Introduction to the Elementary School’s Curriculum At A Glance
At ACS Athens Elementary School, students build the necessary skill sets for the years ahead. The elementary curriculum is based on interdisciplinary methods and materials supported and guided by the U.S. State Board of Education. At the heart of the interdisciplinary method is literacy, which is woven throughout all subject areas, such as in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts including conceptual connections to Mathematics.
Language Arts - The Elementary School Language Arts curriculum is guided by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts, which establish rigorous, research-based expectations in reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language — strands that are closely connected and mutually reinforcing. Our program reflects this integrated vision alongside a commitment to structured literacy: foundational skills including phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency are taught explicitly and systematically, while comprehension, writing, and language work develop alongside them. Students engage with a wide range of literary and informational texts, apply reading strategies, write for varied purposes and audiences, participate in collaborative discussions, and build vocabulary and language conventions across grades. Instruction emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and effective communication, supported by carefully selected programs and resources. Our classroom libraries, Elementary School Library, and digital literacy resources further expand students' access to diverse texts — nurturing each student as a curious, confident reader, writer, and lifelong learner. Mathematics - The Mathematics curriculum is guided by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and is taught through the Dimensions Math textbook series. This approach emphasizes deep conceptual understanding, problem solving, mathematical reasoning, and the development of strong computational fluency. The aim of the Elementary School Mathematics Program is for students to build a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and skills while developing confidence and perseverance as problem solvers. Students learn to make connections between concrete experiences, visual models, and abstract mathematical thinking through a progression known as the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) approach. Instruction focuses on the major domains of mathematics, including number and operations, algebraic thinking, measurement, geometry, and data analysis. Students are encouraged to explain their thinking, justify solutions, apply mathematics to real-world situations, and communicate mathematical ideas clearly. Science - Our first-grade science program, based on the TeachTCI curriculum and aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), encourages students to explore the world through hands-on investigations, observation, and discovery. Each NGSS standard integrates three dimensions of learning: Disciplinary Core Ideas (scientific content), Science and Engineering Practices (how scientists and engineers investigate and solve problems), and Crosscutting Concepts (big ideas that connect all areas of science). Throughout the year, students develop scientific thinking skills as they ask questions, make observations, collect evidence, and communicate their findings. Through the study of life science, earth science, and physical science, students build an understanding of the natural world and learn how science helps explain everyday phenomena. The goal of the elementary science program is to foster curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific literacy, helping students become confident learners and informed citizens. After completing all Grade 1 TCI science units, students can describe how light and sound help people communicate, explain how plants and animals use their