Curriculum

Right Start Mathematics

Right Start Mathematics is a research and standards-based program developed by Dr. Joan Cottor. An engineer by training, Cotter later became a certified Montessori Teacher and went on later to earn her PhD in Mathematics Education. Her curriculum is by far, the most developmentally appropriate mathematics program we have encountered.

Inspired by the success of Japanese students in mathematics, Dr. Cotter studied the nuances of the Japanese curriculum and discovered specific ways to present the material in order for students to be successful in math. Use of the Abacus is foundational to the development of quantitative reasoning, and this Montessori-based approach is superior to any others we have seen. Rather than long drills and flashcards, Right Start blends the use of simple manipulatives, worksheets, and practice through hundreds of enjoyable games to solidify math concepts. Carrie has been amazed by how well it has worked for her daughter. Whether you use Saxon or Singapore Math or any other traditional program, your child will enjoy greater conceptual understanding through the activities developed by Dr. Cotter.

The Writing & Spelling Road to Reading and Thinking

Our method of instruction, The Writing & Spelling Road to Reading & Thinking, begins by teaching manuscript letter formation through dictated instructions (no copying or tracing), together with a sufficient set of sound/letter relationships (the alphabetic principle). This accommodates the Webster-Oxford spelling system which “standardized” English spelling in the early 1860’s, and remains virtually unchanged after 140+ years. These phoneme/grapheme relationships are taught together as “explicit” phonics, “in isolation” (without key words, pictures or letter names) as recommended in the 1985 federal synthesis of reading research done by the nation’s leading reading professors, “Becoming a Nation of Readers” (BNR). This instruction takes only four of the first nine weeks in Grade 1—all without consumable worksheets.

Links to our curriculum:

http://www.riggsinst.org/

http://www.alabacus.com/

Fees

Fees are $250 per month/per child. A sliding scale can be applied based on family circumstances. Please contact us.