Curriculum
Our curriculum is grounded in evidence-based instructional practices and is designed to support strong academic foundations in literacy, mathematics, and interdisciplinary learning. Instruction draws from widely accepted learning standards and research-supported approaches, while remaining flexible and responsive to student interests and development. Academic skill-building is intentionally integrated with experiential learning; through project-based work, outdoor exploration, and community-connected studies, students apply core concepts in meaningful, real-world contexts. Through differentiation to meet each child’s needs, we maintain high expectations while supporting each student’s growth as a confident, capable learner.
Literacy
Mathematics
Primary Grades (K-3)
In the primary grades, literacy instruction builds strong foundations in how reading and writing work. Students develop:
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Phonemic awareness and phonics for accurate decoding
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Vocabulary and background knowledge through rich read-alouds and discussion
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Fluency and comprehension through daily reading and writing practice
-
Early writing skills, with an emphasis on clarity, voice, and structure
Instruction is responsive, hands-on, and grounded in developmentally appropriate practice.
Middle Grades (4-8)
In the middle grades, literacy instruction builds on strong foundations to deepen comprehension, analysis, and communication. Students:
- Read increasingly complex texts with attention to structure, meaning, and evidence
- Write for a range of purposes and audiences, developing clarity, organization, and voice
- Engage in discussion and analysis that emphasizes reasoning, perspective, and respectful dialogue
- Strengthen discipline-specific literacy skills across the humanities, sciences, and mathematics
Instruction supports growing independence while remaining responsive to individual learners.
Primary Grades (K-3)
Primary math focuses on building deep understanding of numbers and patterns. Students learn to:
- Develop number sense, including counting, relationships, place value, and magnitude
- Understand and apply basic operations through hands-on problem solving
- Explain their thinking using words, drawings, and models
- Build confidence and flexibility with math through games and real-world contexts
Instruction emphasizes conceptual math, building a deep understanding of mathematical ideas while developing fact fluency to reduce cognitive load and support confident problem solving.
Middle Grades (4-8)
Middle grades math emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and precision. Students:
-
Extend understanding of operations, fractions, ratios, and proportional reasoning
-
Develop algebraic thinking, including expressions, equations, and functions
-
Explore geometry, measurement, and data analysis
-
Solve multi-step problems and clearly explain their mathematical thinking using models, representations, and mathematical language
Instruction is sequenced, coherent, and aligned with grade-level expectations while supporting a range of learners.
Literacy
Primary Grades (K-3)
In the primary grades, literacy instruction builds strong foundations in how reading and writing work. Students develop:
-
Phonemic awareness and phonics for accurate decoding
-
Vocabulary and background knowledge through rich read-alouds and discussion
-
Fluency and comprehension through daily reading and writing practice
-
Early writing skills, with an emphasis on clarity, voice, and structure
Instruction is responsive, hands-on, and grounded in developmentally appropriate practice.
Middle Grades (4-8)
In the middle grades, literacy instruction builds on strong foundations to deepen comprehension, analysis, and communication. Students:
- Read increasingly complex texts with attention to structure, meaning, and evidence
- Write for a range of purposes and audiences, developing clarity, organization, and voice
- Engage in discussion and analysis that emphasizes reasoning, perspective, and respectful dialogue
- Strengthen discipline-specific literacy skills across the humanities, sciences, and mathematics
Instruction supports growing independence while remaining responsive to individual learners.
Mathematics
Primary Grades (K-3)
Primary math focuses on building deep understanding of numbers and patterns. Students learn to:
- Develop number sense, including counting, relationships, place value, and magnitude
- Understand and apply basic operations through hands-on problem solving
- Explain their thinking using words, drawings, and models
- Build confidence and flexibility with math through games and real-world contexts
Instruction emphasizes conceptual math, building a deep understanding of mathematical ideas while developing fact fluency to reduce cognitive load and support confident problem solving.
Middle Grades (4-8)
Middle grades math emphasizes conceptual understanding, mathematical reasoning, and precision. Students:
-
Extend understanding of operations, fractions, ratios, and proportional reasoning
-
Develop algebraic thinking, including expressions, equations, and functions
-
Explore geometry, measurement, and data analysis
-
Solve multi-step problems and clearly explain their mathematical thinking using models, representations, and mathematical language
Instruction is sequenced, coherent, and aligned with grade-level expectations while supporting a range of learners.
Science & Social Studies
Across all grade levels, science and social studies at Tidalwood are taught through place-based and experiential learning, connecting naturally with reading, writing, and math. As students grow, the content deepens while the approach remains consistent, helping children make sense of their world through meaningful, connected learning.
Social-Emotional Learning and Character Education
Social-emotional learning and character development are embedded throughout the school day. Through teamwork, shared responsibility, problem-solving, and reflection, students build skills such as empathy, resilience, leadership, and respect for others—supporting both personal growth and a strong school community. Hands-on learning experiences provide opportunities for service and stewardship that are naturally connected to the academic curriculum.
Tidalwood School uses a developmentally responsive approach
While instruction is organized into grade bands, students are not limited by chronological grade levels. Learning is flexible and developmentally responsive, allowing each child to engage with literacy and math at an appropriate level of challenge and support.
Address
903 Pequot Trail
Stonington, CT 06378
Office Hours
M-F
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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It is our policy to never share or sell the names, addresses, emails, or phone numbers of our donors, our students, or our students' families. © 2025 Tidalwood School, Inc. All Rghts Reserved.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
Tidalwood School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, and family background to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in the administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, or school-administered programs.
Accessibility & Inclusion:
Tidalwood School is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment. We welcome students with diverse learning needs and, in partnership with families, will make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate supports and ancillary services as needed.