Literature

Our youngest students are encouraged to notice and reflect upon sounds, rhythms, rhymes, syllables and other similarities of language. They engage with books and develop a sense of storytelling from pictures. They also grow their writing skills through explicit fine motor and letter formation instruction. Using writing journals, they practice spelling and illustration. This experience encourages each child to take risks, build self-confidence, and become an adept storyteller.

Mathematics

Early math concepts surrounding sorting, classifying, and measurement are emphasized at this time. This curriculum prepares our Junior Kindergarteners for our Kindergarten program.

Science

Both life science and physical science are woven together in interdisciplinary units that complement student learning. Students explore the campus and observe the seasons change firsthand, stimulating a lifelong interest and curiosity in the world around them.

History

At the Junior Kindergarten level, the emphasis is on social skills. Students learn about each other's personal preferences, family traditions, holiday celebrations, and family structures before learning about the larger world around us. Students engage in many games, story reading and puppet show activities to develop a sense of community and to help children establish a sense of place, which is a critical development before learning about the larger community that surrounds us.

Social and Emotional

Intentionally integrated into our student’s academic experiences are social-emotional learning opportunities based on OCA’s Tookbox principles that foster healthy, holistic development and well-being in children and the entire school community. With a focus on cooperation, kindness, and conflict resolution, our students begin their journeys with the tools to develop into collaborative and socially-conscious learners.

Physical Education

Daily activity and nutritional choices are central to balanced, healthy lives. Not only do students have formal PE classes twice a week, teachers incorporate movement into their lessons.

History

In history/social studies learn about each other's personal preferences, family traditions, holiday celebrations, and family structures before learning about the larger world around us. The emphasis is on the immediate world the children live in. They engage in many games, story reading and puppet show activities to develop a sense of community and to help children establish a sense of place, which is a critical development before learning about the larger community that surrounds us.

Project Based/Co-Curricular

During this time, classes are focused on class-wide or individual projects as well as offering co-curricular options like arts, theater, music, gardening, cooking, and more.

*Please note that Junior Kindergarten is only available at our Tarzana campus.