Real reading and writing lie at the heart of every day at Chadwick. Teachers guide students to build the essential skills they need to flourish as independent thinkers, readers, and writers. Reading and writing workshop groups and one-on-one conferences with teachers help students move from the basics of handwriting, phonics and spelling into exploring many genres and text types, writing fictional and informational texts, and discussing literature. Unit topics such as friendship, the human body, farm to table, and the diversity of Los Angeles inspire students to learn more about themselves, others, and the world.

In the Lower Village (K-2), weekly visits to the Village library help students establish a deep appreciation for stories and books. In the Upper Village (3-6), students continue with the reading and writing workshop model to read, write and critically interpret texts with increasing insight, accuracy and depth. With frequent opportunities to write fiction pieces, persuasive arguments and nonfiction reports, students learn to write in various forms for different audiences. Students confidently express their ideas in written, verbal and visual form. 

Students also advance their technological skills, developing responsible digital habits while using a variety of tools to tell stories, share and collaborate with others, problem solve, and build coding and engineering skills.  

In the Village, students investigate a broad array of scientific concepts in the Physical, Biological, Chemical and Earth Sciences. Students learn to think and work like scientists, engaging in frequent lab investigations, keeping a lab notebook, asking questions, developing models, testing their own ideas and analyzing data. The Chadwick canyon provides the perfect backdrop for exploring surrounding environments through a scientific lens and learning to hypothesize outcomes. 

Starting in kindergarten, the music program begins with singing and develops music appreciation through vocal and instrumental study and performance. Each year, students build upon their understanding of pitch, rhythm and musical literacy, composition and expression, with opportunities to sing and play in the orchestra during concerts. All students sing and learn to play the violin in grade 4 and choose in grade 5 to more deeply explore vocal or instrumental music. Students in each grade build confidence and work on their presentation, listening and speaking skills through drama lessons and class performances. The Village drama teacher also supports K-6 students with the production of talent shows multiple times a year. In grade 6, students can engage in the worlds of instrumental music, vocal music, drama and dance — each for one trimester.

Chadwick Village students immerse themselves in the visual arts, working with a variety of media that includes clay, paint, watercolor, pencil and more. In addition to expressing their own creativity, Chadwick artists learn foundational techniques and about artistic masters through in-class lessons and field trips to local museums and landmarks.

In sixth grade, options expand as students choose one media course per quarter based on their personal interest. Among others, options include drawing, painting, mixed media and ceramics.

In the Village School, children develop strong learning habits and learn critical interpersonal skills like self-advocacy, consideration, cooperation, collaboration and negotiation. The Responsive Classroom model, Second Step program, and incorporation of mindfulness practices promote resilience and wellness, help students make choices that reflect the core values, and build a strong community. In sixth grade, a focus on social-emotional growth expands to include student meetings in small groups with individual advisors four times a week.