Programs & Curriculum

Students in second grade continue to build foundational reading and writing skills through Being a Reader, Fundations, and Being a Writer. Being a Reader uses a workshop approach where students engage with high-quality literature and develop comprehension strategies. Fundations provides systematic phonics instruction that strengthens decoding skills and reading fluency. Being a Writer guides students through the writing process and helps them express their ideas with increasing clarity and confidence.

Students in grades 3-5 develop more sophisticated reading and writing skills through Making Meaning, Magnetic Reading, and Being a Writer. Making Meaning focuses on building deep comprehension strategies and helping students think critically about what they read. Magnetic Reading provides systematic instruction in word study and vocabulary that supports reading fluency and comprehension. Being a Writer continues to guide students through increasingly complex writing tasks across multiple genres.

Students at all grade levels work in literacy centers where they practice skills independently and collaboratively while teachers provide small group instruction tailored to each student's reading level and needs. Students who need additional support in reading have access to pull-out intervention services during the school day and an after-school reading program that provides focused instruction to build literacy skills.

Together, these components create a comprehensive literacy program where students develop strong reading comprehension, writing skills, and the critical thinking abilities needed for success in middle school and beyond.

Students develop mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills through the Go Math curriculum. Go Math provides a balanced approach to mathematics instruction where students build conceptual understanding, develop procedural fluency, and apply mathematical thinking to real-world situations.

Students work in math centers where they practice skills and explore mathematical concepts through hands-on activities and games. Teachers provide small group instruction tailored to each student's learning needs, allowing for targeted support and extension opportunities. Students who need additional support in mathematics have access to intervention services, including pull-out intervention during the school day and push-in support where interventionists work directly with students in the classroom.

Together, these components ensure that all students receive instruction at the appropriate level of challenge while building confidence and competence in mathematics.

Students develop scientific thinking and understanding through the FOSS (Full Option Science System) curriculum. FOSS engages students in hands-on learning experiences where they explore real-life phenomena, conduct experiments, and make observations about the natural world. Students investigate life science, earth science, and physical science concepts through active inquiry, asking questions, testing ideas, and developing explanations based on evidence.

This inquiry-based approach helps students act as scientists rather than simply reading about science. Students use scientific tools to gather data, collaborate with peers to solve problems, and communicate their findings. Through these experiences, students build deep understanding of science concepts while developing the critical thinking and scientific literacy skills they need for future learning.

The K-5 physical education program promotes a healthy and active lifestyle through movement, games, and sport. The curriculum focuses on three core areas that are woven throughout each lesson: motor skill development and movement education, fitness and wellness, and manipulative skills.

Students develop motor skills and movement education through activities that build balance, coordination, and spatial awareness. They practice locomotor movements like running, jumping, skipping, and galloping while learning to navigate space safely. Fitness and wellness instruction helps students understand the benefits of regular physical activity for building a healthy heart, strong bones and muscles, and increased energy. Students participate in activities that develop cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, core strength, balance, agility, and flexibility.

The manipulative skills component focuses on developing hand-eye and foot-eye coordination through throwing, catching, kicking, and striking activities. Students learn to use various equipment and implements while building coordination and spatial awareness. Throughout the program, students also develop social-emotional skills through cooperative games, conflict resolution activities, and lessons in sportsmanship.

The ultimate goal is to create an environment that helps students develop lifelong health, well-being, and personal fulfillment by giving them the knowledge and skills to sustain a healthy lifestyle into their future.

In addition to their core academic instruction, students participate in music, art, library, technology, and band classes throughout the week. Technology classes introduce students to computer science, coding, digital literacy, and digital citizenship skills. These classes provide opportunities for students to explore creativity, develop physical and technical skills, discover new interests, and build well-rounded learning experiences that complement their classroom instruction.