ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

The elementary program consists of a series of five developmental, language-based academic classrooms,
which serves children between the ages of 5 and 13.  These classrooms are designed to meet the individual needs of students in kindergarten through eighth grade.  Classroom groupings are based on the student’s
overall academic, language, behavioral and social needs.

Language/communication skills are part of the child’s daily instructional program, presented in a continuous
and on-going model through out the day.  Academic instruction in reading, writing and math are part of the
daily curriculum; along with science, social studies, art, music, RT and cooking activities.  All activities are presented using direct instruction techniques.

Level 1 & 2 Classroom:

• Average age:  5 to 8 years
• Academic level:  Pre-K to 1st grade
• Class size:  8 to 10 students
• Staff:  Certified special education teacher and 2-3 teaching assistants
• Special Activities:  Thanksgiving Play, which has been a Hi-Star tradition for
  over seventeen years; Valentine Poetry Recital & Tea; End of Year Play

The Level 1-2 classroom works on daily language/communication activities,
pre-academic skills, as well as emerging socialization skills.

Level 3 Classroom:

• Average age:  7 to 10 years
• Academic level:  Kindergarten - 2nd grade
• Class size:  10 to 12 students
• Staff:  Certified special education teacher and 2-3 teaching assistants
• Special Activities:  Winter Program; Valentine Poetry Recital & Tea; Art Show; End of Year Play

The Level 3 classroom encourages the students to continue with their progress in academic and language/communication skills, and to develop appropriate social interactions with peers.

Level 4 Classroom:

• Average age:  9 to 12 years
• Academic level:  Kindergarten - 3rd grade
• Class size:  10-15 students
• Staff:  Certified special education teacher and 2-3 teaching assistants
• Special Activities:  Winter Program; Valentine Poetry Recital & Tea; Art Show, End of Year Play.

The Level 4 classroom continues to work on academic skills, appropriate language/communication
skills and to develop independence, responsibility and social interactions with peers.

Level 5 Classroom:

• Average age:  10 to 13 years
• Academic level:  1st - 4th grade
• Class size:  10 -15 students
• Staff:  Certified special education teacher and 2 teaching assistants
• Special Activities:  Hi-Star Center Choir, Winter Program, Valentine Poetry Recital & Tea,
  Art Show, End of year play

The Level 5 classroom continues to work on language, communication and social skills, along with academic performance.  The Level 5 classroom begins to incorporate newspapers into their reading curriculum and stresses independence and responsibility.