Elementary School
Welcome to our Elementary School! Our dedicated team is here to support your child’s development with care, creativity, and enthusiasm.
A Warm Welcome by our Elementary School Principal
Thank you for your interest in our Elementary School! Our program is centered on warm, personalized instruction in small classes. It runs from the School Entry Level (SEL) through fourth grade. The SEL prepares students for first grade by building their knowledge of basic literacy and math.
By first grade, students have the foundational skills they need to delve deep into reading and writing in German, social studies, science, music, art, and to start solving mathematical problems. English is taught starting in first grade and in 2nd through 4th grade is is taught at 3 different proficiency levels. From fourth grade on, science classes offer hands-on learning in the school’s state-of-the-art science building.
Our athletic program in the Elementary School provides students with opportunities to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally, using sports to reinforce essential life skills such as teamwork and persistence. In addition to the traditional P.E. class, students have weekly swim classes in our indoor pool starting in first grade.
If you have any questions, please give us a call at 301.767.3807.
Holger Papieß
Elementary School Principal
Churer Model
We work in accordance with the Churer model, which supports self-motivated learning in our students. Our faculty prioritizes discovering and fostering the learning needs of the individual students in their classroom.
Elementary School Counselor
Our Elementary School Counselor provides students with an opportunity to take charge of their problems and conflicts and to work on and solve them. Students can set up recess appointments alone or with one or two other children and work on solutions. Social learning takes place every day and in all areas.
Buddy, our School Dog
In the 2022/23 school year, a “four-legged faculty member” joined our team! Having well-trained and certified dogs join the classroom has proven to create a positive learning environment, enhance focus and foster a feeling of responsibility in students. Dogs can comfort and motivate children.
Responsive Classroom
The Responsive Classroom concept is at the basis of our social-emotional program at the Elementary School. This concepts aids students in developing strong classroom communities and a strong school identity which in turn provide the students with a great sense of safety and positivity in everyday school life.
Health Room
The Health Room serves students from preschool through twelfth grade. If a student feels unwell or is injured during school hours, they should inform their current teacher or supervising staff member, who will decide if a visit to the Health Room is necessary. The health room is also reponsible for collecting students health data and supports a healthy school community.
We are delighted to also present the following programs to you:
No prior German language skills are required for entry from Preschool through Grade 5, provided the family is highly motivated for their child to learn German, and the child demonstrates strong academic performance. Students who are admitted under these conditions take part in the Fast Track Program.
In 2018, our school earned the prestigious MINT certification, supported by Germany’s "MINT: Creating the Future" initiative, backed by the Conference of Ministers of Education and leading corporations. STEM standds for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.