Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
Kindergarten through 2nd grade is a time of rapid growth. Children strengthen basic skills and progress to higher-level thinking in literacy, math, science and social studies. As they become more aware of the world around them, they build empathy, compassion and understanding for others. They read to learn and understand the world, and write to express ideas and opinions. Preparing for algebra and beyond, they learn to apply more complex math skills.
Curriculum
English Language Arts
Curriculum
English Language Arts
Children learn basic skills to recognize words and build fluency. They make connections, compare books, and summarize what they read. Learning to plan, edit, write and publish, children describe people, places and events in sentences and short stories. As they progress, they start to express ideas and opinions. Building vocabulary and spelling skills, children rapidly improve fluency and comprehension. Our teachers use tools like Reading Street © to support instruction in line with state standards.
Math
Curriculum
Math
Children build basic number, addition and subtraction skills. Teachers introduce place value. They explore measurement and data collection, learning to compare and explain results. Building greater geometry awareness, they prepare for more complex problem-solving. Teachers use Math Expressions © to support instruction.
Science
Curriculum
Science
Using the scientific method, children learn to use their senses to observe the world around them. They explore topics in Earth science, biology and physics. Building a foundation in Earth Science, they learn about the Earth’s features and weather. Studying the life cycles of animals, they identify traits and habitats. Students study the properties of objects, motion, matter and energy. Building on basic science concepts, children build a foundation to tackle more complex systems.
Social Studies
Curriculum
Social Studies
Children study society, emphasizing the values of American democracy and responsibilities of citizenship. Learning about the larger world, children explore geography, economics and human systems. Applying this knowledge, students learn to analyze issues and engage as thoughtful citizens.
Specials
Curriculum
Specials
Children study art, music, physical education and technology.
We're More than Academics
Strong hearts and minds impact the world in amazing ways. Virtues such as respect, perseverance, compassion, and courage are essential to what kids need to succeed and an essential part of what we teach. We make them part of every school day. This helps students learn the importance of making good decisions and doing the right thing in life. Moral Focus is so integrated into everything we do:
- We created a curriculum specifically around Moral Focus.
- We celebrate a “virtue of the month” every month.
- Our students create a class contract where students agree how to treat their teacher and each other.
- Students are recognized and celebrated for how they live out Moral Focus every day.
NHA Parent
The moral focus curriculum is awesome! My kids are learning things that we are trying to teach them at home. It’s being reinforced here at school in fun and creative ways.
Enroll Your Incoming Kindergartener for Fall 2020
Do you have a child ready to start Kindergarten in 2020? Seats may still be available at Grand River Academy! Get started today by applying for your child.Continue Reading
Monthly Virtues
Wisdom
Use good judgment to make decisions
Respect
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Gratitude
Appreciate the kindness and generosity of others
Self-control
Manage your emotions and behavior to stay calm
Perseverance
Persist through difficulties until you reach your goal
Courage
Despite fear, do what you believe is right
Encouragement
Motivate others to have confidence in themselves
Compassion
Help and care for others during times of need
Integrity
Do what is right, honorable, and good
Preparing your child for a lifetime of success
Spotlight: Meet Principal Ralph Garza
Ralph Garza loved numbers and believed he had a future in mathematics. To get some practical experience, a friend recommended Ralph volunteer helping kids. He was assigned to a fourth-grade classroom and recalls how one particular encounter changed the course of his professional life.Continue Reading
Apply Now
We can't wait to share in your child's journey! Apply online, in person or over the phone, and don't hesitate to ask questions along the way. We are here for you!
Apply Now