Curriculum

Core Knowledge

High Peaks uses the nationally recognized Core Knowledge Sequence as the framework for curriculum content. The Core Knowledge movement, founded by Dr. E.D. Hirsch, is based on the premise that for the sake of academic excellence, greater equity, and improved literacy, early education should provide a solid, specific, and sequenced core curriculum in order to help children establish strong foundations of knowledge. Core Knowledge helps children from all backgrounds achieve their full potential and our teachers present the materials creatively, keeping students interested and cultivating their love of learning.

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a planned progression of specific content in history, geography, mathematics, science, language arts, and fine arts. It is designed to encourage steady academic progress as children build their knowledge and skills from one year to the next. The Sequence is in use in over 3,000 schools nationwide and has received favorable notice in many national magazines, educational journals, and reports for its success in helping children from many different backgrounds. Because the Sequence is an integrated plan that builds from year to year, it helps prevent the repetition and gaps that can result from less specific curricular guidelines.

High Peaks emphasizes mastery of reading, writing and mathematical skills, and development of a solid foundation in science, history and geography. In addition to the Core Knowledge Sequence, the program includes explicit instruction in phonics, writing mechanics, spelling and various forms of writing. Science teaching emphasizes hands-on scientific method, and critical reasoning. Students begin learning world and American civilization in first grade. Music and art are integral components of the program and District specialists teach these subjects. The art and music content frequently correlates with the social studies curriculum, enriching students understanding of both areas. Physical education is provided according to the Boulder Valley School District’s curriculum.

Teachers work with parents to communication objectives on a regular basis and conduct frequent assessments so that children, parents and teachers can focus on the specific skills that can help each child achieve true mastery. Math classes are scheduled at the same time across grades 1-5 to facilitate assignment to a higher grade for students ready to take on more advanced work. Similarly, within each classroom, students study spelling at the grade level closest to their skill level.

High Peaks uses a diverse selection of literature and history drawn from many cultural and historic traditions. There is also a time to cover locally important subjects as prescribed by the Boulder Valley School District, including Colorado history, health and safety. Staff addresses student conduct and character development using the “Core Virtues” curriculum. The values are: honesty, perseverance, self-discipline, compassion, empathy, giving and respect.

EveryDay Mathematics

Everyday Mathematics is a comprehensive pre-kindergarten through 6th grade mathematics curriculum developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. Everyday Mathematics is a structured, rigorous, and proven program that helps students learn mathematical reasoning and develop strong math skills.

The Everyday Mathematics curriculum includes the following features:
» Real-life Problem Solving
» Balanced Instruction
» Multiple Methods for Basic Skills Practice
» Emphasis on Communication
» Enhanced Home/School Partnerships
» Appropriate Use of Technology

The Everyday Mathematics web site has useful information including a FAQ, family letters, help with home and study links, and other grade specific information.

In conjunction with the Core Knowledge Curriculum the High Peaks curriculum includes programs in Music, Art, and Physical Education. The Music and Art curricula follow the Core Knowledge sequence and are coordinated and integrated with material being taught in the classroom.

Sitton Spelling

High Peaks uses the “Rebecca Sitton Spelling” program as the basis for our spelling curriculum. The program resembles Words Their Way in that it works on teaching life-long spelling skills, yet has more emphasis on teaching strategies and not so much on “sorting” lists of words.   Students do create lists of words they need to learn, and are assessed periodically over high frequency words they are expected to master at their grade level.  Students also work on learning “Priority Words” that are expected to be spelled correctly in student work.

The main focus of this program is on strategies, not short-term memorization.  Just as we would not teach reading by just expecting children to memorize vocabulary for a Friday test, this program does not teach spelling by expecting children to memorize and pass Friday spelling tests.  It involves exploring rules that apply to a basic core of high-frequency writing words, and then being able to apply these skills to many words that will expand vocabulary and word understanding.  The goal is, to quote from Sitton, “to guide students to construct meaning from the words they’ve learned to spell-so the words become useful as a writer.”

Sitton Spelling employs some key concepts and has the following goals for each grade level:           

» Kindergarten is under development and our kindergarten teacher will use some components this year at writing/spelling time. 
» First Grade
» Second Grade
» Third Grade
» Fourth Grade
» Fifth Grade

For more information visit Sitton Spelling.