Rather than traditional grading, we use a standards-based checklist to track student progress. This approach provides a clear picture of skills and concepts mastered, supports individualized instruction, and honors the natural pace of each learner.
Math (Guided Math):
The Guided Math approach developed by Reagan Tunstall to provide engaging, hands-on, and differentiated math instruction. This curriculum emphasizes deep understanding of math concepts through whole-group mini lessons, teacher-led small groups, math discussions, hands-on manipulatives, games, problem-solving activities, and independent practice. Lessons are standards-aligned and designed to meet students at their individual learning levels while building confidence, number sense, mathematical thinking, and fluency. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, collaborate with peers, and apply math concepts in meaningful ways to develop strong foundational skills and a positive attitude toward mathematics.
Language Arts (Novel Studies)
We will use a literature-based approach to reading instruction through novel studies and high-quality children’s literature. Students engage with a variety of age-appropriate books to build reading comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, critical thinking, and written response skills. Through guided discussions, hands-on activities, writing connections, and comprehension strategies, students learn to analyze characters, setting, plot, themes, and author’s purpose while developing a love of reading. Instruction is differentiated to support students at varying reading levels and encourages meaningful engagement with literature.
Foundational Skills (UFLI):
The UFLI Foundations program for explicit and systematic phonics instruction. UFLI is a research-based curriculum designed to build strong foundational reading skills through direct instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, encoding (spelling), and fluency. Lessons are engaging, multisensory, and structured to support all learners, including students who may struggle with reading. The program follows a carefully sequenced approach that helps students develop confidence and automaticity in reading and spelling skills.
Social Studies (Beyond the Page):
In this introductory course, young learners will explore their place in the world—starting with self, family, and community, and expanding outward to understand the broader world. Through stories, role-play, map skills, celebrations, and hands-on projects, students will learn about community helpers, traditions, basic geography, citizenship, and history. Emphasis is placed on understanding identity, respect for others, and the importance of working together. This course encourages curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking as students make connections between the past and present, explore diverse cultures, and begin to understand their roles as responsible, caring members of their communities.
Science (Beyond the Page):
In this hands-on, inquiry-based science course, young learners will explore the wonders of the natural world through observation, experimentation, and discovery—both in the classroom and outdoors. Students will engage in age-appropriate investigations across life science, earth and space science, and physical science, with topics such as animals and plants, weather and seasons, the five senses, and simple forces like motion and magnetism. Through outdoor exploration, nature walks, and real-world observation, students connect directly with their environment, fostering curiosity and care for the world around them.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is woven throughout the curriculum, encouraging creative problem-solving and critical thinking. Students will design simple models, build structures, ask questions, and test their ideas using everyday materials. This course nurtures a deep love of learning and encourages children to think like scientists and engineers from an early age.
