Our Signature Programs
At CES, we enhance our rigorous academic core curriculum with signature programs to expand student horizons.
From Kindergarten to 8th grade, experiential learning is a priority as we offer unique, enriching educational adventures that put learning into practice and that open young minds to new possibilities. From hands-on gardening or robotics to 8th grade's much-anticipated annual trip to Spain, we provide a dynamic menu of programs to spark imaginations, increase engagement, and encourage deeper critical thinking.
Lower School (K-4th Grade) Signature Programs
Using the 6+1 Writing Traits curriculum, a team of teachers review an anonymous sample of each grade’s writing pieces on a quarterly basis using a defined rubric. The top writing by grade is selected to be featured in the quarterly Young Author’s Tea presentation where the winning students present their pieces to an audience of parents.
Throughout the school year, Lower School students study robotics and coding through our partnership with Robo Wunderkind. Taught by our ed-tech specialist, our students get to explore these STEM areas using age-appropriate software and materials. They build modular robots that make noises, light up, and respond to code that the students write during the unit.
Despite our small, city campus, we have dedicated green spaces for our gardening program. Students in the lower school learn about soil, seeds, and sun first in the classroom and then in the garden. Ecology is emphasized and enhancing the natural habitat is a priority.
Through Project BioEYES, CES students travel under the sea to study the lifecycle of the zebrafish. Project BioEYES is a science education program which provides classroom-based learning opportunities through the use of live zebrafish.
Classroom units are designed to teach conceptual understanding of life science content and processing skills while exciting children to the thrill of scientific discovery. When children are appointed junior scientists, they participate in a fun exercise that breaks down stereotypes about both science and scientists. The goal is to educate young citizens to think critically and scientifically, thereby impacting future scientists and doctors.
BioEYES is located at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA; the Carnegie Institution for Science in Baltimore, MD; Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN; and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
A strong priority in our Episcopal community is the strengthening of community bonds among our students. We use our three morning chapels to bring all the K-8 students together to participate in a service where Episcopal values are highlighted. In addition, our middle school students are paired with a lower school student as "chapel partners," and they sit together in chapels throughout the year, learning about each other through discussions and chapel partner outings. These relationships continue to flourish even in later years when they have different chapel partners. This program is one of the highlights that many alumni comment on in social media or when returning to visit.
Middle School (5th- 8th Grade) Signature Programs
Upon entering our middle school in fifth grade, students need additional support with the increased responsibilities and academic demands. Students face multiple teachers, larger unit tests and projects, in addition to more extra curricular activities. At CES, we dedicate a class to teaching our students how to manage their time and responsibilities so that they can achieve success.
They are taught how to:
- organize their binders and paperwork
- manage their time
- study for tests and quizzes
- take notes
- research the internet
- self-advocate to teachers
- practice mindfulness
- stay safe on the internet
Through Project BioEYES, CES students travel under the sea to study the lifecycle of the zebrafish. Project BioEYES is a science education program which provides classroom-based learning opportunities through the use of live zebrafish.
Classroom units are designed to teach conceptual understanding of life science content and processing skills while exciting children to the thrill of scientific discovery. When children are appointed junior scientists, they participate in a fun exercise that breaks down stereotypes about both science and scientists. The goal is to educate young citizens to think critically and scientifically, thereby impacting future scientists and doctors.
BioEYES is located at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA; the Carnegie Institution for Science in Baltimore, MD; Notre Dame University in South Bend, IN; and Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
A special component of our PE program that we have taught for over 20 years, students learn ballroom dancing from professional instructors in a 6-week unit, culminating in an elegant Ballroom Dance recital in front of friends and family.
Our eighth grade students rehearse and present a 25-minute interpretation of a Shakespearean play for other area students at the Folger’s Theater in Washington, DC. In preparation for this performance, the students also attend one or two professional Shakespeare plays in the DC area to better acquaint themselves with the material and style of Shakespeare performances. Observed and critiqued by professional actors from the Folger’s Theater, students receive feedback and praise on their performances. In the past, Christ Episcopal School has won many individual awards for performance highlights at the festival.
One of the traditions in 8th grade is our six-week Ethics Seminar, unique to Christ Episcopal School. It is a class that encourages deep thinking and discussion about the philosophy of ethics and how we approach it in our own lives. It also looks at the world around us and helps students interpret events using different perspectives and lenses, helping them to identify their own beliefs and better articulate who they are as human beings.
A highlight of the final year at CES is the 8th grade trip to Seville. Students are accompanied by our Spanish teacher and some chaperones, spending a week in Seville exploring its culture, language, and food. With immersive Spanish classes in the morning, the rest of the day is filled with exploration and learning, including social interactions with Seville peers. Upon returning from these adventures, our students see remarkable progress in their Spanish language ability and cement lifelong bonds with their fellow students.
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