Descriptions of our curriculum for each grade are provided below:
Kindergarten hours are 8:20am-1:30pm. Grades 1-5 hours are 8:20am-2:45pm.
We also offer a number of enrichment programs for all of our elementary school students:
In addition to these programs, we offer optional enrichment programs at an additional fee. Please visit Enrichment Programs for more details.
Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program establishes an excellent academic foundation in language arts, math, science, social science, and health. Our goal is to facilitate literacy development through a phonics-based program enriched with literature. Students hone their sound recognition, blending of sounds to create words, comprehension, literature appreciation, and early skills in grammar. In math, kindergarteners develop problem solving, computation, and analytical skills. These young students study numeration and theory, whole number computation, fractions, measurement, time, money, geometry, early algebra (sentence equations), and statistics (data collecting, interpreting, and graphing).
Kindergarteners are also hands-on scientists who are broadening their curiosity about the how, why, and what of things in our environment. They also develop an awareness of health and safety for the human body. Our kindergarten program succeeds in expanding the child’s horizons; moving from self, to family, to community, to world.
Our typical kindergarten teacher-student ratio is 1:16.
First Grade
Our first graders build on their language arts skills by learning introductory rules of grammar, writing complete sentences from dictation and from original thought, memorizing poetry and songs, and giving oral presentations individually and in groups. These students develop a strong vocabulary through word banks, themes, and exposure to literature. They engage in whole group, small group, and individual oral and silent reading activities. First graders also build their confidence in addition, subtraction, money, calendar, fractions, patterns, and word problems. Social studies in first grade covers basic map and globe skills and research skills using various source materials.
Our typical first grade teacher-student ratio is 1:20.
Second Grade
Whole group, small group, and individual oral and silent reading activities build second graders into confident and proficient readers. These students also sharpen their comprehension skills with work in analyzing story elements, predictions of story outcomes, distinguishing between fantasy and reality, and changing perspectives. Second graders develop their writing skills by brainstorming and story mapping, journaling, and creating complex reports. In math, students gain mastery and speed in computing two and three-digit numbers, money, measurement, geometry, and problem solving. We introduce second graders to multiplication and division and algebraic equations. Science includes daily and weekly hands-on experiments involving heat, sound, and weather. Students further their map and globe skills as well as reference skills, and they build their understanding of the role of a citizen in a democracy.
Our typical second grade teacher-student ratio is 1:20.
Third Grade
Third graders refine their reading skills in lessons of comparison and contrast, cause and effect, summarization, point of view, fact and opinion, and multiple meanings. Writing is fundamental in third grade with attention to descriptive writing. Reports and journal entries must include a clear topic, supporting details, and attention to grammar. Math exercises in problem solving, visual reasoning, decision making, and thinking mathematically are included in every area of understanding numbers and money, measuring time, capacity and mass, multiplication and division, fractions and decimals, weight and probability, and geometry. The third grade program in social studies links history, science, language arts, mathematics, art, and geography in a well-rounded unit of study. The science program covers geology, the solar system, life cycles, and nutrition. We introduce students to the scientific method and give them experiments to do in class and at home.
Our typical third grade teacher-student ratio is 1:20.
Fourth Grade
The fourth grade reading program focuses on comprehension skills such as relating ideas from the story, organizing information, synthesizing ideas and evaluating them, and learning vocabulary from contextual and structural clues. The writing program hones skills in planning, composing, revising, proofreading, and presenting original work. Fourth graders write personal narratives, directions, tall tales, letters, book reports, poetry, and practice descriptive and creative writing. In math, our fourth graders perform competently at a fifth grade level or higher. Components of the mathematics curriculum are problem solving, reasoning, visual thinking, decision making, number sense and mental math, whole number, decimal, and fraction concepts and operations, algebra, measurement, geometry, and spatial sense. The science program includes the properties of matter, the human body, plants and animals, electricity & magnetism, and the changing Earth. In the fourth grade social studies program, students explore the history, geography, agriculture, populations, and culture of the state of California.
Our typical fourth grade teacher-student ratio is 1:20.
Fifth Grade
Fifth graders explore a variety of texts: poems, folk tales, fantasy, newspaper articles, biographical sketches, cartoons, novels, fictionalized biographies, and magazine articles. Students continue to build their skills in writing, studying the mechanics of writing, vocabulary, and using reference materials. Fifth grade science lessons explore the structure of life, sound and light, and space. Social studies includes adventures in the history and culture of the United States. In math, fifth graders continue their practice of multiplication, division, and solving of multi-step problems. They also build proficiency with decimals, fractions, geometry, statistics, averaging, graphing, and algebra.
Our typical fifth grade teacher-student ratio is 1:20.
Physical Education / Perceptual Motor Training
The goal of our physical education and perceptual motor training classes is to create an environment that encourages participation and that fosters an appreciation for lifetime fitness of the body and mind. We hope that all students reach an understanding of the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. Included in the program are the following: game play, sportsmanship, knowledge of nutrition, and knowledge of the basics of physical fitness. This includes cardiovascular, muscular flexbility, and development of gross and fine motor skills.
Computers
In the Kids Connection computer lab students learn a wide variety of computer skills and computer science concepts. They have the opportunity to work with the latest software and hardware as they engage in challenging and exciting projects that help them build their knowledge. They will learn good habits, become responsible users of technology, and develop a healthy curiosity that will encourage them to problem-solve, innovate, and create.
Students learn valuable skills using high quality software such as Microsoft Office, iMovie, Kid Pix, and web-based programs from BrainPOP, Scratch, Alice, code.org, and much more. They will have the opportunity to learn about the Macintosh and Windows platform in our state-of- art computer lab, which is equipped with an iMac for each student. In addition, students also engage with educational content and practice skills using iPads, laptops, and collaborative whiteboard technology. They will also learn how to build circuits.
Spanish
Beginning in 1st grade, students enjoy our language program that introduces them to the Spanish language and Latin culture, history, and traditions. Our goal is to provide children with a rich and immersive learning experience, focused on conversational Spanish. In addition, we offer a wide variety of languages, for all grade levels, as part of our enrichment programs.
Music
Our program consists of a formalized music program held once a week and taught by a music specialist. Music is incorporated into the music curriculum in the form of choral singing, music appreciation, knowledge of musical instruments, reading music, and performance.