Curriculum
Walking through the halls at Sandhills School, you will feel the energy and excitement of students learning. Our students are actively engaged in the learning process through participation in a hands-on curriculum. While maintaining a high expectation for our students, we provide a nurturing environment with individualized instruction. At the beginning of each year, the student, parent, teacher and an administrator meet to develop a Blueprint© that has individual goals tailored specifically to the individual student’s needs. Student progress is measured against benchmarks based on South Carolina State Standards, and a portfolio of the student’s work is kept throughout the year for reflection of progress and is given to the parents at the end of year conference. During the school year each student will be given the opportunity to demonstrate his/her mastery of the subject through demonstration, oral reports, written reports and other projects. Detailed progress reports are written three times a year. Two scheduled parent conference are mandated, and parents or teachers can request a conference at any time. We value input from our parents, recognizing that a partnership with parents is vital to the growth of our children
Sandhills School recognizes that all students must build an essential foundation in reading, writing, and math so that they may become independent learners and problem solvers. Our goal is to give the students the tools and academic skills to be successful in their future academic skills.
Sandhills School offers a rich and comprehensive education. Our curriculum is based on the Orton-Gillingham principles. We actively incorporate the auditory, tactile and kinesthetic modalities in all learning. We use a multisensory approach to teach all subject areas; our curriculum is based on learning by doing. Sandhills capitalizes on the students’ strengths while we remove the traditional obstacles of learning. We take the stress out of homework, and recognize that children need time to develop and grow as a well-rounded individual. They need time to participate in sports, spiritual activities and to continue their growth all areas.
Language
Each student has 100 minutes of language instruction daily. Our language training (LT) classes have no more than three students in each class. This thorough class helps build the foundation of language that the students must have in order to become fluent readers and writers. Reading and writing are intertwined with the goal of enabling students to become competent communicators. We accept each student’s level of language and build on his/her level using explicit direct instruction to teach decoding skills. Our students achieve tremendous gains in language skills in LT, and these skills are reinforced and practiced in fifty minute language arts (LA) classes.
Math
In the lower grades, our math classes range from two to four students. We teach numeration, computation, geometry, measurement, and problem solving at each level. We move from concrete objects to visual representation; when the students are ready, we move to the abstract reasoning skills. In middle school, our students take either pre-algebra or algebra. We individualize the curriculum to meet the unique needs of every student.
Science
Learning extends beyond the physical four-walled classrooms. We use our beautiful wooded, 22-acre campus and natural resources to help satisfy our students’ natural propensity for science. We use the students’ innate curiosity to teach scientific investigative concepts following state and national guidelines.
Social Studies
Starting with home and school, students explore their own cultural community, followed by South Carolina state history and then onto United States and World history. Through exploration, students gain an appreciation of history, economics and geography. Hands-on projects and reenactments help the children learn. Frequent field trips extend the boundaries of learning.
Art
The arts are central to Sandhills School. Art provides an invaluable vehicle for teaching all subject areas. The goal is to foster creativity, originality and expression. Every student has the opportunity to enrich his/her life though art expression.
Physical Education
Physical education builds motor development, coordination, physical fitness and good sportsmanship. P.E. helps our children develop muscle tone, stamina and release energy.
Technology
Sandhills School has state-of-the-art technology. Every classroom is equipped with an advanced SmartBoard interactive whiteboard that enhances student motivation and multisensory instruction. Because of the generosity of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, our computer lab is outfitted with Dell computers. Every student is also issued a Writer, a personal word processor. Each student takes typing and computer application.
Our students close the gap between their achievement and their potential. Students leave Sandhills School equipped with the best preparation for the next stage in their academic career. Our academic program prepares our students to succeed in college and beyond with a lifelong love of learning.