academics

Specialists

Specialists at
Soundview School

At Soundview, our team of subject area specialists enrich the student experience and support the development of well-rounded, internationally-minded learners. Each specialist class is thoughtfully integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, encouraging inquiry, creativity, and cultural understanding while nurturing essential skills and personal passions.

All students visit the library each week. Music and physical education begin in Kindergarten with one day per week and increase to twice per week in grade 1. Spanish and visual art begins for students in grade 1 and meets two times per week. Spanish increases to three times per week for middle school.

  • Library

    The Soundview library is a vibrant hub for inquiry, literacy, and research. Students are introduced to a wide range of literature, developing critical thinking and a love of reading across genres and cultures. The library supports the IB framework by fostering curiosity, reflection, and a lifelong love of learning. In grades 3 through 5 and in the Middle Years, there's an emphasis on information literacy, enabling students to evaluate sources, conduct research, and become ethical and responsible digital citizens.

  • Music

    Music students experience rhythm, melody, movement, and musical expression through vocal and instrumental practice. They study music from a variety of cultures and time periods, and often create and perform their own compositions. Music classes encourage collaboration, listening, and self-expression, while reinforcing concepts from the IB learner profile such as risk-taking, open-mindedness, and reflection. All students begin playing a brass or woodwind instrument in grade 5 and continue to play in a band throughout their middle school experience.

  • Physical Education (PE)

    Physical Education emphasizes the importance of physical activity, teamwork, and lifelong wellness. Formal PE classes begin in Kindergarten and continue through middle school. Students participate in a range of games and sports that build motor skills, coordination, and personal goal-setting. PE also focuses on sportsmanship, cooperation, and body awareness, helping students develop a healthy relationship with movement and a strong sense of self-efficacy.

  • Spanish

    The Spanish program introduces students to the Spanish language and the rich cultures of Spanish-speaking countries. Students have a formal Spanish class where they engage in speaking, listening, reading, and writing activities that are immersive and interactive. Using real-world contexts and cross-disciplinary connections, students build communication skills and cultural empathy, gaining confidence as global citizens and language learners.

  • Visual Art

    Students explore a variety of materials, techniques, and artistic styles from around the world. They are encouraged to express themselves creatively while making connections between their artwork and global cultures, historical movements, and personal identity. Through reflection and critique, students develop visual literacy, problem-solving skills, and an appreciation for diverse perspectives. Students develop their understanding of the elements of art and principles of design, using them to enrich their learning and add deeper meaning to their work.