Technology & Media Literacy

Those born in the 21st Century are growing up in a world impacted by technology like never before. We want to prepare children to thrive in this new world.

Our teachers are dedicated to helping children become fluent in the use of developmentally appropriate technologies. Children begin with the basics - the mastery of simple tools and classroom equipment - building a foundation that will lead to advanced computer (and internet) proficiency at the higher grades.

Children have opportunities to use technology as a means of creative exploration. To that end, they become versed in a wide range of electronic media, including computer-based visual arts and graphic design, digital photography and digital video.

We believe that literacy in the information age requires far more than the ability to read and write. It requires the ability to interpret the messages and values contained within many popular forms of media and to understand the agendas behind them. Our program helps build skills that transform children from passive media consumers to active pursuers of knowledge, meaning and value.

Through our curriculum, children become adept at deciding what to read amidst the deluge of information sent their way via electronic media. Teachers help them become skilled at integrating ideas and extracting cohesive through lines from text and images that are delivered in increasing fragmented and non-linear forms.

Advanced studies in media literacy will provide older children with a critical understanding of how advertising and public relations shape cultural trends, and teach them to identify bias (and objectivity) in news stories. In addition, teachers will help children analyze the sub-textual messages encoded in forms of popular entertainment.

At every grade level, our technology and media literacy curriculum is designed to teach children to think independently and to use their growing intellects to face the challenges of the digital age head on.