EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Elementary School (K-5)
Elementary School

The Elementary School provides a foundation for lifelong learning. Value is placed on imagination, problem solving, social awareness, collaboration and communication. Teachers address a variety of learning styles through hands-on activities, group projects, alternative assessment, cross-curriculum integration, indoor and outdoor activities, special events and off-campus experiences. We believe children learn best when their learning is connected to real-life experiences and therefore construct integrated, inquiry based, thematic units of study that are focused on the interests and learning styles of current classes. Skills are taught according to developmental readiness, progressing from simple to complex skills throughout the grades. Classes are small and academics are presented by caring teachers in a supportive environment.
Students are grouped into two team cohorts: grades K-2 and grades 3-5. Click the tabs below to learn more about each cohort’s learning objectives, desired outcomes, and more.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Many Sant Bani School students begin their SBS careers in our K-2 cohort. Utilizing a play-based curriculum and a combination of independent and group work, students learn to develop complex ideas, flexible thinking, understanding different viewpoints, and treating others with respect. Assessment is not measured through letter grades, but rather it is observational, ongoing, and individualized to ensure each child is progressing in all areas of the curriculum.
K-2 classrooms are located in the Middle Building, creating opportunities for students to interact with other students in the K-2 cohort during recess and after school Enrichment activities, as well as to partner with Middle School students who mentor younger students in the spirit of the School’s core principle of pursuing learning with the objective of being better able to help others.
One of the highlights of the K-2 experience is the K-2 Museum, which culminates a year-long program in which students choose a theme and then spend the year researching the theme and preparing display pieces and exhibits. Students then present their display to parents and fellow SBS students, which helps develop comfort and confidence in public speaking.
Beginning in third grade, Sant Bani School students move to the Upper Building for grades 3, 4, and 5. With the transition to the Upper Building comes an increase in the responsibility and independence afforded to students, as 3-5 students travel to the Middle Building for classes such as Spanish, Art, Music, and Health/Physical Education throughout the day. The curriculum and learning objectives are rooted in honing the skills developed in grades K-2 while also acquiring new, more complex knowledge in preparation for Middle School. In fifth grade, students are permitted to begin playing interscholastic sports.
Elementary school staff

Esther Shartar-Howe
Kindergarten Teacher SBS Class of 1997
Hampshire College, BA
UVEI, NH Elem. Ed. Cert
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Kari Allen
Second Grade Teacher SBS Class of 1998
Smith College, BA
Plymouth State Univ., MEd
NH Elem. Ed. Cert
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Brittney Peterson '03
Special Services Coordinator Keene State College, BS
Plymouth State Univ., M Ed
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