McCarthy-Towne 

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At McCarthy-Towne, we believe everyone is a student and a teacher. Our unique approach integrates art into content areas, providing students with an authentic way to practice skills in cooperation, problem-solving, and experimentation, in addition to the district-wide curricula in Language Arts and Math.

The McCarthy-Towne School was founded in 1971 and moved in 2002 to its new home in the Parker Damon Building, which it shares with the Merriam School. McCarthy-Towne has a population of approximately 430 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, with 20 sections in total. In addition to general education classrooms, the school has a music classroom, a Visual Arts classroom, special education support rooms, and spaces shared with the Merriam School. The shared spaces include the cafetorium, library, gymnasium, multi-purpose room, health office, upper and lower playgrounds, an outdoor nature classroom, and a Steam Lab. 

At McCarthy-Towne, we trust our students to participate actively in their education. They are responsible for learning independently and collaboratively, solving academic and social problems, making decisions, and being part of a healthy classroom community. We are a community of learners where children, teachers, and families work cooperatively to encourage each student's individual growth and success. Our professional staff plan activities and lessons that encourage independence and instill lifelong learning enthusiasm. We rely on the Responsive Classroom structure and The Second Step curriculum to support the social-emotional learning of all students. 

Focusing on learning through art exploration is a foundational aspect of learning at McCarthy-Towne.  Art Integration provides another pathway of understanding and exploration; it provides an environment where students can take risks, work through problems, and learn from them. Art integration is also used as a means for students to learn patience and better understand themselves as learners. Our philosophy is to present materials in various ways to accommodate different learning styles, help students develop problem-solving strategies, and support individual student goals, strengths, and needs. These habits of mind are nurtured through art exploration but then applied across all aspects of learning.

Another component of our vibrant school community is our enthusiastic parents. Parents are integral to student success and are therefore involved in multiple ways, such as volunteering in classrooms or on field trips, helping in the art room or library, attending student-teacher for all grades, or participating in any of our family activity nights. McCarthy-Towne parents have always been actively involved and essential to the school. Parents also help by providing their unique perspective for faculty and staff with their involvement in the School Council and the Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO). Our PTSO also provides funds and support for cultural and community events to enrich the student experience.  

Our monthly Community Assemblies and Reading Buddies program emphasizes community at the school level. Reaching beyond our school community, the Student Council performs community service by collecting food, clothing, and household goods for local agencies. 

McCarthy-Town’s most significant source of strength is its community of teachers, staff, students, and parents.