Middle Elementary

As students progress through grades, our curriculum evolves to match their developing abilities and interests. 

The shift from learning to read to reading to learn marks an important transition, as students engage with increasingly complex texts and begin to think critically about what they read. 

Writing becomes a powerful tool for expression as students generate narratives about their experiences, conduct research, and write on topics they are passionate about, expressing opinions supported by evidence. 

Mathematics instruction focuses on both conceptual understanding and computational fluency. Students tackle multi-step problems, explore algebraic thinking, are introduced to formal mathematical algorithms, solidify their math facts, and apply mathematical reasoning to solve real-world situations.

Social studies expands students’ understanding of their place in the world, beginning with the history of Los Angeles and California’s diverse cultural heritage. Students learn about the indigenous peoples who first called this land home, the Spanish missions, the Gold Rush era, and the waves of immigration that have shaped their community. 

Science education becomes increasingly complex as students conduct investigations, formulate hypotheses, and draw conclusions based on evidence. They explore the rich biodiversity of the California coast, investigate environmental challenges facing their community, and engage in engineering design challenges that connect to their daily lives. For example, our second-grade rainforest project is now anchored in sustainability and asks students to consider the impact of humans on the environment. 

Pivotal to our Village’s Middle Elementary Program is a strong focus on Social-Emotional Learning. Our Director of Social Emotional Learning works closely with students, teachers, and parents to support interpersonal relationships and conflict resolution. Family Circles, Community Circles, and Councils enable students to develop individual agency and practice leadership skills, active listening, problem-solving, and consensus-building. These SEL skills are intentionally woven into our academic curriculum as early as first grade, where students complete a year-long study of accessibility in Los Angeles public parks.