School of Literary Arts

McCarthy's focus on literary arts underscores our belief that all students can become proficient and strategic readers and writers.  Within our balanced literacy program, students are involved in reading experiences such as read-a-loud, shared reading, guided reading and independent reading while at the same time they explore a variety of writing opportunities. 

In conjunction with these activities, students receive instruction and practice in  word analysis and comprehension strategies through exposure to a wide variety of genres such as fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. 

Teachers employ a variety of instructional methods to accommodate all learning styles and to ensure the success of every student.  Direct instruction, flexible grouping, cooperative learning, and differentiation are among the many techniques used in the classroom.  Further, teachers are committed to incorporating and reinforcing literacy skills across the curriculum. 

McCarthy's mission is to seamlessly blend literacy skills into all aspects of the educational process and to provide numerous opportunities for children to use and develop their written and oral communication skills in order to become productive members of our global society.