The Charter School of Excellence uses the following curricula in all grade levels K-5. These programs have proven to be very effective in helping our students reach their highest academic achievement.

Core Knowledge

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content to be taught in language-arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts. As the core of our curriculum, the Sequence provides a solid, coherent foundation of learning, while allowing flexibility in meeting the individual needs of students here at CSE. The Sequence makes up fifty percent of our curriculum and is considered the "heartbeat" of our school. We are proud to be a member of the network of Core Knowledge schools dedicated to teaching solid academic content and skills.

Core Knowledge Foundation
801 East High Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-7550
Fax (434) 977-0021
www.coreknowledge.org

Enhancing the core academic curriculum will be required activities such as clubs, community service, music, art, and the use of technology. Whenever possible, students and their parents will take an active role in their learning and will develop important interpersonal skills such as public speaking, active listening, how to give feedback, assertiveness, how to work in teams, questioning, conflict resolution, self-management, and life skills. Critical thinking skills are also important elements to a curriculum. To engage primary school students, it is important for teachers to be creative and use a variety of delivery methods such as distance learning, computer programs, group discovery, debates, field trips, internet connections, cooperative learning, integrated courses, visiting teachers, and new methods of teaching.

Houghton-Mifflin

Houghton Mifflin Reading: A Legacy of Literature is built on a solid foundation of research and a tradition of proven programs that help students at every level become successful readers and writers. This series holds literature in high regard, utilizes a variety of texts for different instructional purposes, provides planned intention reading instruction, and takes students to high levels of reading and writing proficiency. It is recognized by the state of Florida as a leader in reading curriculum.

Houghton Mifflin
1900 S. Batavia Avenue
Geneva, IL 60134
(800) 733-2828
www.eduplace.com

Saxon Math

The underlying philosophy of Saxon mathematics is incremental development with continual practice and review. Incremental development refers to the division of concepts into small, easily understandable pieces that are introduced in separate lessons. Each major concept is developed completely, not in one lesson but over time. The skills students develop early on become the foundation upon which expanded learning occurs.

Saxon Publishers
2600 John Saxon Blvd.
Norman, OK 73071
(800) 284-7019
www.saxonpublishers.com

Zaner-Bloser Handwriting

Manuscript is formally taught in Kindergarten through Second Grade. Cursive is taught in Third Grade through Fifth Grade. Handwriting is taught by the classroom teacher and is considered an integral part of a student's education.

Zaner Bloser
2200 W. Fifth Ave.
P.O. Box 16764
Columbus, OH
(800) 421-3018
Fax (614) 487-2699
www.zaner-bloser.com

Character First!

The Character First! Education series is designed specifically for elementary-age students. Students are taught the positive character qualities vital for them to become successful and productive citizens in our society. They are inspired to achieve excellence in every aspect of their life.

Character First! Education
520 W. Main St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
(405) 815-0001
Fax (405) 815-0002
www.characterfirst.com

The 6+1 Writing Trait

The 6+1 Writing Trait model is an analytic assessment, a method of looking at the main characteristics of writing and assessing them independent of one another. This model provides classroom teachers with a tool for communication about writing performance. The 6+1 Writing Trait is available at Amazon.com.