Toquam offers a child centered approach to thematic learning which stems from The Bank Street College of Education philosophy and curricula model. Social Studies is the core curriculum through which academic subjects and the arts are integrated.
The magnet school program at Toquam began in 1968 as a program of choice for the community. Students attending the school come from all areas of Stamford's beautifully diverse city. They represent families from a broad range of socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and language backgrounds. Toquam, along with Stamford's other magnet schools, provides opportunities for educational choice.
The instructional program is rigorous. It encourages creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and individual development. Our professional staff designs and facilitates learning opportunities for students to acquire strong academic competencies, build community, grow in responsibility, and develop respect for self and others. Educational trips, cultural enrichment activities, peer tutoring, student run projects, before and after school support programs, and interest clubs are all part of the school day.
Teachers, support personnel, educational assistants, custodians, secretaries and administrators work together to maintain a safe and productive environment for children and families. Educational resources and continuous professional training are available to promote community building, teaching effectiveness and student achievement.
Computer technology is used to support classroom curriculum initiatives. Its use is continually expanding to enhance teacher preparation and student learning. Currently, all classrooms K-5 have updated computer hardware. In addition, the school has two computer labs employed for CCC (Computer Curriculum Corporation), Internet access, and research which are available to all grade levels. Grade four and five students are taught and encouraged to use various software applications to facilitate report writing and presentations.
Teachers, support personnel, educational assistants, custodians, secretaries and administrators work together to maintain a safe and productive environment for children and families. Educational resources and continuous professional training are available to promote community building, teaching effectiveness and student achievement.
In keeping with the board of Education goals, we are committed to the achievement of all children. We structure our programs during the day and after school to provide all the necessary support for our scholars at the intervention levels, as well as for those scholars who require enrichment.
Assessing our scholars and building programs and services to address their needs are the ways we organize our schedule. In this environment, our children are nurtured. They grow to become contributing citizens of our society.