The Tatnall School

The Tatnall School comprises four divisions from age 2 through grade 12:

• PRESCHOOL-The Tatnall Preschool combines all of the elements necessary, including an experienced, fully credentialed faculty, to engage the curiosity and imaginations of our youngest learners. Our award-winning facility was designed with this group-ages three through kindergarten-specifically in mind. Inside, children find learning centers and areas that facilitate imaginative and cooperative play, quiet time for reading books, group time and manipulative activities. Outside our students explore a play area designed by one of the country's foremost landscape architects. This stimulating area includes state-of-the-art equipment, an amphitheater/outdoor classroom, an archeological "dig" site, water play areas, tricycle paths and a Schoolyard Habitat certified by the National Wildlife Federation. With great care and creativity, Tatnall Preschool teachers guide children through early explorations of mathematics, language and literacy, science, social studies, art, Spanish, music, technology and developmental gym. The student-faculty ratio of 9:1 allows teachers and students to form close, trusting relationships. Our head teachers also enjoy the support of assistants, professional educational consultants, Upper School student volunteers and, of course, parents.
• LOWER SCHOOL-A Tatnall Lower School student joins a community of learners. Our homeroom teachers and specialized faculty work together to create a unique experience for each child based on a common Lower School mission: To inspire self-discovery, moral courage and academic excellence in fellowship. Tatnall students learn how to learn and how to confidently speak with adults in order to gather support, seek counsel and generate ideas. Our faculty builds relationships that cultivate a safe environment where children can take risks and apply their learning. By encouraging inquiry, our students learn how to learn, actively participate in their education and become comfortable and confident interacting with adults. Incorporating our Daisy Values into our daily language reminds faculty and students who we are and how we behave. Citizenship, integrity, perseverance, compassion, honesty, respect and responsibility are not just words to live by, but traits that are modeled, acted upon visibly and frequently, expected and celebrated. In addition to core subjects that include instruction by specialists in their fields, we also emphasize art, music, gym, technology and Spanish instruction. Combined with an active and consistent community service commitment, a Lower School student is prepared to meet the challenges of Middle School.
• MIDDLE SCHOOL-In Middle School, grades 6-8, every child experiences dramatic growth and change. At Tatnall, Middle Schoolers find the support, challenge and structure to meet their rapidly evolving intellectual and personal needs. Our faculty guide the development of each child during these critical years through the use of a curriculum, activities and a schedule that are matched to this unique age group. The Middle School academic program emphasizes higher order thinking skills such as analysis, synthesis, problem solving and evaluation. Middle School teaching teams take an interdisciplinaryapproach to learning and pay particular attention to developing organization, writing, study skills, inquiry, research, critical thinking and personal responsibility. Our team approach gives students and faculty a strong sense of identity. Eight teachers comprise both the fifth/sixth grade and seventh/eighth grade teams, in addition to specialists in the arts, physical education and foreign language. In a typical day, a Middle School student receives instruction in math, science, language arts, social studies, physical education, technology, the arts and foreign language. Character development, physical development and social development concerns are addressed in Life Skills seminars.
• UPPER SCHOOL-Tatnall Upper School students engage in all aspects of a rigorous college preparatory program.Close relationships between teachers and students are the hallmark of the Upper School community.Students stretch themselves as they learn to take risks and to accept challenges.The Upper School program inspires curiosity and encourages students to become involved in a variety of activities both inside and outside of the classroom as they prepare for college and beyond. Upper School students schedule classes in an academic program that provides foundation courses as well as a large selection of Honors and Advanced Placement selections. They have the opportunity to participate in three drama productions each year, create art in one of our two art studios, travel to our European sister schools and perform in our chorus, band or strings ensembles.Each sports season, students move to the fields and the gyms to become members of teams that compete successfully at the local, state, regional and national levels. Our students grow in their confidence and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of a changing world.They learn how to solve problems, create and to become individuals of character and integrity. Upper School students are guided though our program by teachers, counselors and individual advisers who join in partnership with families to prepare our graduates for the future.The Upper School is a wonderful, welcoming place for students to find their passion and a love of learning.