First Grade: Where Magic Meets Mastery

This is the year that changes everything. First grade isn't just another step—it's the transformative moment when your child's boundless curiosity becomes unstoppable learning power. At age six, their imagination, enthusiasm, and hunger to explore are at their absolute peak. We capture that lightning in a bottle.

Adventures That Build Brilliant Minds

Your child won't just read about penguins—they'll journey to Antarctica through our integrated math, language arts, and science expedition. They'll become real scientists, conducting experiments with solids and liquids. At Howell Living History Farm, they'll discover agriculture firsthand, then return to design and build their own mathematical farm creations.

This is learning that sticks forever.

The Chapin First Grade Advantage

✅ Hands-on discovery that matches how young minds naturally learn
✅ Immersive thematic adventures that connect every subject seamlessly
✅ Books as gateways to limitless worlds of wonder
✅ Multiple learning styles celebrated and strengthened

The Foundation That Guarantees Success

While other first graders sit in desks, yours explores the world. They're not just building academic skills—they're developing the logical thinking, work habits, and intellectual courage that will carry them through Chapin and beyond.

This is where brilliant students are born.

Your child's most critical learning year deserves the Chapin difference.

Second Grade: Where Confidence Becomes Courage

This is the breakthrough year. Watch your child transform from a curious learner into a fearless problem-solver who tackles challenges with excitement instead of hesitation. In second grade, something extraordinary happens—learning becomes pure joy.

The Year Your Child Takes Flight

Second graders don't just grow—they soar. As their confidence builds, they develop the courage to take intellectual risks and the independence to lead their own learning journey. Their expanding friendships teach them collaboration while their growing minds crave bigger challenges.

The Transformation You'll Witness

✅ Independent problem-solving—no more waiting for adult help
✅ Self-discipline mastery —they understand what success requires
✅ Organizational excellence —habits that will serve them for life
✅ World awareness —suddenly everything connects and makes sense
✅ Critical thinking —making connections others miss

Learning That Lights Them Up

While other children view school as work, your second grader sees it as adventure. Our integrated curriculum doesn't just teach subjects—it reveals how everything in their world connects, creating those magical "aha!" moments that fuel lifelong learning.

This is where engaged learners become exceptional students.

The Skills That Set Them Apart

Your second grader isn't just keeping up—they're pulling ahead. They're developing the independence, organization, and critical thinking that will make them standouts in every grade that follows.

Second grade sets the trajectory. Make it count with Chapin.

Third Grade: The Great Leap Forward

This is the year your child becomes unstoppable. Third grade isn't just another grade—it's the explosive moment when everything clicks. Physical strength, social confidence, emotional maturity, and cognitive power all surge forward together, creating a child ready to conquer any challenge.

Where Independence Ignites Excellence

Your third grader doesn't just want independence—they're built for it. We channel their natural drive into academic mastery that will astound you.

They'll Master Every Form of Communication

Your child won't just write—they'll command attention. They'll craft persuasive arguments that win debates, paint vivid descriptions that transport readers, tell stories that captivate audiences, and report information with authority. This is where future leaders find their voice.

They'll Think Like Scientists

From Sterling Mine's underground mysteries to Churchville Nature Center's natural wonders, your child explores the real world as their laboratory. Our rock and mineral studies, motion and design challenges don't just teach science—they build the critical thinking and analysis skills that separate tomorrow's innovators from the crowd.

They'll Conquer Advanced Mathematics

While other students struggle with basics, yours masters multiplication, division, and fractions with confidence. We build on their solid foundation to create mathematical thinkers who see patterns and solve problems others can't.

The Chapin Third Grade Advantage

✅ Integrated humanities that connect social studies and language arts seamlessly
✅ Real-world exploration through unforgettable field experiences
✅ Individual voice development across all communication styles
✅ Critical thinking mastery through hands-on scientific investigation

This is where good students become exceptional ones.

Third grade sets the stage for everything that follows. Give your child the Chapin advantage.

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Fourth Grade: The Year of Incredible Growth

This is when everything changes—forever. Fourth grade isn't just another school year; it's the critical moment when your child either develops the skills that guarantee lifelong success or falls behind their potential. At Chapin, we ensure they soar.

The Transformation That Amazes Parents

Your child enters fourth grade as an enthusiastic learner—they leave as a confident leader. This pivotal year harnesses their natural excitement and transforms it into unshakeable confidence, masterful social skills, and academic independence that will astound you.

They'll Develop Skills Others Wish They Had

While other students stumble through social conflicts, yours negotiates like a diplomat. They'll master:

✅ Elite organization and time management—habits that separate future leaders from followers
✅ Emotional mastery—reading social situations and responding with wisdom
✅ Advanced critical thinking—solving problems others can't even understand
✅ Natural leadership—becoming the student others look up to

Where Your Child Discovers Their Purpose

Fourth graders don't just study history—they live it. Through immersive experiences, they walk in the shoes of children from different times and places, developing the empathy that defines exceptional leaders. Our Character Committee guides profound conversations that help them discover universal truths about themselves and their place in the world.

The Academic Advantage That Lasts Forever

From partnered problem-solving to exploring the universe, your child develops friendships and learning skills simultaneously. Math and science become collaborative adventures that build both intellectual capacity and social confidence.

Upper School? They'll Own It.

With the completion of our fourth grade program, your child doesn't just meet Upper School requirements—they exceed them. They arrive with the independence, complexity of thinking, and leadership presence that makes them standouts from day one.

This is the year that determines who your child becomes.

Don't let this crucial year slip by. Give your child the Chapin advantage when it matters most.