Elementary Courses

Grades K-5

Kindergarten

Math K

Mathematical thinking and problem solving are introduced in kindergarten. Students explore topics and apply mathematical practices outlined in national and state standards. They learn how to identify numbers, write numbers zero to 20, and count to 100 by ones and tens. They also describe, sort, and compare objects and learn basic shapes. Stories and activities introduce addition and subtraction. A combination of interactive and hands-on exercises teaches students about money, time, fractions, and measurement.

Language Arts K

In kindergarten, students build a foundation for successful reading as they explore topics and apply reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills outlined in national and state standards. Learning activities combine phonics, listening, comprehension, and vocabulary instruction with daily exposure to books, including literature and informational texts. A combination of interactive and hands-on exercises encourages the development of fine motor skills. Students learn language skills as well as letter formation, and they practice these by drawing, dictating, and writing. By the end of kindergarten, many students will be reading, and all students should be able to recognize consonants as well as long and short vowel sounds.

Science K

The key to science is stimulating curiosity. A combination of interactive and hands-on exercises encourages students to observe, describe, measure, and question the world around them. Life, Earth, and physical sciences are introduced. Students investigate living things, such as plants and animals, and nonliving things, such as matter and mixtures.

Social Studies K

Students learn the concepts of community, nation, and world in this course. They answer essential questions including “How do people get what they need?”; “How is culture shared?”; and “How does life change throughout history?” A combination of interactive and hands-on exercises teaches students about personal responsibility, good citizenship, and basic geography. While learning about America’s past and important historical figures, students research their personal histories and heroes.

1st Grade

Math 1

In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related to addition and subtraction, measuring lengths, time, and representing and interpreting data. They also learn about counting, place value, comparing two-digit numbers, using models to add and subtract, reasoning with shapes, and parts of figures. Students use problem solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, and making connections to form mathematical concepts. The course supports the development of students’ mathematical thinking by building both conceptual knowledge and procedural fluency.

Language Arts 1

In this course, students master key foundational skills. They are exposed to a variety of fiction and nonfiction stories organized into themes such as “Getting to Know Us” and “Our Community.” Examining literature through themes helps students make connections between texts and relate reading topics to personal knowledge and interests. Students build writing fluency by responding to various prompts, and they work toward mastery of standard language conventions through daily grammar and mechanics practice. The course teaches students how to communicate purposefully by giving them the opportunity to participate in collaborative discussions and take turns talking and listening carefully to a partner.

Science 1

This course encourages students to explore the natural world. They study Earth, its resources, ways to protect the planet, and how plants and animals grow and change. They create a model of a mountain and investigate the way sunlight affects leaves. Students also learn about the scientific method and explore careers in science.

Social Studies 1

Students learn about the ways in which people contribute to their communities and work together to the benefit of all. This course explores the concepts of good citizenship, neighborhoods, and economics. Students also study maps, photographs, biographies, illustrations, poetry, and music to help explain the concept of communities and extend it to the larger world.

2nd Grade

Math 2

In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related to addition and subtraction, even and odd numbers, time, and money. They also learn about measuring length, graphs and data, shapes and their attributes, and place value using models. Students use problem-solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, and making connections to form mathematical concepts. The course supports the development of students’ mathematical thinking by building both conceptual knowledge and procedural fluency.

Language Arts 2

In this course, students develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills essential for future success. Students expand their vocabularies while using an array of strategies — including main idea, problem and solution, and author’s purpose — to comprehend complex texts. A variety of stories are organized into relevant themes such as friends and family, live and learn, and our life/our world. Students enjoy daily independent reading routines. Additionally, they use the writing process to produce various compositions including narrative texts, informative texts, and opinion texts. Students also master standard language conventions through daily grammar and mechanics practice. Engaging activities and discussions help students become proficient listeners and speakers.

Science 2

This course stimulates students’ curiosity about the world around them. They investigate energy and changing states of matter, such as liquid water changing to water vapor, and they create a weather chart. Students enjoy hands-on and virtual activities as they investigate the importance of water and vegetation in life science and explore forces in physical science.

Social Studies 2

Students explore basic concepts of history, geography, economics, and government while discovering more about world cultures. Students practice basic map, chart, graph, and critical-thinking skills. They also learn about ordinary people who demonstrate good citizenship and famous people who have influenced the United States and the world.

3rd Grade

Math 3

In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related to multiplication and division, patterns, rounding, and mental math. They also learn about 2-D shapes, area, perimeter, fractions, interpreting data, time, mass, and capacity. Students use problem solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, and making connections to form mathematical concepts. The course supports the development of students’ mathematical thinking by building both conceptual knowledge and procedural fluency.

Language Arts 3

In this course, students use critical thinking and reading comprehension skills to analyze texts. Using a multi-draft reading approach, students make connections between their readings and the world. They will be asked questions such as, “How can learning help us grow?” and “What are ways people can take action?” Through the five-stage writing process — prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—students practice writing quality sentences and well-organized compositions. Daily reading and writing activities help students continue to master spelling, grammar, and language skills. Students will also learn the strokes of cursive handwriting.

Science 3

Students explore the living world and the sky above. In life science, students begin by analyzing things that make up the living world and then study life cycles and ecosystems. They study the composition of Earth as well as its location in relation to the sun and moon. In physical science, students investigate the properties of matter.

Social Studies 3

This course focuses on the theme of community, with an emphasis on history, civics, economics, and geography. Students compare communities and examine the American political system, including the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and the three branches of government, all within the context of a citizen’s rights and responsibilities. Students are introduced to economics by studying money, prices, and supply and demand, with a special emphasis on making good personal economic decisions.

4th Grade

Math 4

In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related to place value, adding and subtracting multi-digit whole numbers, strategies for multiplication and division, factors, multiples, algebra, and patterns. They also learn about fraction equivalence, calculating fractions, comparing decimals, interpreting data, angles, lines, shapes, and measurement. Students use problem solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, and making connections to form mathematical concepts. The course supports the development of students’ mathematical thinking by building both conceptual knowledge and procedural fluency.

Language Arts 4

In this course, students use critical thinking and reading comprehension skills to analyze texts. Using a multi-draft reading approach, students make connections between their readings and the world. They will be asked questions such as, “How can a challenge bring out our best?” and “How do different writers treat the same topic?” Through the five-stage writing process—prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—students practice writing quality sentences and well-organized compositions. Daily reading and writing activities help students continue to master spelling, grammar, and language skills. Students will also learn the strokes of cursive handwriting.

Science 4

Students in this course use the scientific method to perform hands-on and virtual explorations. In the area of life science, they explore the differences and similarities among organisms. In Earth science, students investigate the differences between rocks and minerals and explore forces and forms of energy. Students are also introduced to the idea of a career in science.

Social Studies 4

A regional approach is used to examine the geography and history of the United States in this course. During their studies, students learn how to use different types of maps and apply geographic skills and concepts. The course emphasizes the role of the individual in the community and the concept of change over time.

5th Grade

Math 5

In this course, students learn mathematical concepts related to place value, adding and subtracting decimals, using models to multiply and divide, the coordinate plane, algebra, patterns, and relationships. They also learn about 2-D figures, operations with fractions, volume, converting measurements, interpreting data, and equivalent expressions. Students use problem solving, reasoning, communicating, representing, and making connections to form mathematical concepts. The course supports the development of students’ mathematical thinking by building both conceptual knowledge and procedural fluency.

Language Arts 5

In this course, students use critical thinking and reading comprehension skills to analyze texts. Using a multi-draft reading approach, students make connections between their readings and the world. They will be asked questions such as, “What kinds of experiences can lead to new discoveries?” and “How do we decide what’s important?” Through the five-stage writing process—prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing—students practice writing quality sentences and well-organized compositions. Daily reading and writing activities help students continue to master spelling, grammar, and language skills. Students will also learn the strokes of cursive handwriting.

Science 5

Students continue to sharpen their investigative skills. In life science, students examine the living world; in physical science, they explore characteristics of matter, sound, and light. Students also learn about the Earth’s composition and the forces that shape its surface. The scientific method is reinforced, and careers in science are discussed.

Social Studies 5

In this course, students trace the history of the United States from the earliest Americans to the 21st century. Students practice map skills as they chart the growth of the nation and develop their ability to compare, sequence events, and interpret sources. Students also study how geography has affected culture and historic events.

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