The full-day Kindergarten program provides our youngest elementary students with an age-appropriate balance of academic and developmental skills. The strong foundation for early literacy is strengthened, and students apply their learning to decoding and blending to read and write with grade-appropriate accuracy. Math is also included in the core program and is taught using a combination of basic computational strategies, hands on learning, and real-world problem solving. Topics include addition, subtraction, and beginning concepts in geometry, representing survey data, weight and capacity, number stories with symbols, and more. In social studies, learn the significance of working together as a community. Students expand upon their knowledge of acts of kindness and learn about our Cardinal Character traits which are critical to our character education program.  

Students in First Grade successfully build upon the strong literacy base developed in Kindergarten. They begin to read with purpose and understanding, facilitated by a differentiated small group system that allows for maximum individual growth. Students respond to text verbally and in written expression, using a formal model for writing. Flexible grouping for math also allows students to build on their prior knowledge to successfully meet their potential. Math topics include regrouping, one and two-digit addition and subtraction, geometry, using standard units in measurement, comparing numbers using symbols, multi-step problem solving supported with reasoning, and more. The social studies program looks beyond local community to important features of the seven continents. Community outreach supports our character education program and the topics of working cooperatively and collaboratively.  

English/language arts in Second Grade focuses on reading complex word structures with precision and fluency. Students learn how to identify genres, find context clues, assign meaning, and pose higher level questions in assorted texts. Increased attention is given to comprehension strategies, utilizing differentiated/leveled small groups for maximum impact. Students are exposed to a wider variety of literature, including informational and persuasive texts, and respond in writing, following the steps of the writing process. In math, concentrated attention is given to problem solving and reasoning. Students learn to add/subtract multiple digit numbers (with/without regrouping), multiply single digit numbers, attributes of three-dimensional shapes, use expanded units of measurement, and estimate fractional amounts, and more. In social studies, students learn about interdependence and components of the past and present. Respect for various cultures and celebrating differences is integral as students investigate the different ways people live all over the world.  Through outreach, students identify opportunities to make a positive impact on their community. 

English/language arts teaches Third Grade students how to read with automaticity and appropriate pace, expression, intonation, and phrasing. Students also explore literary elements and comprehend literature from a broad range of genres. The writing process is used to write in a variety of forms including persuasive, instructional, and narrative writing. Students continue to work regularly in small groups during English/language arts and math to provide them with the close personal attention necessary for optimal success. Several areas of focus in our differentiated math program include converting, comparing, and adding and subtracting decimals, dividing 3-digit dividends and 2-digit divisors, measurement, and geometry. A focus in social studies is the attribute identification and analysis of communities, including early Orange County Native American tribes. Students are able to investigate the ideas of interdependence and cooperation as mutually beneficial and also apply this knowledge to their community service projects.  

Students in the Fourth Grade enjoy an engaging English/language arts program that focuses on accessing complex texts and responding to the author’s technique and craft. Students comprehend literary content with deeper understanding, citing text evidence and providing written responses to a variety of genres. Connecting reading to writing in a creative, multi-paragraph format is an area of focus. Students compose narrative, expository, informational, descriptive, and persuasive written assignments. Math continues to be differentiated, with students working in leveled groups for maximum learning opportunities. Students continue to build on previous math concepts. Areas of focus include identifying factors, understanding mathematical models, measuring angles, metric units relating to mass and volume, commutative property, extending multi-step number stories, and a deep dive into manipulating fractions. In social studies, students explore major events in California history from the Native Americans through the 1930s. Mission building is one of the highlights of 4th Grade. Gaining a new appreciation for the unique history of California and the lives of those who came before them, students apply a new understanding for our school’s commitment to serve our community.  

The English/language arts program for Fifth Grade students is designed to prepare them for their transition into the Middle Division. At this point, students are able to read fluently and effortlessly with deep understanding of complex texts. Their comprehension strategies and skills are advanced, and students easily make connections across and between expository and literary works. Students are also able to write fluently using a variety of forms, including poetry, research reports, and personal/fictional narratives. The 5th grade math program builds on the strong foundation accomplished in previous grades and is appropriately challenging according to individual levels of understanding. A sample of math topics taught include computation with decimals, fractions, and mixed numbers, solving problems on a coordinate plane, geometry, and an introduction to algebra. In history/social studies, students focus on early settlers in the New World and events that lead to the American Revolutionary War. Much like the early pioneers, students explore the growth of the new United States up through Western Expansion. Character education is emphasized throughout the year through works of literature and community service.