Curriculum
Elementary curriculum
Kindergarten
In kindergarten, students build a foundation for social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Children develop an understanding of letter and sound identification and concepts of print. With assistance, they begin to read and write simple stories and understand the difference between pictures and print. They attend to stories and join in songs and rhymes while beginning to communicate their ideas clearly.
In mathematics, kindergartners use a hands-on approach to explore various ways to count, sort and pattern. Geometry and measurement are explored along with an introduction of simple addition and subtraction with an emphasis on number sense. Children represent whole numbers by writing and recognizing numbers to 20.
Kindergarten students are introduced to many science and social studies topics. Science curriculum is designed to lay a foundation by introducing the basic scientific processes: observing, comparing, classifying, measuring, and communicating. Social studies curriculum is designed to help children gain an increased awareness of themselves and the world around them.
1st Grade
First Grade is a very exciting year of growth and opportunity. During the year, students progress at different rates through many developmental stages. The children develop in reading, writing, spelling, speaking, and listening skills. First graders also gain an understanding of literature by studying different genres and authors.
Through hands-on activities using a variety of manipulatives, students will learn a broad range of math skills. This working foundation allows children to problem solve and process complex mathematical problems. These skills will be beneficial in life.
In science and social studies, first graders will experience the world around them. The children will become critical thinkers as they sort, classify, investigate and generate their own opinions.
An amazing year of transition awaits first graders as they journey to independence. Celebrate their learning!
More information is available.
2nd Grade
In Second Grade, social studies focuses on local community and communities around the world. Students learn how to compare urban, rural, and suburban communities by investigating their own local community. Students also explore the history of Lake Orion, and learn how to tell the story chronologically through the use of a time line. Government, economy, and physical makeup of communities are also explored.
In science, second graders discover how animals use their characteristics to survive in their unique habitats, and how animals pass on common characteristics to their offspring. Matter, sound, and senses are the predominant physical science concepts taught this year. Earth science covers major features of Earth, water, weather, and seasonal changes in Michigan.
The second grade English Language Arts program challenges students to continually develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students demonstrate their ability to recognize and understand words. The children use various strategies to increase their understanding of texts. They grow in their ability to write appropriately for different purposes and to express their own style or individuality when writing. They gain a true appreciation for various genres of literature.
Second grade math begins with basic counting and ends up with multiplication and three-digit math computation. In between, second graders learn to tell time, count money, make and interpret graphs, explore geometric properties, discover various measuring tools, write and understand fractions, become expert problem solvers, investigate calculators, learn how to compare numbers in many different ways.
Second grade is a full year, but a very fun year!
3rd Grade
Love of learning is the hallmark of third grade, a year of incredible growth!
The third grade English Language Arts program challenges students to continually develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students demonstrate their ability to recognize and understand words. The children use various strategies to increase their understanding of texts. They grow in their ability to write appropriately for different purposes and to express their own style or individuality when writing. They gain a true appreciation for various genres of literature.
Third grade mathematicians utilize manipulatives to explore numbers and model problem solving situations. They learn simple algebraic concepts, know and use common units of measurement, and demonstrate an understanding of time and money. Third graders also explore data and probability; read and interpret a variety of graphs; and explore geometric concepts.
In social studies, third grade students study early periods of Michigan history from exploration to statehood. They will develop an understanding of the purpose of the state constitution and the structure of our government. They also learn about our state's natural resources, economic activities and the geography of Michigan.
In science, students actively study the world around them, developing critical thinking skills through investigations and other exciting hands-on activities.
4th Grade
Fourth Grade is a year of working toward independence. Students are learning to become critical thinkers and active problem solvers in all areas of the curriculum. Values we encourage in our students are reinforced in our language arts units of study. An additional unit about environmental issues correlates with our science and social studies benchmarks.
Our fourth grade social studies curriculum focuses on the geographical regions and government of the United States. Students develop an understanding of economic principals and concepts.
5th Grade
Fifth Grade is an important year for fostering independence and increasing responsibility. It is a year of climbing complexity as the children move from being elementary to middle school students.
We expect a significant amount of growth from our fifth graders as they prepare to leave us and move on to the middle school.
To accomplish the goals of independence and responsibility, students should use their assignment books to communicate effectively between home and school.
Responsibility is the key to success as fifth graders learn math, science, social studies, and language arts with an emphasis on demonstrating, applying, and analyzing learned skills and information. Time and attention are given to ensure that important life skills and academics are intact as fifth graders become middle school students.
High School
