Fulton Academics

• The Fulton School has established a reputation for its fine academic programs, its excellent teachers and its high standards of achievement.  The school maintains an environment where students feel comfortable, safe and eager to learn.
• Admission into the best colleges and universities requires high SAT/ACT scores. The Fulton School provides the means for students to reach these goals.
• Fulton students thrive in small class sizes where they receive a high level of personal assistance from teachers and are able to enjoy a productive academic interaction with classmates.
• The Fulton School offers full day classes for children in PreK-3 through Grade 12. Early Childhood Development consists of PreK - Kindergarten; Lower School, grades 1- 4; Middle School, grades 5 – 8; Upper School, grades 9-12.  Pre-K students have an option of two-day (Tuesday/Thursday), three-day (Monday/Wednesday/Friday) or full week classes.
• The Fulton School’s advanced curriculum challenges and prepares its students for the best colleges. In addition to its core curriculum of language arts, science, math and social sciences, the school offers foreign language studies, critical thinking skills, art, music, drama, physical education, gardening and competitive sports. Students also strengthen and develop personal character through service projects and community activities.
• Through field trips and world travel, students receive an education beyond the classroom.  Students experience a global education preparing them to be leaders in a world that requires global knowledge.

The Early Childhood division of the Fulton School consists of preschool 3-4 year old, preschool 4-5 year old classes and Kindergarten.

Preschool students have the choice of attending two, three or five days a week (Tuesday/Thursday, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, or the regular school week).  Preschool is a full day program beginning at 8:30 and ending at 3:30.  It is the goal of the Early Childhood program to acclimate children to a school routine while preparing them for academic success in future grades.  By providing a fun, creative and challenging environment the preschool students develop a love of learning as well as enhance their social skills. Language, math, art, science, Spanish and physical education are all part of the preschool program.

Kindergarten at The Fulton School is a five day a week, full day program designed to expand upon basic skills acquired in preschool.  The Kindergarten program offers an exciting array of educational material to the students in order to instill a love of learning as well as a solid academic foundation for success in future grades.  Children in the Fulton School Kindergarten program study language, reading, writing, math, science, art, Spanish, gardening, physical education, library and other activities. 

The Lower School consists of grades 1 – 4.  The Fulton School offers a curriculum which strives to develop the potential of each individual child.  This curriculum is realistically based on the developmental stages of children.  The program includes language arts (reading, oral and written communication, and creative writing) mathematics, social studies, science, music, art, Spanish, and physical education. Materials used in all courses are on or above grade level.  Each student is expected to complete homework and class work assignments in a timely manner and to maintain an acceptable level of achievement. 

The evaluation process in the lower school clearly reflects our school philosophy and our knowledge about children’s development and learning.  Both are communicated in several ways:  through daily work with our children, a relationship with our parents and comprehensive reports to parents.  Assessment is used to measure progress by identifying and enhancing areas of strength, and identification and remediation of weak areas.  Homework is checked for completion and mastery; and tests are given for evaluation purposes.  Comments are issued at mid-semester, with semester reports issued at the end of each semester.  If a child is experiencing difficulty in a specific subject, a teacher will be happy to offer assistance.  While a teacher will usually observe that a student is struggling, it may be necessary that the student or parent inform the teacher.

The Middle School (grades 5 – 8) provides a nurturing environment and a challenging and comprehensive academic program designed specifically for students in this critical and frequently difficult stage in their personal development.  The Middle School is not simply a bridge between the Lower and Upper Schools; it is a place where the faculty and program are dedicated to the “middle years” and to developing the intellect, skills and character needed to succeed in the Upper School, College and the world beyond.  Daily attention to academics, athletics and the arts is intended to foster personal development, satisfy diverse interests and promote a lifelong passion for learning.

The curriculum at The Fulton School is being reviewed constantly in order to offer our students the highest academic challenges.

The regular schedule includes daily classes in English, history, math, science, foreign language, physical education and fine arts/enrichment.  Every student, regardless of ability or experience, is further encouraged to participate in the extra-curricular activities offered.

The Fulton School is a rigorous college preparatory school.  The Upper School Academic Program is designed to excite and motivate students to academic excellence, to encourage them to explore the life of the mind, equip them to be learners throughout their lives and to enable them to be successful at any college or university in the world.  This section of the school includes grades 9 – 12. 

The best way to be successful in high school is to attend all classes, seek out help from teachers when confused and attempt all assigned work even if unable to complete it.  It is important to have a good study environment at home which includes regular study hours and a quiet place without distractions of television, e-mail or instant messaging.  Adolescents may need help from their parents to establish these conditions.

Each semester, students who earn a 3.5 GPA are placed on the Honor Roll; students who earn a 3.8 GPA or above are placed on the High Honor Roll.

The Fulton School recognizes students for their classroom achievements in a special assembly held at the end of the year.  Each curricular area is represented with up to three awards.  The criteria for the awards are effort and excellence.  

In addition to awards for excellence in specific disciplines, certain other notable achievements are recognized with the following awards:

• High Honor Roll
• Honor Roll
• Dr. Bernard Fulton
• Eloise Cullum Scholarship
• B. Harold Byrd, Jr. Scholarship
• Annual Fund 100% Club
• DAR Good Citizens
• DAR Senior Citizenship & Patriotism
• Rotary Camp RYLA Leadership