Bay Farm Specialist Programs

The degree to which our special programs are fully integrated into the curriculum is a unique feature of Bay Farm. Each child experiences our specialist programs at a developmentally appropriate level with specialists who offer students avenues of expression and technical skills that go beyond what is possible in the traditional classroom.

• Art – Julie Hawkins (Children’s House – Grade 6)
• Music & Performing Arts – Grace Coberly (Toddler House – Grade 6)
• Spanish – Robert Congdon (Children’s House – Grade 6)
• Reading Round-Up – Kristen Boonisar (Toddler House – Grade 6)
• Agriculture – Evey Golden (Children’s House – Grade 6)
• Design Thinking – The Shop – Evey Golden & Molly DeRocha (Kindergarten – Grade 6)
• Physical Education – Justin Hull (Kindergarten – Grade 6)

Art

Students become familiar and comfortable working with a variety of materials (pencil, crayon, paints, clay, wood, cardboard) in various techniques (two- and three-dimensional). There is an increase in eye-hand coordination. Art provides a means of enjoying the creativity of others as well as their own. They develop an understanding of the life of other cultures, and of their own, as seen through art.

Music

Bay Farm’s music program draws upon elements of creativity, composition, singing, instrument learning, movement, and performance to help students understand themselves and the world around them. An interdisciplinary approach to learning ties together topics students learn in the classroom with their cultural significance through music and movement. As students progress from toddlers to elementary-aged learners, they move through an organic process of learning music that begins with tapping into students’ innate musical ability and culminates in their becoming confident singers, instrumentalists, musical thinkers, composers, and performers.

Drama

Bay Farm’s drama program includes elements of creativity, mindfulness, storytelling, character work, and choreography to help students develop the skills to communicate with and understand the world around them.  Montessori’s interdisciplinary approach to learning brings topics students to discover in the classroom to life through dramatic exploration, deepening their understanding.  As students progress from Kindergarten to Middle School, they move through an organic process of artistic expression, performing pieces that challenge them to push their limits as each year passes.  Graduates from Bay Farm’s drama program are supportive ensemble members, confident soloists, and full-body storytellers, equipped to share their talents with the greater community.

Spanish

Bay Farm values the importance of foreign language instruction. Our students are taught Spanish, beginning with brief introductory lessons in Children’s House and culminating in a thorough, multi-faceted curriculum in Middle School. Both spoken and written Spanish are introduced and reinforced by a curriculum that is filled with a variety of pleasurable activities and meaningful work.

Reading Round-Up

We strive to expand a child’s interest in literature and resource materials and promote independent learning and enrichment through story hours, small group instruction, and lessons on library skills. The love of books and reading is modeled and encouraged by all on campus.

Agriculture

Bay Farm’s innovative agriculture program puts our students in direct contact with the plant and animal kingdom. By living next to the life cycle, our students have the unique opportunity to learn in authentic, hands-on, significant ways. From planting seeds as a toddler to learning about the resources of farming and agriculture, to creating a micro-economy as middle schoolers, our students are able to intersect with nature at their developmental levels. They are actively engaged in all aspects of the program from caring for goats, composting, planting fruits and harvesting vegetables, tending our orchard, budgeting for expenses, and more.

Physical Education

Justin works with our K-8 students on staying active, gym class favorites, healthy habits and more.