Elementary School

Kindergarten at ASFM is an opportunity for children to grow to their fullest potential, socially, emotionally and academically. The kindergarten classroom offers a secure learning environment that promotes positive attitudes and perceptions by acknowledging students' unique differences and developmental needs. A climate is created for children to understand and value classroom tasks and specific knowledge through interdisciplinary and real-life connections. Guided and free play are essential components of the program as it provides a forum for the development of social skills and good habits of the mind.

Literacy

At ASFM, literacy is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction. Students receive daily opportunities to read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The curriculum includes a balance of fiction and nonfiction units of study in reading. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year. Phonics instruction is an important component of the primary literacy program. In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans following the Teacher College Units of Study for reading, writing and phonics.

Math

At ASFM, the math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for Math. Units of instruction are collaboratively developed by teacher teams to best support student learning and the development of concepts and skills within the mathematical areas of  Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data. Of equal importance to the content standards are the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These practices identify and define the processes and proficiencies of mathematics at all levels. The scope and sequence of units and lessons are drawn from the Project AERO progression. Resources are drawn from best practice, research-based programs including Mindset Mathematics from Stanford University, Marilyn Burns Math and Erma Anderson's work on Project AERO.

Science

The ASFM elementary science program follows the core principles of the NGSS: All children are born investigators, understanding develops over time and science and engineering requires both knowledge and practice.

Our science curriculum provides meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students to make sense of the world around them. Instruction combines the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards: phenomena that leads to discovery within the disciplinary core ideas, opportunities to learn and improve science and engineering practices and questions framed by cross-cutting concepts. Instructional design gives students the opportunity to first investigate through hands-on activities followed by opportunities to deepen their understanding through reading and visuals. The units of study at this level are:

• Pushes and Pulls
• Patterns in Weather
• Animals and Their Environments
• Impact of Sunlight
• Spanish

 
At ASFM, Spanish is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction in the primary grades. The balanced literacy components are part of the daily lesson: mini-lessons in strategies, grammar and spelling, read-alouds and small group instruction. Students read books of their choice from the classroom library where they may find fiction and nonfiction books at their levels. The writing workshop model is used in grades K-5. Mexican history and geography is taught in grades 3-5.
 
In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans. Planning is based on SEP learning competencies and Common Core Standards.

 

The First Grade program is designed to provide multiple experiences across the curricular areas in order to give all children the opportunity to succeed academically, socially and emotionally.

Each classroom provides a secure learning environment where the individual differences and developmental needs of each child are acknowledged and taken into consideration in the overall planning and implementation of the curriculum.

Literacy

At ASFM, literacy is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction. Students receive daily opportunities to read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The curriculum includes a balance of fiction and nonfiction units of study in reading. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year. Phonics instruction is an important component of the primary literacy program. In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans following the Teacher College Units of Study for reading, writing and phonics.

Math

At ASFM, the math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for Math. Units of instruction are collaboratively developed by teacher teams to best support student learning and the development of concepts and skills within the mathematical areas of  Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data. Of equal importance to the content standards are the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These practices identify and define the processes and proficiencies of mathematics at all levels. The scope and sequence of units and lessons are drawn from the Project AERO progression. Resources are drawn from best practice, research-based programs including Mindset Mathematics from Stanford University, Marilyn Burns Math and Erma Anderson's work on Project AERO.

Science

The ASFM elementary science program follows the core principles of the NGSS: All children are born investigators, understanding develops over time and science and engineering requires both knowledge and practice.

Our science curriculum provides meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students to make sense of the world around them. Instruction combines the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards: phenomena that leads to discovery within the disciplinary core ideas, opportunities to learn and improve science and engineering practices and questions framed by cross-cutting concepts. Instructional design gives students the opportunity to first investigate through hands-on activities followed by opportunities to deepen their understanding through reading and visuals. The units of study at this level are:

• Natural Light Patterns
• Light and Sound as Messages
• Patterns in Parents and Offspring
• Biomimicry

Spanish

At ASFM, Spanish is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction in the primary grades. The balanced literacy components are part of the daily lesson: mini-lessons in strategies, grammar and spelling, read-alouds and small group instruction. Students read books of their choice from the classroom library where they may find fiction and nonfiction books at their levels. The writing workshop model is used in grades K-5. Mexican history and geography is taught in grades 3-5.
 
In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans. Planning is based on SEP learning competencies and Common Core Standards.

Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL)

International students receive a language evaluation. After a diagnostic evaluation and class observation, students are placed in regular classrooms according to progress indicators per skill (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The SAL teacher closely monitors the students and pulls them out for specific lessons at their level.

 

The Second Grade curriculum is academically challenging and it encourages children to be successful, independent learners in preparation for the next levels. Students are encouraged to work collaboratively as well as independently as their learning progresses in all academic and socio-emotional areas.

Literacy

At ASFM, literacy is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction. Students receive daily opportunities to read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The curriculum includes a balance of fiction and nonfiction units of study in reading. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year. Phonics instruction is an important component of the primary literacy program. In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans following the Teacher College Units of Study for reading, writing and phonics.

Math

At ASFM, the math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for Math. Units of instruction are collaboratively developed by teacher teams to best support student learning and the development of concepts and skills within the mathematical areas of  Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data. Of equal importance to the content standards are the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These practices identify and define the processes and proficiencies of mathematics at all levels. The scope and sequence of units and lessons are drawn from the Project AERO progression. Resources are drawn from best practice, research-based programs including Mindset Mathematics from Stanford University, Marilyn Burns Math and Erma Anderson's work on Project AERO.

Science

The ASFM elementary science program follows the core principles of the NGSS: All children are born investigators, understanding develops over time and science and engineering requires both knowledge and practice.

Our science curriculum provides meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students to make sense of the world around them. Instruction combines the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards: phenomena that leads to discovery within the disciplinary core ideas, opportunities to learn and improve science and engineering practices and questions framed by cross-cutting concepts. Instructional design gives students the opportunity to first investigate through hands-on activities followed by opportunities to deepen their understanding through reading and visuals. The units of study at this level are:

• Biodiversity
• Products, Materials and Their Properties
• Wind Water and Land

Spanish

At ASFM, Spanish is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction in the primary grades. The balanced literacy components are part of the daily lesson: mini-lessons in strategies, grammar and spelling, read-alouds and small group instruction. Students read books of their choice from the classroom library where they may find fiction and nonfiction books at their levels. The writing workshop model is used in grades K-5. Mexican history and geography is taught in grades 3-5.
 
In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans. Planning is based on SEP learning competencies and Common Core Standards.

Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL)

International students receive a language evaluation. After a diagnostic evaluation and class observation, students are placed in regular classrooms according to progress indicators per skill (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The SAL teacher closely monitors the students and pulls them out for specific lessons at their level.

 

Third Grade is a transition from primary school to upper elementary. There are increased expectations in all subject areas as the students move toward becoming more independent and responsible for themselves and their work. Students are encouraged to work cooperatively in groups as well on their own.

Literacy

At ASFM, literacy is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model. Students receive daily opportunities to read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The curriculum includes a balance of fiction and nonfiction units of study in reading. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year. In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans following the Teacher College Units of Study for reading and writing.

Math

At ASFM, the math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for Math. Units of instruction are collaboratively developed by teacher teams to best support student learning and the development of concepts and skills within the mathematical areas of  Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data. Of equal importance to the content standards are the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These practices identify and define the processes and proficiencies of mathematics at all levels. The scope and sequence of units and lessons are drawn from the Project AERO progression. Resources are drawn from best practice, research-based programs including Mindset Mathematics from Stanford University, Marilyn Burns Math and Erma Anderson's work on Project AERO.

Science

The ASFM elementary science program follows the core principles of the NGSS: All children are born investigators, understanding develops over time and science and engineering requires both knowledge and practice.

Our science curriculum provides meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students to make sense of the world around them. Instruction combines the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards: phenomena that leads to discovery within the disciplinary core ideas, opportunities to learn and improve science and engineering practices and questions framed by cross-cutting concepts. Instructional design gives students the opportunity to first investigate through hands-on activities followed by opportunities to deepen their understanding through reading and visuals. The units of study at this level are:

• Differences in Organisms
• Survival
• Changes to the Environment
• Things Move

Spanish

At ASFM, Spanish is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction in the primary grades. The balanced literacy components are part of the daily lesson: mini-lessons in strategies, grammar and spelling, read-alouds and small group instruction. Students read books of their choice from the classroom library where they may find fiction and nonfiction books at their levels. The writing workshop model is used in grades K-5. Mexican history and geography is taught in grades 3-5.
 
In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans. Planning is based on SEP learning competencies and Common Core Standards.

Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL)

International students receive a language evaluation. After a diagnostic evaluation and class observation, students are placed in regular classrooms according to progress indicators per skill (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The SAL teacher closely monitors the students and pulls them out for specific lessons at their level.

 

Fourth Grade provides students with ample opportunities to extend the concepts first introduced in third grade through a variety of meaningful and age-appropriate academic endeavors. Increased opportunities for independent and cooperative group work situations are used to guide students toward improved levels of independence, accountability, and cooperation.

Literacy

At ASFM, literacy is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model. Students receive daily opportunities to read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The curriculum includes a balance of fiction and nonfiction units of study in reading. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year. In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans following the Teacher College Units of Study for reading and writing.

Math

At ASFM, the math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for Math. Units of instruction are collaboratively developed by teacher teams to best support student learning and the development of concepts and skills within the mathematical areas of  Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data. Of equal importance to the content standards are the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These practices identify and define the processes and proficiencies of mathematics at all levels. The scope and sequence of units and lessons are drawn from the Project AERO progression. Resources are drawn from best practice, research-based programs including Mindset Mathematics from Stanford University, Marilyn Burns Math and Erma Anderson's work on Project AERO.

Science

The ASFM elementary science program follows the core principles of the NGSS:All children are born investigators, understanding develops over time and science and engineering requires both knowledge and practice.

Our science curriculum provides meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students to make sense of the world around them. Instruction combines the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards: phenomena that leads to discovery within the disciplinary core ideas, opportunities to learn and improve science and engineering practices and questions framed by cross-cutting concepts. Instructional design gives students the opportunity to first investigate through hands-on activities followed by opportunities to deepen their understanding through reading and visuals. The units of study at this level are:

• Energy: Downhill Bike Crash
• Energy: Building Towards Sustainability
• Earth Changes: History of La Huasteca
• Earth Changes: Devastation to CDMX

Spanish

At ASFM, Spanish is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction in the primary grades. The balanced literacy components are part of the daily lesson: mini-lessons in strategies, grammar and spelling, read-alouds and small group instruction. Students read books of their choice from the classroom library where they may find fiction and nonfiction books at their levels. The writing workshop model is used in grades K-5. Mexican history and geography is taught in grades 3-5.
 
In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans. Planning is based on SEP learning competencies and Common Core Standards.

Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL)

International students receive a language evaluation. After a diagnostic evaluation and class observation, students are placed in regular classrooms according to progress indicators per skill (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The SAL teacher closely monitors the students and pulls them out for specific lessons at their level.

 

The Fifth Grade program offers a challenging learning environment for students. The students build on prior knowledge as they work towards refining skills introduced at earlier grade levels. Teachers provide students with the necessary skills and guidance in order to push the limit of their knowledge and ability. Fifth grade is a critical year in terms of developing the students' sense of confidence, accountability and independence in preparation for the increased responsibility needed for making a smooth transition to middle school life.

Literacy

At ASFM, literacy is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model. Students receive daily opportunities to read, write and discuss across the subject areas. Instruction is delivered using the reading and writing workshop framework. This includes a balance of whole group experiences, small, flexible-group instruction based on specific needs, and independent practice opportunities. Data is collected throughout the year using a variety of methods, both formal and informal, to guide instruction, assess student progress and monitor curriculum.

The curriculum includes a balance of fiction and nonfiction units of study in reading. In writing, students write opinion, narrative and informational pieces several times across the school year. In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans following the Teacher College Units of Study for reading and writing.

Math

At ASFM, the math curriculum follows the Common Core Standards for Math. Units of instruction are collaboratively developed by teacher teams to best support student learning and the development of concepts and skills within the mathematical areas of  Operations and Algebraic Thinking, Number and Operations, Geometry, Measurement and Data. Of equal importance to the content standards are the Standards for Mathematical Practices. These practices identify and define the processes and proficiencies of mathematics at all levels. The scope and sequence of units and lessons are drawn from the Project AERO progression. Resources are drawn from best practice, research-based programs including Mindset Mathematics from Stanford University, Marilyn Burns Math and Erma Anderson's work on Project AERO.

Science

The ASFM elementary science program follows the core principles of the NGSS: All children are born investigators, understanding develops over time and science and engineering requires both knowledge and practice.

Our science curriculum provides meaningful, authentic learning opportunities for students to make sense of the world around them. Instruction combines the three dimensions of the Next Generation Science Standards: phenomena that leads to discovery within the disciplinary core ideas, opportunities to learn and improve science and engineering practices and questions framed by cross-cutting concepts. Instructional design gives students the opportunity to first investigate through hands-on activities followed by opportunities to deepen their understanding through reading and visuals. The units of study at this level are:

• Where does water go and come from?
• Matter and Energy in Ecosystems
• Earth’s Systems

Spanish

At ASFM, Spanish is taught and learned through a balanced literacy model including direct phonics instruction in the primary grades. The balanced literacy components are part of the daily lesson: mini-lessons in strategies, grammar and spelling, read-alouds and small group instruction. Students read books of their choice from the classroom library where they may find fiction and nonfiction books at their levels. The writing workshop model is used in grades K-5. Mexican history and geography is taught in grades 3-5.
 
In order to ensure that all of our students receive equity of access to the curriculum, grade level teams collaboratively develop unit plans. Planning is based on SEP learning competencies and Common Core Standards.

Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL)

International students receive a language evaluation. After a diagnostic evaluation and class observation, students are placed in regular classrooms according to progress indicators per skill (listening, speaking, reading and writing). The SAL teacher closely monitors the students and pulls them out for specific lessons at their level.