 | | The Outdoor Classroom is a hallmark of Cliff Valley School – and a trendsetter in Atlanta education. Every classroom has its own dedicated outdoor learning space, for planting and exploration. Our building was constructed with a custom-designed, open-air, second-floor Environmental Education Classroom for teaching, learning – and getting dirty. Led by an environmental education specialist, the program integrates cross-curricular learning with involvement in conservation issues. |
| Beginning in preschool, all Cliff Valley students learn Spanish from a native speaker. Three days per week students experience a fun, communicative approach that helps them acquire listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills; practical skills they can use in class, around Atlanta and in Costa Rica when they travel there for their fifth grade trip. Students also experience Hispanic culture through cooking, music and drama and they even write and perform their own plays in Spanish. |
| Taught by a professional artist and educator, formal art instruction begins in Kindergarten and progresses thru 5th grade. Students learn essential elements of art, such as line, color, shapes, and techniques, as they experience and create original pieces through drawing, painting, sculpting, carving, and other media. In addition, many art projects are directly connected to the classroom curricula, allowing students to make connections between art, science, and social studies. |
| The PE program for elementary students focuses on the acquisition and application of motor and athletic skills in a variety of activities, games, and sports. Particular emphasis is placed on cooperation, teamwork, and sportsmanship as students learn to work with others and become positive contributing members of a team. In addition, students receive instruction in physical fitness and health and are encouraged to develop and practice healthy habits. |
| Music instruction is provided to all Cliff Valley students age 2 thru grade 5. Younger students experience and create sounds as well as learn songs and dances, all of which is designed to develop students' music and movement skills. For elementary students, there is specific instruction in skills and techniques related to singing, playing instruments, and movement. Music connections to classroom curricula allow for a rich, deep, and memorable learning experience for students. Students in grades 3-5 have the opportunity to participate in the World Music Ensemble, a percussion-based performing group. |
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