Core Knowledge Sequence

Old Town Academy’s curriculum centers around the Core Knowledge Sequence. This framework establishes which knowledge students should learn in each grade. It is designed to help students coherently build upon information they learned in the previous grade as they progress through elementary school and middle school.

The Core Knowledge Sequence is different from the curriculum used in traditional elementary schools. Let’s give you a brief explanation of how it works and why it provides a better learning experience for students.

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What is the Core Knowledge Sequence?

The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of content and skills taught to students from kindergarten through Grade 8. The educational topics cover language arts, history, mathematics, science, and fine arts.

The curriculum structures educational content so that each grade coherently builds upon the information covered in the previous grade, helping students better understand their progress in learning about different disciplines. This structure allows students to develop specialties in particular disciplines and to become more effective problem solvers and critical thinkers.

It’s important to understand that the Core Knowledge Sequence is not just a list of facts to be memorized. The sequence establishes a clear framework for knowledge progression, and teachers are given more freedom to adjust their teaching methods for individual student needs.

How Was the Core Knowledge Sequence Created?

The Core Knowledge Sequence was created by the Core Knowledge Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has worked to build consensus on effective learning in elementary school education.

To build consensus on sequential learning, the organization sought guidance from teachers, scholars, scientists, curriculum experts, and cultural representatives from various ethnic groups, who all worked together to draft the Core Knowledge Sequence.

The Core Knowledge Sequence is considered a living document. It will continue to be updated and revised to stay up-to-date with current standards and trends in cognitive science.

What Are the Benefits of the Core Knowledge Sequence?

Traditional elementary school curriculum provides students with a general list of educational goals that should be learned in each grade, but teachers aren’t given very much guidance on specific information students should learn.

Core Knowledge curriculum provides specific guidelines on what students should learn, which benefits teachers by giving them more time and freedom to create unique lesson plans that are best suited to the learning needs of their students. Teachers can better adapt to their classrooms.

In a traditional elementary school curriculum, there’s not always a clear learning progression from one grade to the next; students might be taught information that was not adequately covered in the previous grade, creating a learning gap that’s harder for students to overcome.

Core Knowledge Sequence ensures that key knowledge is appropriately developed from one grade to the next. This minimizes learning gaps and ensures that students are entering each grade with the knowledge they need to succeed.

Testimonials

“The Core Knowledge Sequence at Old Town Academy has been a game-changer for my child. The curriculum is comprehensive and challenging, allowing my child to dive deep into subjects and develop critical thinking skills. I appreciate how the school maintains high academic standards while supporting each student's unique learning journey.” - Parent

“I love the Core Knowledge Sequence at Old Town Academy! It makes learning so interesting because we get to explore different subjects in depth. I've learned so much about history, science, and even art. The projects and activities help me understand the material better and make school really fun.” - Student

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We are taking lottery applications for the 2024-2025 School Year - Sign Up for Consideration Now.