Our Curriculum

We believe that children learn best in an environment where they feel safe and accepted and where learning is fun.

Gillen Brewer approaches Pre-School education through active learning based on the High/Scope model and New York State Common Core Standards. Teachers provide a rich language-based curriculum that enables children to engage in "hands-on" learning that is developmentally appropriate and socially engaging. Therefore we value play and real life experiences as essential to learning.

The Gillen Brewer School-Age Program's curriculum follows the New York State Common Core Standards while adhering to an individualized learning program that meets the educational needs of each student. Teachers strive to integrate all content areas to make learning more meaningful. Field trips and child initiated projects are an integral part of this approach.

Our language arts curriculum incorporates both a balanced literacy program and a multi-sensory, phonetically based approach to reading and writing. Our multi-sensory approach to math encourages students to learn math through "hands-on" projects. Manipulatives and visuals aid children in learning concepts and help them to understand how to use these concepts in their lives.

Technology plays an increasingly more important role in our education program. Teachers and children have access to the internet to supplement instruction. Children are provided developmentally appropriate instruction in the use of the computer and the internet. Computer games are used to reinforce skills taught in math and reading, while other programs are used to teach keyboarding skills and enhance writing and research.

Arts play a valuable role at Gillen Brewer. Music and art give children another way to express themselves and gain a better appreciation of the arts. Our classes take advantage of the city's rich and varied cultural institutions by attending museums, theaters and parks and by inviting artists, dancers and musicians to come into our school to share their experiences with us.

Our science curriculum is inquiry-based, meaning that the students learn how to ask their own questions about a topic or material and do their own experiments to find the answers. All projects involve hands-on interactions with either the living world or the physical environment, and emphasize enthusiastic student exploration. Units of study are chosen based on students’ interests and developmental levels while following modified New York State standards.

Science Resources 

Our association with the Asphalt Green sports program gives our children an opportunity to take part in swimming, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, martial arts, yoga and floor hockey.

In conjunction with our strong academic program, we also emphasize the social and emotional development of each child through explicit instruction around relationship building, social communication skills training and problem solving.

Support Services
Gillen Brewer provides many support services for children and families:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Counseling
• Family Support Groups
• Family Workshops
• Family Training
• Parents' Association
• Grandparents' Association

Our therapists work collaboratively with teachers, families and each other to provide the students with strategies and skills to be more successful in academic and social arenas.

Our Family Program includes opportunities to work side-by-side with staff — individually and in groups — around issues relevant to each family's needs and concerns. Events throughout the year provide families opportunities to become a part of our community of learners. Our Parents' Association and Grandparents' Association are a vital part of our community and are active in coordinating many school events.