Dawson encourages students to take their reading, writing, and public speaking skills to a higher level. By studying great works of literature, they experience the power of the written word and learn to be critical, analytical readers. Through constant practice in all disciplines, students learn to write with clarity, precision, and style. They develop poise and confidence by speaking before an audience.

Reading
Reading instruction begins in Kindergarten with the fundamentals of sound-symbol recognition and culminates in Eighth Grade with the ability to comprehend and interpret the printed word at the literal, figurative, and critical levels. The study and practice of reading are vital dimensions of the elementary curriculum, which emphasizes decoding skills at every grade, comprehension skills, reference and study skills, literary skills, and vocabulary development. As students increase their competency in reading, they experience in greater depth several different genres, including poetry, the short story, the novel, and nonfiction. The reading curriculum is closely integrated with other areas of study. Students often visit the school’s library and also take advantage of classroom libraries. Two important goals of the reading program, in addition to forming skilled readers, are to instill a lifelong reading habit and to foster an appreciation of the written word.

Writing
Writing is the vehicle through which children develop their ability to express themselves clearly, to demonstrate that they have mastered material in all disciplines, and to enhance their creativity. By giving all our students developmentally appropriate experiences in composition, handwriting, vocabulary, punctuation, research skills, grammar, spelling, proofreading, organizational skills, literary appreciation, and word processing, we provide our students powerful means of understanding themselves and of clearly communicating with others. Students learn styles of writing appropriate to each academic discipline, whether it be a lab report or a lyric poem, and become competent editors of their own and of others’ work.

Speaking
Speaking before a group is another aspect of language study that teaches the importance of clear expression and the joy of sharing ideas. Students receive instruction in a variety of speaking experiences, including recitation and persuasive speech. Students learn how to listen effectively as well.

World Languages
The study of Spanish begins in Kindergarten with the introduction of sounds; basic vocabulary, including numbers, names, and idioms; and the cultural significance of Spanish around the world. Vocabulary expands, and grammatical structures, including present tense of both regular and irregular verbs, are introduced as the students build their knowledge of the language. Cultural studies focus on life in Spanish-speaking countries. In the higher grades students study the rich Hispanic culture of the Southwest. By this time, they are developing ease of expression in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Spanish. Students are introduced to Latin in Fifth Grade and may choose to study Latin or Spanish in Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grades.

History, Geography, and Culture
The curriculum for Kindergarten and Grade One centers on our relationships with each other and the world — nature, family and friends, school, neighborhood, city, state, our nation, and other nations and communities. Holidays and celebrations are enthusiastically observed, including both traditional American observances and those reflecting cultures represented in our diverse community.

Connections are made between past and present, and an understanding of "history" as "story" is encouraged. Students study "people who have made a difference" and learn to appreciate their own history — personal, genealogical, and national — and the history of others. Beginning in Grade Two, the study of geography is a central focus. In Grades Two and Three students learn about the importance of respect within a community. They develop the idea of culture through a study of ancient civilizations and of various Native American cultures. Students consider how different cultures represent adaptations to different conditions.

In Grade Four students study history in a formal sense, beginning with the American Southwest, with an emphasis on Nevada — from geographic setting through the phases of exploration, colonization, statehood, and modern growth and development. Students discover both chronological and causal connections.

Fifth and Eighth Graders study U. S. history and government in depth from the colonial period to modern America. History class provides more opportunities for developing verbal skills as well as introducing students to the ethical and moral quandaries our country has faced. We aim to prepare our students for their role as effective, positive citizens. Middle Schoolers study ancient civilizations and the Middle Ages in depth; they also learn about other regions, cultures, and time periods as part of integrated studies in history, literature, and the visual arts and music.
In Grade Five students begin their first formal study of the history of the United States, with a particular focus on the colonial period.

In their study of history, geography, and cultures, students make connections with other disciplines: teachers and students pay close attention to the arts and science of the cultures they investigate. Students further develop their speaking, writing, and reading skills as they use them to communicate what they have learned to others.

Fifth and Eighth Graders study U. S. history and government in depth from the colonial period to modern America. History class provides more opportunities for developing verbal skills as well as introducing students to the ethical and moral quandaries our country has faced. We aim to prepare our students for their role as effective, positive citizens. Middle Schoolers study ancient civilizations and the Middle Ages in depth; they also learn about other regions, cultures, and time periods as part of integrated studies in history, literature, and the visual arts and music.