No, the Millard Core Knowledge Program is not associated with Common Core.  

Common Core is a set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts that define what a student should learn by the end of each school year in Kindergarten through 12th grade. Many states have adopted the Common Core. The state of Nebraska has not.

Millard Core Knowledge Program is a curricular based program based on research done by E.D. Hirsch and the Core Knowledge Foundation. Our school has included the Spalding literacy program and Shurley program.  Each program is based on a logical sequence that systematically moves a student towards success.

The goal of the Core Sequence is to spell out a shared knowledge literate students have, and provide equitable access to common knowledge for all students. (Core Knowledge Foundation)

At Disney, E.D. Hirsch's Core Knowledge Sequence is the base for student learning.  The Sequence combines with Student Expectations and the Millard Program.  Together they make the Disney Core Knowledge program.  Curriculum taught in the program meet Core Knowledge, Nebraska State, and Millard Public School standards and expectations.

The E.D. Hirsch Core Knowledge curriculum meant to build, broaden, and deepen what a student knows.  The sequence itself includes the shared knowledge that students should know.  Outlined in the Core Knowledge Sequence are specific content and skills taught in history, science, geography, language arts, music, and art.  (Core Knowledge, 2023)

This content-rich curriculum spirals and builds builds upon prior knowledge unit to unit, year to year.  The CK curriculum immerses students in domains.  Domains are areas of knowledge with its own set of language and vocabulary. (Core Knowledge, 2023). What students learn in one unit or grade lays the foundation for the future units/grades.  For example, studying the American Revolution in K, 1st, and 4th prepares the student for learning about Western Expansion in grades 1st, 2nd, and 5th.  Domains inform with in a grade level as well.  In second and fifth grade, the Westward Expansion domain gives necessary context to the Native American domain.  

Disney Core Knowledge meets the standards and outcomes within the Core Knowledge Sequence, Nebraska State Standards, and Millard Public School expectations.  We ensure high academic growth and success by providing a solid educational foundation for the student in a structured, teacher-directed setting through:

• E.D. Hirsch Core Knowledge curriculum sequence (see above)

• Spalding Method of intensive phonics

• Shurley Grammar

• Open Court Reading

• Math

This mini-magnet program contains components that will enrich and strengthen your child’s academic and cultural growth.  The Core Knowledge curriculum covers advanced topics that are typically not covered in a traditional public school setting.

The Millard Core Knowledge Program was initiated by parents driven by a vision of a teacher-directed environment enriched with a back-to-basics program.  It is not a remedial or gifted program.  Instead it is a program that provides a rigorous, challenging, and swift-paced curriculum for all students.  The program is rooted in the E.D. Hirsch sequence and philosophy.  Parent support is essential to student success.

For parents desiring choice in education; the Millard Core Program offers one such choice. The Core Knowledge Program is not a remedial program, nor is it a gifted program. It is simply a choice for parents to make regarding their child's education.  As with any program, unless the parent, teacher and child desire to work at success, there will be only mediocre or minor progress.  The strength of this program is found in this three-fold (parent, teacher, and child) cooperative effort. All understanding that to learn, one must practice.

Your child will be enthusiastic about learning as our rigorous curriculum unfolds. A student entering the Core Knowledge Program is eager and ready to learn, self-reliant, and curious.  He/she can recall facts, demonstrate self-control over emotions and actions, communicate thoughts and feelings verbally, accept and respond appropriately to all directions, show respect to adults, and learn with the whole group. 

To Schedule a Tour

Contact us at (402) 715-2350

District Enrollment Information

• District Registration, Enrollment, and Transfer Information

• District Curriculum Information

• District Insurance