Academics at Chandler
At The Chandler School, students build essential academic skills through direct instruction, multisensory learning, hands-on experiences, and meaningful connections across subjects.
Our small learning environment allows teachers to adapt instruction to the strengths, needs, interests, and pace of the students in each class. While the specific topics, projects, and supplemental offerings may change from year to year, our approach remains consistent: we meet students where they are and help them become confident, independent learners.
Our Primary Learning Areas
Literature
Literature classes help students strengthen reading comprehension, vocabulary, written expression, and oral communication. Students engage with a range of classic and contemporary texts while learning how to analyze ideas, make connections, and express their understanding.
Vocabulary and language skills are taught through direct, multisensory practice so students can understand and apply new words in meaningful contexts
Art
Art gives students opportunities to create, experiment, problem-solve, and communicate visually. Students explore a variety of materials and techniques while developing foundational art skills and learning about artists, cultures, and creative traditions.
Projects are designed to support individual expression while building confidence, craftsmanship, and visual understanding.
Social Studies
Geography provides the foundation for Chandler’s social studies curriculum. By understanding places, cultures, and the relationships between people and their environments, students are better prepared to engage with history, current events, and the world around them.
Topics may include ancient civilizations, the medieval period, colonization, the American Revolution, the Civil War, and twentieth-century America.
Math
Chandler’s math instruction emphasizes number sense, flexible thinking, and practical problem-solving. Teachers use manipulatives, visual models, direct instruction, and real-world applications to make mathematical ideas more accessible.
Lessons draw from a variety of resources and are adapted to students’ learning styles, skill levels, and instructional needs.
Tutorial
Tutorial provides individualized instruction based on each student’s current skills and needs. Many students receive tutorial support using the Orton-Gillingham Approach, a direct, sequential, and multisensory method of teaching language.
Tutorial instruction may address reading, spelling, vocabulary, written expression, syllable types, and other foundational language skills. Learn more about Chandler’s Orton-Gillingham Approach.
Science
Hands-on investigation helps students build curiosity, strengthen critical-thinking skills, and connect scientific concepts to the world around them. Instruction and topics may be adapted to reflect students’ interests and learning needs.
Learning Beyond the Core
Responsive programming shaped by our students
In addition to our core program, we offer a variety of classes and experiences that change from year to year based on student interest, faculty expertise, and emerging opportunities. These offerings allow students to explore, discover, and go deeper.