Elementary Curriculum
Our elementary program presents a comprehensive curriculum through an integrated classroom approach. Our Arts, Language and Movement (ALM) classes include Spanish, physical education, music, dance, theatre, visual art, and are all taught by specialists in each field. Language arts instruction is offered through a workshop and guided reading approach and emphasizes the development and authentic implementation of all communication skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). The math curriculum is based on Common Core State Standards, providing students with a foundation in whole numbers, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, and decimals.
The math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards, and uses a Math Workshop model that incorporates problem-solving tasks, small group instruction, reasoning routines, and interactive activities. Core resources include Illustrative Math in K-6 and Desmos in 7-8. Students are pushed to communicate mathematical thinking and persevere through problem solving. Math is hands-on and problem based, encouraging learners to do the work of mathematicians. Differentiation occurs daily, with data guiding student groupings. Fluency is a core part of our math program, with daily opportunities for fluency practice in small groups and warm ups.
The literacy curriculum ensures that all students have time for phonics instruction, whole-group workshops in reading and writing, and time for independent groups. In K-3, students use From Phonics to Reading as a primary resource for foundational skills. For reading and writing, we use the Units of Study in Reading and Writing for whole group instruction, with modifications for cross-curricular connections. In all classrooms, students have time to read independently, write independently, work with reading and writing partners, and to participate in small groups focused on both foundational skills and book clubs. At the end of school year 23-24, our academic team selected two new science-based reading programs for implementation in SY24-25: Wit & Wisdom and UFLI (University of Florida Literacy Institute) Foundations.
The science curriculum is based on the Next Generation Science Standards. Students are offered an inquiry-based program that provides them with hands-on opportunities to engage in authentic scientific inquiry requiring increasingly complex cognitive skills. Science and social studies are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Social studies curriculum is based on the Washington, DC K-12 Social Studies Standards, emphasizing diverse perspectives and critical analysis. Through engaging activities, students explore community governance, global interconnections, and the rich histories that have shaped the nation’s capital. With a focus on evaluating primary and secondary sources, students develop nuanced understandings that prepare them to be informed, compassionate global citizens.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Our social emotional learning curriculum is based on nationally recognized programs including Second Step, Responsive Classroom and Restorative Justice. Our social curriculum is designed to help students learn to respect themselves, others, their materials, and surroundings. We teach students to solve conflicts peacefully and to develop social skills that allow them to work independently, in small groups and as a whole class. As students move through the academic curriculum they develop the skills of empathy required to become innovators – observation, listening, self-expression, problem solving, and creativity.
Arts, Language, and Movement (ALM): Spanish instruction integrates language acquisition goals with cross-cultural studies in which students are exposed to the histories, art, food, traditions, and folktales from Spanish speaking communities. All students benefit from the opportunity to receive instruction in visual arts and have the arts integrated across the curriculum. In the artists’ studio, students participate in art instruction and are taught how to use a range of materials and invited to make choices about which materials and methods they use and for how long. Choice-based art education regards students as artists and offers real choices for responding to their own ideas and interests through the making of art. Our physical education and dance instructors in collaboration with classroom educators conduct physical education and nutrition classes. Our program integrates physical education activities ranging from yoga and a variety of dance styles and traditions, to soccer and basketball, as well as health education, including topics such as nutrition, growth and development, sleep, and productive problem-solving. Classroom teachers further students’ knowledge of nutrition and health by supporting school-wide healthy eating and decision-making. Music education including singing, music history, and exploration of musical instruments is offered to all students. Students explore theatre, with the creation of class plays, the joy of dance and movement, and how to use their voices, bodies, and imaginations to explore how and why people tell stories on stage. Students demonstrate their learning in Celebrations of the Arts based on selected themes and music through the ages.