At the heart of Ocean Charter School’s standards-based, the arts-integrated curriculum is the recognition of how much children change from year to year.
Our program ensures that the material presented by the teacher—and how it is presented—is developmentally attuned to the appropriate age at every grade level. The learning process is not rushed. Our students are provided with imagery, narrative and activities to nurture their imagination and sense of wonder.
The curriculum builds in complexity and rigor through the grades in a spiral-like manner. Subjects and concepts introduced at an early grade will be revisited at an older grade with more information and density leading to greater awareness and understanding.
This rhythm and routine are established in the early grades, through:
Through the extent of the grades, the curriculum at Ocean Charter School remains attuned to the cognitive, psychosocial, and kinesthetic phases of the spiral of child development. This underscores our deep consideration of what is taught, when it is taught, and how it is taught.
The 5th grade curriculum starts the study of history with Ancient Civilizations of the World. One of the civilizations they learn about is Ancient Mesoamerica with its vast empires and innovated technologies. The gods, myths and architecture are studied and painted.
Later in 7th grade, the history curriculum presents Age of Exploration and the expansion of European culture. Having previously learned of the indigenous people and culture of the Americas, the students appreciate the tragedy of the ancient empire’s defeat as they learn of the bravery and ingenuity of its European conquerors.