Curriculum

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At Seven Peaks we promote a coordinated curriculum. Teachers coordinate instruction across subject areas and grade levels to reinforce learning, without gaps or redundancy, incorporating Core Knowledge content. The following are descriptions of the different elementary content areas, and for a detailed description of topics studied at the various grade levels, please visit www.coreknowledge.org.

LANGUAGE ARTS
Elementary Language Arts embraces a balanced approached to reading and writing that encourages reading fluency. The "How To" skills of reading and writing are emphasized, as well as teaching students an appreciation of literature and creative expression. The classroom environment supports the work students do during Language Arts workshops, and fosters students' independence as readers and writers.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Social Studies focuses on introducing younger students to the history of their own country and ancient civilizations around the world. Students eagerly build their vocabulary and understanding as history comes alive through hands on activities, dramatic presentations, classroom museums, festivals and celebrations.

MATHEMATICS
Our elementary math curriculum includes hands on approaches to teaching and learning mathematics. The curriculum used is Everyday Math where concepts build on each other and are revisited in greater depth throughout the years. Topics included are: number sense, operations and computations, patterns, functions, algebra, geometry, measurement, data, probability and problem solving. The curriculum is enriched with grade-appropriate practice drills and problem solving strategies.

SCIENCE
The overlying theme of the elementary Science program is to foster natural curiosity and scientific inquiry about our world. Students study topics in all science disciplines: earth and space, life science, physical science and environmental science. Hands on experiments and labs incorporate the scientific process, and research is conducted to encourage deeper exploration of scientific theories. Our students develop a love of science and a greater environmental awareness.

SPANISH
Elementary students develop a solid basic foundation of the Spanish language. This is taught through a multi-sensory program using games, music, art conversation and Rosetta Stone software. Our goals are to inspire students to learn Spanish with a confidence to speak the language, as well as develop awareness and respect for cultural diversity.

MUSIC AND BAND
Students study music throughout the elementary years and are offered a variety of opportunities. They study music of other countries, learn dance, compose music, create homemade instruments, study traditional instruments, learn to play xylophones, hand chimes and drums. Our music program is energetic and diverse and their hard work and practice culminates in wonderful concert performances throughout the year.

ART
Art is an integral part of the Seven Peaks program, and many art projects are coordinated with classroom curriculum. Students study art-making techniques, art history and art of the world. All major media (e.g. ceramics, print-making, sculpture, drawing and paint) are explored in a hands-on environment. A year end Art Gala is held to celebrate every student's work.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students take P.E. classes which include ample opportunities for learning sports skills, dance, and coordination. Self confidence, cooperation with others and general physical well-being are emphasized in our elementary program. We are fortunate to have a full-size wood gymnasium and 24 acres of playing fields adjacent to our school available for our use.

TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION
 We have several classroom sets of computers and projectors for our elementary classrooms. Beginning in third grade students regularly create PowerPoint presentations, use Geometry Sketchpad in math , learn Excel, keyboarding and word processing. At home, students use on-line learning tools and our school website to stay in touch with their teachers and assignments.