Ways We Excel

The Campus School of Carlow University's rich and varied curriculum and resources, well-educated professional faculty, and convenient location, accessible to the Pittsburgh medical, university, and cultural communities, enable our students to excel academically and creatively.

Language Arts
The language arts program begins at the primary level in reading and writing. The reading program promotes literature-based learning, while oral skills are developed through classroom presentations, utilizing the PowerPoint skills taught in computer classes, and through competition in the Western Pennsylvania Forensics League and participation in the annual Shakespeare monologue and scene contest held at the O'Reilly Theater. The goal of the writing program is to develop an easy flow of words and ideas and the ability to translate thought to print. At all grade levels, students participate in essay writing. Research skills are a strong component of the writing program, and the large elementary school library and full-time librarian support the classroom teachers in this area. In addition, students have access to the Carlow University library for research projects.

Science
The science program strongly stresses independent research while investigating scientific phenomenon using process skills. Students present their hypotheses, data, and conclusions in class presentations and during the annual science fair, the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair, the Charles Drew Science Fair, and the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition. Many also compete at the regional and state levels. Environmental science is another component of the science curriculum, and students participate in a three-week study of our region's waterways, flora and fauna, and the water quality of our area's three rivers.

Creative arts
The creative arts are highly visible at the Campus School . Art, creative writing projects, drama, and musical presentations are in progress at all grade levels. Art projects created by primary, middle, and upper school students are displayed throughout the school. Students create a variety of media in the art room, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. With the skills they've acquired in clay techniques, students produce outstanding pottery projects using the school's kiln. Creative writing, both prose and poetry, is encouraged, and an annual Author's Tea provides a chance for students to read their creative endeavors for parents and the Carlow community. Original student works also are published by the student newspaper staff in the Carlow Chronicle . Music is part of the curriculum throughout the school, and private voice, piano, and band instrument lessons are available as well (primary (PDF), intermediate, and upper school music philosophies). Each spring, the music and drama programs collaborate to produce the upper school's on-stage musical. Students also learn stage crew and scenery production during this creative experience.