Elementary Grades
Elementary Grades

Elementary Grades

From Third to Fifth grade, students build independence and critical thinking. Through inquiry-based learning and hands-on projects, our students explore, grow, and lay groundwork for future success.

Our curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on clear goals for each grade, making learning intentional and meaningful. With a hands-on approach and opportunities for student choice, students explore new ideas, make connections, and take ownership of their growth.

Literacy & Language Arts

Love of reading and critical thinking

Students light up with curiosity and discover the power of words. Literacy is about more than just reading: it’s about thinking, analyzing, and communicating ideas. Students read exciting novels, discuss their ideas in groups, and write creatively. Through interactive activities and book clubs, students develop their vocabulary, phonics, comprehension, and spelling skills. It’s all about fostering a love for reading while building the ability to analyze and think deeply about texts.

Literacy & Language Arts

Writing

Expressing ideas through words

Students develop their writing skills by combining technical and creative approaches. They write stories, plays, and analytical responses and reflections to texts using strategies from Write Now, Right Now, helping them dig deeper into their ideas. Along the way, they learn to use literary tools like figurative language, irony, and foreshadowing. Students also practice writing different types of texts, like research papers and essays. With every new project, they build confidence, creativity, and communication skills, learning how to express themselves clearly and confidently.

Writing

Mathematics

Problem-solving and reasoning skills

Students grow as logical thinkers and build a deep understanding of calculation. Math is all about understanding concepts and solving problems. Using the Singapore Math mastery progression, students start with hands-on tools to grasp key concepts, then move on to real-life applications. From arithmetic to algebra, everyone learns at their own pace. Lessons are interactive, making math fun and engaging. By the end, students are not only confident in solving problems but also in explaining their thinking clearly, building strong reasoning skills.

Mathematics

Science

Exploring through hands-on experiments

Children love exploring their surroundings and asking questions about the world around them. With the FOSS Science curriculum, they have the perfect opportunity to dive into these curiosities. In Third Grade, they study Earth Science, habitats, and energy; Fourth Grade covers Earth & Sun, mixtures and solutions, and living systems; and Fifth Grade explores water, weather, and natural disasters. Through inquiry and projects, students ask questions, discover how the world works, and think like real scientists. It's an exciting way to spark curiosity and build scientific thinking. Students explore Science hands-on through group or individual projects for the annual Science Fair.

Science

Social Studies

Learning about the world around us

History is an adventure into our past!
Through thrilling field trips and interactive simulations, students dive into the stories of different cultures and historical events. They connect the past to the present, exploring how the world has shaped who we are today. In Third Grade students dive into California history and Fourth Grade covers ancient world history leading into Fifth Grade's coverage of modern world history. With each new discovery, they learn what it means to be responsible, informed citizens, ready to make a difference in the world.

Social Studies

Ethics

Build emotional and social skills

Students learn to navigate their emotions, make thoughtful decisions, and build strong relationships. Ethics lessons are about empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. Students gain the tools to thrive in all areas of life. Using Soul Shoppe and the Social Thinking curriculum, they grow into kind, respectful individuals who understand themselves and others. It's about developing emotional intelligence and building a strong foundation for success, both in and out of school.

Ethics

International Studies

Exploring the world's cultures and histories

Students love discovering new stories from around the world. Students fall into an exciting journey exploring different cultures and regions. Through interactive lessons, they learn about geography, traditions, and history, making the world come alive. They’ll explore Canada, Scandinavia, and the Vikings in Third Grade, travel through the Eastern Mediterranean in Fourth Grade, and discover the vibrant cultures of Central and South America in Fifth Grade.
These hands-on adventures highlights our global connections, helping students see the bigger picture and understand the world in a whole new way.

International Studies

Spanish

Deepening world language skills

Spanish classes help students build confidence in speaking and understanding the language. They learn new vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills using Symtalk workbooks. With fun games and activities, students explore Spanish-speaking cultures while enhancing their speaking, reading, and writing abilities. It's a hands-on approach to becoming bilingual!

Spanish

Art

Self-expression and creativity

Students dive into the world of lines, colors, textures, and forms, all while expressing their creativity in art class. They experiment with various materials, bringing their ideas to life through hands-on projects. Along the way, they explore art history, learning about famous artists and different cultural traditions. Fun activities and discussions help students build their skills, express themselves, and develop a lifelong love for art. It’s all about sparking imagination and enjoying the creative journey.

Art

Music

Step into our rhythm 

Students dive into a world of sound and rhythm with music classes that are designed to explore different instruments, starting with percussion and moving to wind instruments. Through fun games and creative activities, children express themselves while learning music theory. Students experiment with new sounds and build their musical skills step by step. As they progress, they can try the alto and tenor recorder and even join the Recorder Ensemble! It’s all about creativity, teamwork, and having fun while making music. 

Music

Technology

Exploring the digital world

Students start by learning computer basics and digital citizenship, gradually building essential skills for the digital world.  
As they move through the grades, they dive into exciting projects, from coding to working with spreadsheets. By the time they reach Fourth and Fifth Grade, students tackle new challenges and explore key figures in technology. Through coding and digital citizenship, they not only learn the tools of today but also become creators of tomorrow's digital world.

Technology

Physical Education

Moving, playing, growing

Having fun and staying active go hand in hand! In Physical Education (PE), students develop foundational movement skills while enjoying activities like running, jumping, and obstacle courses, improving coordination, balance, and motor control. The program is designed to be inclusive, allowing everyone to progress at their own pace. Through team games and activities, students learn teamwork, communication and social skills. They also explore health and wellness, discovering the importance of staying active, while building strength, flexibility and endurance through various sports.

Physical Education

A typical day at school in our Elementary Grades

Each day at Hilldale School is filled with learning opportunities for growth and exploration. While schedules differ across age groups, here's a glimpse of what takes place between lessons in our Elementary Grades.

Core pillars of learning

At Hilldale School, students cultivate independence as they grow into confident learners and thoughtful peers. Through our Elementary Grades core pillars, they strengthen academics, develop self-regulation, explore new languages and cultures, and broaden their perspectives. These experiences foster their growth and empower them to become leaders of their own learning.

Academic achievement
Academic achievement

Enjoy accelerated learning the builds confidence, enhances skills, and deepens understanding.

Life competencies
Life competencies

Develop essential life skills to understand yourself, appreciate others, and thrive both academically and personally.

Multilingualism
Multilingualism

Students grow confidently in English and Spanish, while continuing to develop their home language.

International opportunities
International opportunities

Through global skill-building programs and local school trips, students cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills.

When to enroll?

Students' unique learning needs are supported from the start. Begin a transformative journey with us, apply any time of the year. 

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Watch bright, gifted, and twice-exceptional children thrive with confidence in Hilldale’s accelerated Elementary curriculum.

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