Our Grades K - 8 curriculum provides for a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate educational program, which ensures an integrated and interdisciplinary approach to learning and the development of the whole child.

Our program meets and exceeds the New York State Learning Standards while building the foundation for learning across content areas. The academic program stresses critical thinking, effective communication skills and genuine commitment to learning. Students will be challenged, but they will also be given the tools and the environment necessary to meet those challenges. Immersion is key in Raynor Country Day School curriculum where math, art, music, science, history and language arts are integrated into thematic units, such as civilization studies. Elementary and Middle School faculty members have collaborated to produce innovative and comprehensive science and social studies lesson plans in which each grade concentrates on different topics. This includes life science, earth science and physical science, and sequential time periods of American history, each grade building upon the prior grade's foundation of knowledge.

Our goal is to develop a lifelong love of learning in each student. Teaching is directed toward each student being able to think independently and work creatively.

GRADES K - 8
Raynor Country Day School follows all New York State Curriculum standards and assessments including:

· English Language Arts
· Mathematics, Science and Technology
· Health
· Physical Education
· The Arts
· Social Studies

Where appropriate, Raynor Country Day School enhances New York State Curriculum.

STANDARDIZED TESTING AND NEW YORK STATE EXAMINATIONS
The Terra Nova Assessment Series is given to all students in grades Kindergarten to Eighth Grade. Students in Grade 4 are administered the New York State Examinations in English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and the Elementary Science Performance Evaluation Tests (ESPET). Students in Grade 5 are administered the NYS Social Studies Examination. In addition, students are administered standardized achievement tests and learning style inventories periodically.

EXTRA HELP
Extra help is available to all school students, either by groups or individually, and is considered an invaluable way for students to formulate questions and develop their skills in determining what they do and do not understand. Group help is offered during after-school enrichment. Through these sessions, teachers will better understand their student's specific strengths and areas needing support.

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND RELATED SERVICES
New York State Law provides for special services, if deemed necessary after appropriate testing, at the cost of the student's home school district. Whenever feasible and appropriate, efforts are made to educate students with disabilities in our classes and to ensure that services are provided within an integrated setting.

PRINCIPAL'S HONOR ROLL
Achieving a 90% (A) cumulative average in all courses graded numerically with the exception of Physical Education attains Principal's Honor Roll status. A Principal's Honor Roll list is published quarterly at each report card period.

HONOR ROLL
Honor Roll status is attained by achieving a 85% (B+) cumulative average in all courses graded numerically with the exception of Physical Education. A Honor Roll list is published quarterly at each report card period.

STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Selection is made by recommendations of school faculty. Candidates will be evaluated on the basis of service, leadership, character and citizenship.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Students who exhibit perfect attendance for the academic school year will be recognized as achieving perfect attendance at graduation in June of that school year.

HONORS & AWARDS
Selected students as recommended from school faculty members. Students will be recognized for their academic and non-academic achievements at graduation in June of that school year.

REPORT CARDS
Formal written report cards will be issued every ten-week marking period. Interim progress reports will be issued every five weeks of each marking period. Conferences will be held quarterly. Parents and teachers may confer at other times throughout the school year when any concern or problem arises. Parents are urged to call the school whenever they feel a problem may be developing and speak with their child's teacher. Teachers are always available by appointment.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Each faculty member and all of the special area teachers are aware of each child's progress. Team meetings often focus on how to help a student succeed academically or adjust socially. The low teacher-student ratio assures that children receive a great deal of academic and emotional support. Whenever an unusual concern surfaces, parents will be contacted and a conference will be held. A student may be referred for evaluation, and the School Nurse will become involved if there is a possible health issue.

STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council will plan and organize events and bring a strong feeling of school spirit to Raynor Country Day School. This is offered to students in Grades 3 through 6 as an after-school enrichment program.

CHARACTER EDUCATION
Character Education focuses on collaborating the New York State Learning Standards with Health, Social Studies and Physical Education curriculums, offering related activities teaching students appropriate and socially acceptable conflict resolution skills. Character Education allows children to practice positive values that help them become positive members of society. Modeling and practicing appropriate behavior is a pre-cursor for positive values.