throughout
our community. In our homelike environment, students gain an appreciation of diversity; they understand what it is to be tolerant and unselfish. Students work together as a team; they take initiative. At FRCDS, expressing grace and gratitude are a normal part of each day. |
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| Imagine
your child…shining bright in classes with
no more than 16-18 students. |
