D52 uses the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program in grades K-5. CKLA is a language arts curriculum program that helps students develop reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. CKLA also helps students build knowledge and vocabulary in subjects like history, geography, literature, and science. The program's philosophy is based on cognitive science findings that broad background knowledge and vocabulary are essential for comprehension.

We will work on mastering the foundational skills of handwriting, spelling, and sentence structure in first grade. For handwriting, we use the Really Great Reading Blast handwriting curriculum, which goes along with our phonics program. Writing standards are covered through the CKLA curriculum. We also will learn writing skills and content simultaneously, writing about the things we learn about in CKLA. The writing process is taught in three steps: plan, draft, and edit, and is reinforced as students learn new genres. CKLA writing also includes brainstorming, note-taking, summarizing, illustrating, and graphic organizers.