ENGLEWOOD, NJ: Science projects, art materials, and music have a place alongside reading and math in the school’s curriculum. Children get opportunities to put lessons into practice, create their own work, and take part in performances. How these subjects fit into school life is what this covers.

Science Lessons Include Practical Work

At Ability School, Englewood, NJ, classroom learning includes practical activities and time to work through subjects at an individual pace. Children have room to spend longer on a difficult lesson or move ahead in an area they understand well.

In the elementary program, science includes the basics of life science and technical sciences. Research and observation form part of the learning process. Roughly half the day involves hands-on projects or practical activities, with STEAM bringing science, technology, engineering, art, and math into the curriculum.

The program includes:

  • Practical projects that give children opportunities to use what they learn.
  • Field trips where they observe and interact with the world outside school. 

Art and Music Begin in the Lower School

Art gives younger children time to work with different materials. Lower School lessons include watercolor, pencil, charcoal, and oils, along with crafts.

Music lessons include songs and musical skits. Children also take part in at least one major performance each year, gaining experience performing with a group in front of an audience. 

How the Subjects Fit Into School Life

The activities vary across school levels. The table below gives families a brief look at the curriculum.

SubjectExamples of School ActivitiesScienceElementary lessons in life science and technical sciences, supported by practical workArtLower School drawing, painting and craftsMusicLower School songs, musical skits and group performances

Science and creative work sit within a broader program that also includes reading, writing and math.

Creative Work Continues in Middle School

Older children have opportunities to follow their interests in fine arts, music and theater. At Ability School, practical assignments also extend to experiments and making useful products.

Past Middle School projects have included:

  • Crossing plants to produce a hybrid.
  • Writing a short play or helping create the yearbook.

Theatrical performances take place regularly during the school year, and student artwork is displayed around the school. Creative work continues as academic study becomes more demanding.

Information for Englewood Families

Families looking for a private school in Englewood, NJ, can ask how practical lessons and creative subjects fit into their child’s school level. A conversation about the curriculum gives parents a clearer picture of the work their child would do.

The campus is at 75 Knickerbocker Road, Englewood, NJ 07631. For program and admissions information, contact (201) 801-5403 or [email protected]. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does science become part of everyday learning?

Elementary science covers life science and technical sciences. Practical activities, research, and observation support classroom study. 

What art materials do younger children use?

Lower School children work with watercolor, pencil, charcoal and oils. They also take part in crafts. 

Do children take part in music performances?

Yes. Lower School children learn songs and musical skits and participate in at least one major performance each year. 

Does creative learning continue in middle school?

Yes. Middle School includes fine arts, music, and theater, with opportunities to develop individual creative interests.

Can children spend extra time on difficult lessons?

Yes. The learning approach allows extra time where needed and progress in subjects children already understand well.