Curriculum
At Elysian Charter School, we inspire and educate students to become curious, lifelong learners, prepared for future success. We nurture an appreciation for the arts, culture, and global diversity while emphasizing the importance of community. By recognizing each child's unique strengths, we foster growth and achievement. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into every grade level, ensuring students develop the self-awareness, empathy, and resilience needed to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten at Elysian is a joyful and foundational year, blending play-based learning, hands-on exploration, and early academic growth. Students build skills in literacy, math, social studies, and science while discovering new ideas through curiosity and wonder. Classroom routines provide structure and predictability, while choice time encourages imagination, problem-solving, and independence.
In kindergarten, students are introduced to Elysian’s workshop framework, learning through guided mini-lessons, collaborative activities, and early independent practice. This balance of teamwork and teacher support helps children develop self-regulation, communication skills, and a strong sense of belonging in a nurturing classroom community.
FIRST GRADE
First grade at Elysian is a dynamic year of growth, discovery, and engagement. Students expand their skills in literacy, math, social studies, and science while developing confidence as independent learners. Their eagerness to explore and ask questions is channeled into meaningful investigation and creative expression. Classroom routines and a strong community foster empathy, cooperation, and curiosity.
In first grade, the workshop model deepens as students spend more time in partnerships, small groups, and independent work. Instruction is tailored to meet each learner’s needs, while guided practice supports inquiry, reasoning, and growing self-direction. Students learn to express ideas clearly, collaborate effectively, and build on the foundational skills of kindergarten.
SECOND GRADE
Second grade at Elysian is a year of expanding independence and deeper exploration. Students strengthen literacy, math, social studies, and science skills while taking greater ownership of their learning. Wonder and investigation drive classroom experiences, encouraging students to make connections, solve problems creatively, and reflect on their learning. Social-emotional growth remains central as students practice empathy, responsibility, and collaboration.
By second grade, the workshop structure supports increasing autonomy through partner, small group, and individual projects. Collaborative tasks and project-based learning emphasize organization, accountability, and thoughtful inquiry. Building on first grade’s curiosity and problem-solving, second graders begin making cross-disciplinary connections that prepare them for more complex reasoning.
THIRD GRADE
Third grade at Elysian is a transformative year, blending academic growth, cultural exploration, and social development. Students engage in an in-depth study of Africa and participate in the immersive Kuumba Dance Program, culminating in an annual performance that brings the entire school community together. This cherished tradition highlights creativity, collaboration, and empathy, while celebrating cultural understanding. Gaining their own lockers marks another exciting milestone, fostering independence and responsibility.
In third grade, the workshop model continues as a hallmark of learning, integrating small group guidance with collaborative, student-centered learning. Students are challenged to think critically and communicate ideas effectively, building on the organizational skills developed in second grade. Through independent and cooperative work, they deepen engagement, foster empathy, and strengthen resilience.
FOURTH GRADE
Fourth grade at Elysian is a pivotal year, marked by increasing independence, responsibility, and reflective thinking. Students deepen their skills in literacy, math, social studies, and science while tackling more complex ideas that require analysis and reasoning. They consider multiple perspectives, make evidence-based decisions, and continue developing empathy and resilience as learners. Social-emotional growth remains central as students navigate group dynamics with respect, cooperation, and self-awareness.
In fourth grade, the workshop approach evolves into sophisticated collaborative and independent projects that require sustained focus. Students practice supporting their reasoning with evidence, drawing connections across disciplines, and communicating ideas clearly. Building on third grade’s critical thinking, fourth graders deepen their analytical skills and continue to cultivate empathy and resilience as they prepare for fifth grade and beyond.
FIFTH - EIGHTH GRADE
Students in grades 5-8 travel between content - specific classrooms. There are two specific cohorts of four teachers - one cohort for grades 5 and 6 and one cohort for grades 7 and 8. The 4-teacher cohort concentrate on the following key subject areas and goals:
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Language Arts Literacy – Emphasizes both reading comprehension and writing skills to enhance student expression and understanding.
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Mathematics – Implements a consistent curriculum using enVision mathematics (Grades 3-8) to build a strong foundation in mathematical concepts.
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Science – Leverages resources from FOSS and the Liberty Science Center to promote critical thinking and hands-on learning opportunities.
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Social Studies – Fosters deeper engagement and critical analysis through in-depth explorations of historical and social contexts.
This structured approach:
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Increases instructional time and encourages collaboration among teachers across all subject areas.
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Allows for teachers to focus on one content area at a time. This approach helps ensure that they can be a master teacher of one content area.
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Embeds reading and writing skills into every content area, enhancing literacy development.
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Facilitates interdisciplinary connections for a more integrated and enriching learning experience.
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Increases 21st century skills including the ability to communicate and empathize with people across cultures, develop technological skills for the ever evolving digital world, including the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology and social media.
SPECIALS
At Elysian, we believe that creative expression, physical movement, and world language are essential to a well-rounded education. Music, Art, Dance, Spanish and Physical Education are taught by specialist teachers and integrated into academic learning. Students showcase their work through performances and exhibits throughout the year. All students study Spanish, with instruction once per week in grades K–4 and twice per week in grades 6–8.
Students in grades 7 and 8 participate in a dynamic Seminar Program designed to support creative, intellectual, and physical exploration. They engage in one seminar period per day, four days a week, selecting topics based on their interests. Seminars are led by a combination of Elysian staff and outside professionals, including working artists, designers, and college students preparing for careers in related fields.