Elementary

In Kindergarten, students embark on their reading journey by developing strong foundational literacy skills. Our students learn to read fluently while understanding and discussing the stories they explore. They discover the joy of storytelling by writing their own personal narratives, learning the essential steps of the writing process along the way.

Mathematics: Our Kindergarten math program builds a strong foundation in number sense. Students explore mathematical concepts through hands-on activities, including:

• Understanding and working with numbers up to 20

• Beginning addition and subtraction

• Introduction to place value

• Recognizing and describing shapes

• Sorting and classifying objects

ELA: Our comprehensive reading program combines systematic phonics instruction through Heggerty with guided reading using Fountas and Pinnell materials. Students develop into confident readers through a balanced approach that includes both skill-building and exposure to rich literature. Our reading instruction is tailored to help each student progress toward grade-level benchmarks while fostering a love of reading.

Mathematics: Using the Envisions math curriculum as our foundation, first graders master key concepts including:

• Advanced addition and subtraction strategies
• Understanding time and money
• Introduction to fractions
• Creating and interpreting graphs Our teachers provide additional enrichment and support to ensure every student is challenged and successful in their mathematical journey.

Science: First graders explore the natural world through hands-on investigations focusing on:

• Animal life cycles and habitats
• Properties of magnets and magnetic forces
• States of matter
• Weather patterns and climate

Social Studies: Students expand their understanding of the world around them by studying:

• Family structures and traditions
• Communities past and present
• Map skills and geography basics

Second grade is an exciting year of discovery and growth where students build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Our dynamic curriculum focuses on mastering essential reading and writing skills through interactive phonics and literacy activities, while building confidence in mathematics through hands-on exploration of addition, subtraction, and place value. Students develop understanding of their role in our community through engaging social studies projects, applying their new knowledge through creative activities and meaningful assessments. Students emerge from second grade as confident learners, equipped with vital skills for continued academic success.

 Third grade marks an exciting transition into upper elementary as students blossom into more independent and confident learners. Our comprehensive curriculum empowers students to master advanced reading comprehension strategies while exploring diverse literary genres and building rich vocabulary skills.

In mathematics, students develop fluency in multiplication and division, tackle multi-step equations with algebraic thinking, and strengthen their understanding of data interpretation, geometry, and fractions. Science comes alive through hands-on exploration of fascinating topics including animal and plant life, weather and climate patterns, and the principles of force and motion.

Students embark on a journey through Michigan's rich history, discovering our state's unique geography, natural resources, and economic landscape. Learning extends beyond classroom walls through engaging field trips and meaningful community partnerships, enriching students' real-world understanding.

This pivotal year also introduces letter grades, preparing students for future academic expectations while maintaining a supportive, encouraging environment where every child can thrive.

Reading & Language Arts:

In 4th grade, students thrive in our dynamic Reader's Workshop environment. Using the Fountas and Pinnell curriculum, our balanced literacy approach includes:

• Daily focused mini-lessons that build essential reading strategies
• Independent reading time where students explore books at their individual reading levels
• Small guided reading groups that provide targeted instruction
• Writing workshops that develop strong communication skills Our approach helps students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, deepening their comprehension and analytical skills.

Mathematics:

Through the Envision Math curriculum, fourth graders develop sophisticated mathematical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Our program emphasizes:

• Deep understanding of mathematical concepts
• Critical thinking and mathematical reasoning
• Clear communication of mathematical ideas
• Real-world problem solving Students work with increasingly complex numbers and operations, learning to explain their thinking and approach problems from multiple angles.