Primary School II Program

​Canterbury Brook Academy of the Arts utilizes dual-grade instructional formats through grade 6 based on best-practice data regarding elementary grade socialization, differentiation, and growth.  As such, our 3rd and 4th grade students share one, large, sunny classroom with many original built-ins, a rich classroom library, and in-classroom personal storage.  Our ten 3rd graders and ten 4th graders have the chance to learn and socialize flexibly, guided by their classroom teacher and full-time teacher's aide, both of whom are highly experienced and enormously well-respected in their field.  Their dedicated wing is located across the hall from the intermediate school, allowing them the ability to get to know the teachers they will have in the future while still offering them the safety of their own space.  Jack and Jill bathrooms are located in the connecting annex between our Primary School classrooms, meaning students have no need to leave their wing during academic hours.  Their close proximity to our arts wing allows for increasing autonomy as they progress throughout the Primary School, but 3rd and 4th graders are still escorted to and from all arts classes by their teacher and aide.  While our 3rd grade program flows smoothly from our Early Childhood Program, there are definite shifts that happen in the 3rd/4th grade, especially regarding expectations of increased independence.  Though our 3rd and 4th graders enjoy more privileges, such as the ability to participate in the Spring Musical, Friday A La Carte snacks during lunch, and use of the older students' playground at recess, they also have more responsibilities.  Our service requirement increases to two hours per quarter during Primary School, with one hour satisfied quarterly by school-sponsored events.  By these grade levels, students are also engaged in quarterly projects in ELA, math, and a combined activity for the content areas.  Geography and more formal instruction in science also become hallmarks of these grades, and students begin explicit instruction in study skills, enjoying their transition from learning to read to reading to learn.  French language exposure also begins in grades 3 and 4, with students being gradually introduced to the language conversationally through educational songs, videos, and interactive digital activities.  Beginning in grade 3, all students also take the IOWAs in the spring, allowing teachers and parents to track student progress in a very concrete way and allowing students a bit of exposure to standardized testing in a safe, nurturing environment without any of the pressure of a high-stakes exam.  Their arts instruction also becomes more focused at these grade levels, splitting into recreational and preprofessional tracks in certain areas to ensure that children who wish to more seriously pursue an art form have the ability to do so.  Their interaction with the 5th and 6th graders also increases during arts courses, allowing for more social interaction with children who have similar goals and passions.  As happens with each year of growth, their involvement in CBA-wide events increases.  Take a look below at what a day in the life of a CBA 3rd or 4th grade student looks like:

Daily Schedule

Below is a sample schedule of a fourth grader in our pre-professional program; for more information, please check out our arts schedule.  

The Primary II Team

Mr. Edward McCabe
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Mr. McCabe graduated from SUNY Cortland with a BS in Childhood Education grades 1-6. Afterwards, went on to receive his Masters degree in Literacy Education from CUNY Queens College.  Mr. McCabe has gained an abundance of experience working in all grade levels.  First filling a range of educational roles in grades K-5, then heavily working with 1st graders, next in 6-8 grade science, eventually at the middle school level, and ultimately with 4th graders. Most recently, Mr. McCabe taught in a K-1 self-contained classroom with neurodiverse students. Having been immersed in the educational world for ten years, he is extremely excited to share his experiences with his new CBA family and work with what he considers to be an incredible grade level in the third and fourth grade room. Mr. McCabe and his wife decided to leave Queens and move up to the beautiful Hudson Valley in 2021. They have a two year old son who is a little ball of energy and helps remind Mr. McCabe to see the world through a lens of curiosity and awe each and every day. In his spare time he loves to read fantasy fiction novels, spend time with his enormous extended family, and cheer on his silly Mets, Jets, and Islanders.

Mr. Cory Claus
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Cory Claus graduated from Dartmouth College with a Classical Studies and Art History degree and following many years of working in business, he has happily spent the last 16 years as both a teacher and private tutor. In that time, Mr. Claus has helped students get into some of the top colleges in the country, from Princeton to Stamford. He has also served as the Regional Interviewer for Dartmouth. In addition, Mr. Claus has written several novels and short stories and is a twice nationally recognized, award-winning writer and editor.  Mr. Claus thoroughly enjoys teaching elementary school students, especially students at this age level who are just beginning to realize their own passions as learners.  A gifted culinary instructor, Mr. Claus will also be working with Mrs. Roohan in the Domestic Arts Department, helping CBA students explore their gifts in the kitchen.  In his personal time, Mr. Claus loves to spend time with his pets and enjoy the busy month of December volunteering as a professional "Santa's Helper" (the name comes in handy!).