Our 1st
Grade Program
Our first grade program provides a nurturing, neurodiversity-affirming foundation where young learners develop essential skills at their own pace. With a maximum of 8 students per class, each child receives individualized reading instruction three times weekly using structured literacy methods aligned with the science of reading, along with Math curriculum delivered in small ability-based groups.
Students explore the world through hands-on science experiments, engage with literature through independent and shared reading with comprehension discussions, and build writing skills using visual models, sentence frames, and supportive scaffolding. Weekly speech pathology services and pet therapy sessions support communication development and emotional regulation, while specials including art, music, developmental PE, and conversational Spanish ensure a well-rounded experience.
Our goal is simple: help every first grader discover that learning is joyful, school is safe, and they are capable exactly as they are.
1st Grade Focus
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Science of Reading: Systematic phonics, decoding, spelling patterns, fluency, vocabulary, and early comprehension
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Conceptual Mathematics: Addition, subtraction, place value, and problem-solving using visual models and manipulatives
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Inquiry-Based Science: Hands-on experiments, nature studies, and cause-and-effect exploration
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Integrated Social Studies: Community, culture, and geography through stories and projects
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Speech Services
Why the Science
of Reading?
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Research-based approach grounded in how the brain learns to read
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Explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
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Multisensory strategies that support diverse learning styles and neurodivergent learners
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Skills taught step by step with intentional practice and application
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Reading instruction individualized to each student’s needs and readiness
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Focus on building confident, capable readers who understand and enjoy reading
What is the Science
of Reading?
Reading isn't natural like speaking - the brain must be explicitly taught to connect letters with sounds.
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Phonemic awareness (hearing & manipulating sounds)
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Phonics (connecting sounds to letters)
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Fluency (reading smoothly and accurately)
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Vocabulary (word meaning)
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Comprehension (understanding text)
Reach out to us for any inquiries, admissions, or to learn more about our school.
