Private Elementary School
Barnhart School offers a stimulating learning environment where students are encouraged to express themselves creatively and artistically and to show genuine compassion for others. Our private elementary school program strives for academic excellence while instilling our core values of integrity, inclusiveness, and perseverance in our students.
Barnhart's Elementary School Curriculum
Kindergarten - Second Grade (Primary School)
In our small private elementary school, small class sizes enable us to provide small group and individualized instruction.
The low student-to-teacher ratio along with the team of specialists for the enrichment and exploratory classes meet the unique needs and abilities of students in all elementary grades.
Starting in kindergarten, every child works with specialty teachers in music, physical education, Spanish, art instruction, and technology.
Third - Fifth Grade (Upper Elementary)
We believe that math and literacy are the foundation of all learning. Throughout the school year, these subjects are taught daily with focused attention on providing EACH student with a cognitive and stimulating learning challenge at the appropriate level of learning. State and national standards are used as a baseline for learning targets. Ultimately, we teach students how to become resilient, innovative thinkers and problem solvers who can persevere with intention and purpose in their own learning. Students gain confidence in assessing and reflecting on their own strengths and challenges, setting personal goals through the use of journals, rubrics and teacher assistance.
Instructional strategies are diverse, flexible and comprehensive. These strategies include:
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guided reading
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literature circles
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cooperative/collaborative inquiry groups
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direct instruction
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mini-lessons
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routine conferencing
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teaching metacognitive awareness
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journal writing
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literacy centers with attention to learning style needs
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peer projects, technology integration
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public presentation
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research
Class Trips
Barnhart has an extensive progression of hands-on Environmental and Physical Science Field Trips for all grade levels. With this first-hand exposure to new places, people, and ideas, they open their eyes and expand their knowledge. Field study also builds a sense of community among the student body through shared experiences. When students interact with the world around them, they become actively engaged in learning. A dynamic environment sparks a very engaging learning process.
These extensive learning excursions benefit students by reinforcing academic curriculum through hands-on experiences in the real world. Equally important, students progressively build independence and resilience as they are systematically led to step “out of their comfort zone, and into their learning zone.”
4th Grade – Ocean Institute's Brig Pilgrim - San Juan Capistrano
5th Grade – Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI)
Visiting Barnhart School
Barnhart School has been educating difference makers in Los Angeles county for over 60 years and is very proud of the community our private school fosters. We invite you to come visit our campus and talk with parents, teachers, and students so you can experience it firsthand.