Succeed in the Future
Our unique curriculum
Edlin’s unique and accelerated curriculum promotes the mastery of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Technology, Foreign Language, Music and Physical Education. Lessons are engaging, hands-on and interactive between students and the teachers. We use the modified Socratic method. By asking questions instead of lecturing, teachers challenge students to evaluate new information, to make connections and to apply critical thinking skills. Students work collaboratively and independently to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive and succeed in the future.
LANGUAGEARTS
The language arts program prepares students to be critical users of information. Recognizing that not all students learn at the same level, we use a variety of diagnostic tools to ensure that each student is placed at their appropriate learning level. Young students learn how to decode and encode words using a phonics-based approach. When students master phonics, they are taught to become functional readers; next, they focus on comprehension of text. Edlin students strive to analyze texts, discover meaning, and make higher-level connections as they learn to search for an author’s purpose, evaluate an author’s technique, and analyze text for literary devices. As students progress through the language arts program, they are exposed to a variety of traditional and classical literature.
Shakespeare is alive and well at Edlin. Students in the elementary grades are introduced to Shakespeare and his stories. Starting in 4th grade, students read and analyze a complete Shakespeare play. While studying the text, the students learn the recurring metaphors and symbolism that Shakespeare uses throughout his body of work. The children love utilizing their skills to understand and enjoy Shakespearean plays. Each language arts class performs a dramatic production for parents.
Our goal is to develop a well-rounded communicator. Students in kindergarten work to express their ideas on paper. First grade students begin to focus on the mechanics and usage of grammar as well as the writing process. Small class sizes enable students to receive the guidance and personal attention needed to polish their writing skills. Spelling and vocabulary study are integral to the educational process. As a result of the early emphasis on writing, reading and verbal skills, middle school students are able to better appreciate advanced writing, literature and poetry. Each spring Edlin proudly publishes a poetry journal that includes writing samples from each student.
MUSIC
Edlin’s all-encompassing music curriculum begins with the study of treble clef staff notes in K4, K5, and 1st grade. Second grade students learn to play the recorder.
Advanced music studies include the history of western music as well as the study of important composers each month. Students are encouraged to share and perform their individual music skills and abilities on music share days.
Edlin sponsors Winter and Spring concerts for all before and after school music programs, along with students who elect to study Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano, Guitar, and Ukulele.
VISUALARTS
At Edlin, students are encouraged to develop an appreciation of the visual arts. On a weekly basis, from K4 through 4th grade, students explore various elements of art in order to build a foundation of understanding. They are exposed to different media art forms and techniques. Through art history our students learn to analyze and recognize culturally significant art and artists.
Students in 5th through 8th grades often choose to continue to cultivate the artist within by taking a visual art elective. Throughout the year, Edlin offers electives in drawing, mixed media, basic painting, portrait painting, artist apprentice, comics and cartooning, computer animation and 3D design.
MATHEMATICS
Creating 21st century learners is key to the math curriculum taught at Edlin. One of our objectives is to teach students to perform math calculations and to analyze math at a higher level. Students at Edlin are taught to understand how to formulate and resolve the truth or falsity of a theory through mathematical proof.
At Edlin we encourage students to be explorers of math. A hands-on approach helps students discover the beauty of math. Students actively seek patterns and relationships while applying their logical reasoning skills. Students leave Edlin having earned a greater appreciation for the discipline of math. Much care is taken to place students at a level where they can be challenged and given opportunities to excel.
In keeping with this philosophy, students do not participate in math competitions until they have reached at least the level of pre-algebra. Edlin aims for students at all levels to find joy in their study of math.
COMPUTERLAB
At Edlin School we teach technology as a tool to develop students’ creativity. Mobile laptop carts provide ready access to computers and applications for lesson enrichment. Interactive displays in classrooms help bring instruction to life, capturing student attention and interest. Grade levels K4 through fourth grade include instruction in coding and basic computer principles.
In kindergarten, students use programmable robots to identify color, shapes, and numbers, and learn to program the robots to navigate around the room and avoid objects. As students progress through the school, their programming knowledge becomes more expansive. Students use common coding processes and begin to develop computer programs. They learn how to make objects move, change, make sounds and take inputs. In the fifth through eighth grades, students have the flexibility of selecting electives.
Programming choices include Python, robotics and CAD design with 3D printing.
SCIENCE
Albert Einstein once quipped, “I have no special talents. I am only naturally curious.” Edlin’s number one goal in science is to foster natural curiosity; we encourage students to wonder and to ask why. Students are actively engaged in the scientific method. Through an inquiry-based approach, students learn to discover how science impacts the natural world around them. Edlin students, from an early age, create hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze data. All students learn to apply the scientific method (questioning, hypothesis, experimentation, observation, collection of data, analysis, and conclusion) in order to participate in yearly science fairs.
Through the third grade, students learn the scientific method by participating in class experiments. Starting in 4th grade, students are expected to prepare and present individual projects. Students of all ages are provided many additional opportunities to put their science skills to the test. All students participate in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) challenges throughout the school year, as well as through after school STEAM clubs. Students in 5th grade and beyond are able to participate in clubs and competitions such as Future City, You Be The Chemist, Odyssey of the Mind, and Science Bowl. Students enjoy extended science-related fieldtrips including the 5th and 6th grade three-day camping trip to Camp Highroads, the 8th grade physics trip to Six Flags, and the 7th and 8th grade visit to Sound to Sea in North Carolina, and an overnight at the Maryland Science Center.
Students are encouraged to explore the world around them and to develop a deep connection to nature and the unique features of Earth. Additional field trips include local and regional locations such as the Walker Nature Center, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Heritage Farm Museum, and the Air and Space Museum. As a result of Edlin’s rigorous science program, students develop into conscientious global citizens.
SOCIALSTUDIES
Social studies at Edlin extends beyond the study of dates and facts. A rigorous hands-on curriculum challenges students to explore cause and effect relationships, make connections, and evaluate what they have learned. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills as they study history, geography, economics, culture, ethics and belief systems, and social and political systems.
Gifted learners enjoy demonstrating their creativity through numerous projects and activities. Edlin students take advantage of field trips to various local and regional museums and historical sites. Because we are fortunate to have a culturally diverse learning community, our students, starting in kindergarten, learn about children and countries around the world. In first grade, students learn about the various aspects of living in a community, and their responsibilities as productive citizens.
As students progress through the social studies program, they explore regions of United States, United States history, ancient history, modern world history, civics and government.
FOREIGNLANGUAGE
At Edlin we take pride in introducing students to foreign languages at an early age. We are not limited to the conversational aspect of the foreign language in the primary grades, although it is our focus.
Students at all ages, starting with K4, are provided interactive lessons in either French or Spanish four days a week, and one day of Latin.
The curriculum is supported by the exploration of related cultures and countries where the language is spoken. Students gain a better understanding of the language within the context of its usage and development. They learn the history of the language and have fun while expanding their skills.
The objective for our graduates is that they are able to place, at a minimum, into Latin II, Spanish III, or French III Honors in high school.
Academic Awards
2022-2023
MathCounts Competition
▹Club attained Gold Level Status
▹ Ray Powell Memorial Award Recipient
Odyssey of the Mind
▹ 1st and 2nd Grade Team 3 Stars out of 3 Stars
▹ 4th Grade Team 1st Place in Region and headed to State Competition
▹ 5th Grade Team 2nd Place
▹6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Team 1st Place in Region and 3rd in State Competition
Foxcroft STEM Challenge
▹ Overall Winner
▹1st Place - Physics and Chemistry
▹3rd Place - Physics
2021-2022
MathCounts Competition
▹ 8th Graders made the top 25% in Fairfax Chapter
Odyssey of the Mind
▹ 2nd Grade Team 3 Stars out of 3 Stars
▹ 4th Grade Team 7th Place
▹ 5th Grade Team 6th Place
▹ 7th Grade Team 3rd and heading to the World Finals!
Science Olympiad
▹ 5th place in the Storm the Castle competition
▹ 6th place in the Gooey Gunk competition
2019-2020
First Lego League Team Regional Tournament for Robot Design
▹ 1st Place
Science Olympiad
▹ 7th Place in Code Busters
▹ 4th Place in Parachute Straw Egg Drop
Future City Mid-Atlantic Regional Competition
▹ 1st Place along with awards for Outstanding Model and Outstanding Essay
First Tech Challenge Robotics Regional Tournament
▹ 1st Place Robot Design; 2nd Place Control
▹ 3rd Place Innovation
Model UN Conference ▹ Honorable Mention
2018 - 2019
Future City Competition
1st Place in Mid-Atlantic Competition, Best Essay and Best Presentation
Future City Competition
5th Place in National Competition, Best Integration of Nature-Powered Solutions Award
National Science Bowl Competition 3rd Place Virginia
2017 - 2018
Future City Competition
1st Place in Mid-Atlantic Competition, Student Choice Award
Future City Competition
1st Place in National Competition, Most Advanced Smart Grid Award, Best City Model Award
MathCounts Competition
5th Place Fairfax District
National Science Bowl Competition 5th Place Virginia
2016 - 2017
Future City Competition
1st Place in Mid-Atlantic Competition, Most Sustainable Environmental Practices at National Level
Odyssey of the Mind
Ranatra Fusca Award for Creativity and Risk-Taking
You Be The Chemist
1st, 2nd, 3rd Place in Regional Competition
Fairfax Chapter Math Counts Competition 4th Place in Team Competition, Top Scoring Student
