Programs

                Like other highly regarded independent, CAIS accredited schools, Barnhart as a diverse range of academic and co-curricular classes combined to offer a comprehensive learning environment.  Core classes in math, science, literacy, social studies, and Spanish are offered in kindergarten through 8^th grade.  Additionally, music, drama, technology, art, and daily PE are central to a balanced program.  The Virtues program and Chapel create the foundation for moral guidance, integrity, and overall spiritual development.  In middle school, we expand our classes to include life skills, conversational Spanish, wood shop, public speaking, theater arts, and more.     

                We believe that every student has unique gifts and we do not presume to know what their ultimate “ability” is in any given area.  Rather, we assess current achievement and developmental levels and move them forward with a challenging “academic stretch” not “anxietal stress.”  Student should know themselves as learners – metacognitively building on strengths and developing weaker areas.

                Several programs distinguish our school.  With a concentrated focus on early literacy and clear assessments, our students become strong readers – for both pleasure and purpose.  Writers’ Workshop, from the research of Dr. Lucy Calkins, is taught school wide to grow compelling, competent young writers.  Our middle school students participate in a specially designed Amgen science program and all 7th and 8th grade students take algebra.  To personalize learning with more active engagement, students in grades through 8, travel to different locations each year to fully engage and personalize learning.  Traditional field trip destinations for 5th through 8th grade students include:  Riley’s Farm, Catalina Island Marine Institute, Yosemite National Park, and Washington D.C

                Community service learning and projects are required at each grade level as part of our vision that students need to “give back” and be involved as reflective, innovative problem solvers and caring citizens.

                Our 8th graders gain acceptance to the area’s top high schools including Alverno , Flintridge Prep, LaSalle, Loyola,  Maranatha, Poly Technic,  St. Francis, and others.