The goal of the reading/literature curriculum is to produce proficient readers and writers.  The reading program is strongly phonics-based at the lower grades, encouraging students to decode unknown words.  Recalling details, analyzing plots, predicting outcomes, and interpreting themes are taught through the reading of stories, poems, biographies, and non-fiction selections.

As early as second grade, the student is introduced to editing skills and is responsible for critiquing and evaluating written work.  Students are encouraged continually to express themselves, literally and creatively, through written and verbal skills.  They are taught the appropriate use of grammar, punctuation, grade-level vocabulary, and proper sentence and paragraph structure.  In the middle school, students are expected to respond to literature aesthetically, creatively, and critically, through oral and written expression.  They learn a variety of literary styles, utilize literary terminology, and develop logical and analytical thinking.

2007-2008 highlights:
The fifth-grade class completed a series of monthly reading challenges in the 2007-2008 Washington Capitals Reading Is Cool: Make it a habit! Program. They developed essential reading habits and worked as a team towards a common goal.