Immersive Curriculum

Our Curriculum

“Our curriculum is designed to be challenging, taught by specialized teachers who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our students. This approach ensures that our students receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for lifelong learning.” 

“Our curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at any other school if they decide to continue their education elsewhere. Each subject follows a specific curriculum that meets Common Core standards.”

Our curriculum employs project-based and immersive teaching strategies to motivate students to apply what they learn in dynamic and creative ways. This fosters their adaptability and problem-solving skills. In our fast-paced world, students need to develop a wide array of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to thrive and positively impact their environment. They need cognitive skills that enhance critical and imaginative thinking, social-emotional skills for teamwork and resilience, and practical skills to handle complex real-life situations.

From lower school to upper school, our curriculum develops crucial skills through a coherent vertical alignment that supports our students’ growth. Each lesson builds on the previous one, ensuring steady progress that boosts understanding and prepares students for future academic challenges. This method encourages continuous learning and personal development. Group projects enhance students’ social-emotional abilities, communication skills, and empathy, teaching them the importance of teamwork.

A designed Curriculum for Early Global Education (3 Months to 4.5 years)

At the Lower School, our unique Immersion Curriculum was thoughtfully crafted by specialists in bilingual and multilingual education expressly for SELA. It aims to aid English-speaking students in mastering a second or third language through a lively and cohesive method. This curriculum unites language acquisition with various academic fields, offering an all-encompassing educational journey. 

Beginning at a tender age, students launch into their linguistic adventure by initially learning isolated words and gradually advancing to constructing full sentences as they grow. This immersive educational model extends beyond mere language and cultural instruction; it integrates a wide array of subjects to construct a robust academic base from the very start.

The program is designed to accommodate children as young as 3 months up to Pre-Kindergarten age, facilitating their growth at each critical phase of their early education. Through this approach, the curriculum not only enhances language fluency but also fosters cognitive development, critical thinking, and cultural awareness among young learners.

LANGUAGE IMMERSION

  • Spanish and Mandarin:

At Sela, we don’t offer courses in Spanish or Mandarin; we immerse our students in these languages. This immersive approach is designed to empower students to become globally-minded leaders, equipped with the unique skills needed to understand and tackle challenges on a global scale. Through this method, we aim to cultivate a deep comprehension and fluency in these languages, enhancing students’ abilities to think critically and creatively in diverse environments. SELA incorporates a curriculum that blends Spanish from Spain with Mandarin from China, offering a unique and comprehensive educational experience. This program enables students to become proficient in two of the most commonly spoken languages globally. By the time they complete 6th grade, students will have the ability to communicate effectively in three languages, enhancing their cultural understanding and expanding their opportunities in a globally connected world.

STEAM

  • SCIENCE

Our Science Curriculum introduces students to key scientific concepts from an early age, helping them explore life, physical, earth, and space sciences, as well as human anatomy. This well-rounded approach supports students at all levels and encourages a lifelong interest in science.

  • Technology  

SELA values innovation and prepares students for the future by integrating technology throughout our school. Our tech lab features 3D printing, and our gross motor lab uses the LU system. These resources help students build the skills they need for a changing world, teaching them to use technology safely and independently so they’re ready for whatever comes next.

By September 2025, our hallways will be graced with the presence of our new friend, TEMI. This friendly addition will assist in supervising our hallways and providing a warm welcome to our students. As students walk through the doors, they can look forward to interacting with TEMI, who will ensure a safe and inviting environment for everyone. This innovative approach aims to enhance the overall experience at our institution by integrating technology in a way that supports our community. 

  • Engineering -Programming Language 

Starting at age 4, our students use Scratch programming to boost their understanding of math and technology. With tools like iPads, Chromebooks, SMART Boards, computer labs, and 3D printers, they bring their coding and designs to life. This hands-on experience helps them grasp key concepts and prepares them for success in school and future tech careers.

  • Mathematics -3 Months to 6th Grade.

Our math curriculum uses a unique method that enhances problem-solving skills and deepens understanding. Instead of memorization, it focuses on mastering concepts through three steps: starting with hands-on materials, moving to visual representations, and finally working with abstract symbols. This approach builds critical thinking and helps students apply math to real-life situations, making learning more practical and engaging.

ENGLISH (Lower & Upper School)

English Language Arts

From Junior Kindergarten through 6th grade, students engage in English Language Arts and Science of Reading programs that build important reading and communication skills. The curriculum covers phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, helping students understand and appreciate both stories and informational texts. This strong foundation supports cr

Social Studies & Community

Social Studies and Community covers topics such as types of communities, government, history, economics, and geography. The curriculum explores both U.S. and world history and society, helping students understand social studies and participate thoughtfully in their communities.

ARTS

Art is an integral component of education that students begin exploring from a young age. Younger students are introduced to various forms of art, including music, singing, and visual arts. As they progress to upper school, they delve deeper into the elements of art such as line, shape, form, space, color, texture, and the principles of design, as well as different subject matters. The art curriculum is designed to not only foster creativity but also to connect students with global art and cultural heritage. This holistic approach to teaching art enriches students’ understanding and appreciation of the diverse artistic expressions around the world.

Music & Play

Throughout the year, our students eagerly prepare for their final performance. They delve into the musical aspects of the chosen play and have the chance to audition for various roles. This experience enhances their performance skills and fosters leadership as they progress through rehearsals and eventually perform for an audience of parents and family members. This supportive atmosphere boosts their confidence and hones their skills. Our program accommodates a broad age range, from infants as young as 3 months to 6th graders, providing a comprehensive introduction to the performing arts from a young age.

SPORTS: Hingham

Throughout the year, our students will participate in learning the skills required for tennis and soccer. These activities are structured to initially cover the fundamental aspects of each sport and gradually introduce more complex techniques. This is a wonderful chance for our students to explore the values of collaboration, teamwork, discipline, and focus, all of which are essential for their personal and social development. By taking part in these activities, students will not only enhance their physical fitness but also cultivate crucial interpersonal and life skills that will benefit them in various aspects of their lives.

Global Minded

We consistently focus on raising global awareness and encouraging active involvement across the international landscape. Our initiative involves partnering with schools in Chile and Honduras, as well as establishing pen pal programs, to enhance our students’ comprehension of diverse cultures and languages. Such endeavors broaden their global perspective and inspire them to become engaged global citizens. This approach not only fosters their personal development but also equips them to make meaningful contributions in a world that is increasingly interconnected, fostering empathy and instilling values necessary for leadership.

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL

The social emotional intelligence curriculum is designed to improve students’ abilities to comprehend and regulate their emotions, while also fostering effective interactions with others. This helps students build essential skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution, which are important for both personal and professional success. It includes mini-lessons that promote self-awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship-building among students.

Assessment for Learning

Assessment for Learning (AfL) and Assessment as Learning (AaL) play key roles in our educational strategy, catering to students from 3 months old to those in 6th grade. These assessments help improve and direct the learning process by gathering information on student understanding and abilities. This data is then used to offer constructive feedback, encouraging student development. Instead of relying on traditional end-of-term evaluations, these assessments are formative and continuous, using tools like observations, quizzes, and discussions to monitor student progress effectively.