Curriculum Spotlight

• Total Physical Response storytelling 
• Realidades 2 
• Communicate using four modalities: reading, listening, speaking, and writing
• Mural critique field trip to the Mission district of San Francisco
• Quarterly self-assessments and action plans
• University of Texas at Austin Oral Proficiency site

• United States history, culture, and geography; emphasis on Indigenous, African (Diaspora) American influences, Women's History, Personal Identity, American Ideology formation 
• Development of critical thinking skills
• Analysis of primary source documents
• Expository text reading and note-taking skills
• Synthesis of a broad range of factual information
• Analysis of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and their application to current issues
• Personal and interpersonal awareness development

Students explore matter, atomic structure, forces, energy, electromagnetism, and climate, developing scientific literacy and critical research assessment skills.

Students develop strategic gameplay, demonstrate sportsmanship, collaborate inclusively, and identify personal activities to promote lifelong fitness and well-being.

Students analyze literature and literary devices, explore diverse texts, and develop strong writing, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion skills through varied assignments.

Students explore global music styles, master polyrhythms and syncopation, and perform in ensembles featuring Cuban, Haitian, and diverse world rhythms.

Students deepen algebra skills, connect algebraic and geometric concepts, solve problems using ratios, and build understanding through collaboration and multiple representations.

Students explore currency and logo design, figure drawing, 3D prototyping, silk-screen posters, installation art, and independent, public art projects.

Study of migration, borders, displacement and belonging begins with a visit to Black Spaces: Reclaim and Remain. CEL connects these ideas to the classroom and beyond.

Students investigate life sciences through experiments, research, and modeling, exploring evolution, genetics, health, and mentoring younger peers in science projects.

Students develop strategic thinking, practice good sportsmanship, and collaborate with all peers to foster teamwork and respect in game situations.

This course develops understanding of proportions, geometry, algebra, data, and problem-solving, fostering clear communication and real-world application skills.

Students explore diverse literature, analyze themes and literary elements, develop writing and research skills, and engage in thoughtful discussions and presentations.

Students explore global art traditions through drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and public art, developing techniques and cultural understanding in creative projects.

Students explore global rhythms, cultural traditions, and complex patterns through ensemble performance, deepening musical skills and community understanding through drumming.

Our first weeks have been dedicated to building a positive classroom culture focusing on MATH MINDSETS.  Students have practiced what to do when they’re stuck, how to ask meaningful questions, and how to collaborate effectively in groups. These math mindsets emphasize learning from mistakes and valuing persistence and creativity. Students are practicing the belief that math is a subject where everyone can grow.

Students engage with the Total Physical Response storytelling model, Realidades resources, and practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening through conversation and assessments.

Students explore cultural universals, archaeological ethics, ancient Egypt and Maya, farmworkers' rights, public speaking, and research methodologies for quality sources.

Students study Lake Merritt ecology, chemistry fundamentals, FBI unit on fungi and bacteria, product testing, and kinematics in physics.

Students learn effective warm-up and cool-down techniques, take responsibility for independent practice, and demonstrate sportsmanship in competitive game situations.

Students create art using one-point perspective, explore clay animation, and study ancient civilizations through perspective collages and historical contexts.

Students engage in reading and writing across genres, critically analyzing themes, vocabulary, and author's intent, while developing research, grammar, and presentation skills.

Students analyze primary and secondary sources to study the African American Civil Rights, European WWII resistance, and global activist movements.

Students develop specialized movement skills for team sports, engage in health-enhancing physical activity, and explore body type’s impact on performance.

Students develop arithmetic skills with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals while exploring geometry, estimation, data analysis, and problem-solving strategies.

Students enhance Spanish skills through high-frequency words, novel study, cultural exploration, listening, speaking, writing, and mastering verbs, pronouns, and articles.

Students explore American, Caribbean, and Irish folk songs, blues, Indian classical singing, conga techniques, scales, and band performance.

Students explore contour drawing, portraiture, watercolor, clay, printmaking inspired by Warhol, self-portraits like Van Gogh, Kahlo, and African masks.

Students build Spanish skills through reading, verb conjugations, vocabulary, conversation, and cultural exploration, enhancing listening, speaking, and grammar proficiency.

Students study California and global geography, explore historical events and figures, and analyze primary and secondary sources for perspective, bias, and context.

Students strengthen math fluency and problem-solving skills through operations, fractions, geometry, measurement, algebraic thinking, and organized strategies including note-taking and computation methods.

The first six weeks of school set the tone for rich learning. Dedicated time to setting classroom norms and expectations begins with Mini Me, a personalized illustration to share with others.  High school teachers across the Bay Area can spot a St. Paul’s graduate by the way they know themselves and how to navigate a complex world.

Students build muscle strength and endurance while developing leadership, cooperation, and understanding how consistent practice improves physical performance and overall fitness.

Students explore global music traditions—including American, Irish, Caribbean, and Indian styles—while learning rhythms, repertoire, scales, arpeggios, and basic music terminology.

Students explore energy, waves, and animal adaptations, while studying natural disasters and solutions that reduce their impact through hands-on science investigations.

Students explore expressive drawing, painting, clay, and collage inspired by artists like Carle, O’Keefe, and Ringgold through diverse creative projects.

Students build Spanish skills through reading, verb conjugations, vocabulary, cultural exploration, and guided conversations, enhancing comprehension and communication abilities.

Students explore Bay Area geography, Ohlone culture, multicultural history, and personal heritage through field trips, performances, biographies, and regional studies.

Students investigate bird conservation, explore electricity, and study forces and motion using the scientific method in collaboration with seventh graders.

Students deepen musical skills through rounds, solfège, rhythm, and vocal work while refining movement, drama, and music terminology including scales and dynamics.

Students strengthen math skills through place value, operations, fractions, geometry, measurement, and time, applying knowledge to complex, multi-step problems and real-world challenges.

Students build writing and reading skills through Writer’s Workshop, research projects, multicultural literature, grammar, cursive, and presentations, strengthening comprehension, creativity, and critical thinking.

Students develop focus and independence, use feedback to improve, express themselves through physical activity, and practice sharing equipment respectfully with peers.

Students explore media and famous artists’ techniques through collaborative projects, painting color wheels, and creating masks, puppets, and performance props.

Students develop vocabulary, pronunciation, speaking, and comprehension skills through songs, fostering multilingualism and cultural understanding in a global society.

Students explore Amplify Science topics including plant-animal relationships, material properties, engineering design, and changing landforms through hands-on investigation and modeling.

Students develop agility and strength through movement and swimming, while learning emotional awareness, sportsmanship, and teamwork in cooperative games and activities.

Students engage in group singing, solfège, and rhythm activities, building musicality, pitch recognition, and creativity through movement and drama games.

Students strengthen math skills by solving problems using place value, operations, measurement, geometry, and data, while applying multiple strategies and mathematical vocabulary.

Students build reading and writing skills through comprehension strategies, daily reading, genre-based writing, grammar, handwriting, and presentations using the Writer’s Workshop model.

Students build community through People Power Skills, explore identity and changemakers, and create a socially conscious Second Grade Zoo integrating multiple subjects.

Students build vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension through songs and speaking activities, sparking interest in languages and cultures in our global society.

Students explore community, relationships, and conflict resolution while building empowerment and empathy through RAD Women A–Z and People Power skill development.

Students investigate life cycles, engineering, and the solar system by exploring nature, designing objects, and observing patterns in the world around them.

We help each child learn to process the important life skill of gauged risk taking to develop physical awareness through direct experiential learning versus relying solely on what they are being told.

Students develop musical skills through group singing, solfège, and rhythm instruments, while expressing creativity with movement and drama-based musical activities.

Students build math skills by exploring numbers, shapes, time, and money, while practicing addition, subtraction, measurement, estimation, and real-world problem solving.

Students strengthen reading and writing through phonics, guided reading, research, and peer collaboration, building fluency, comprehension, sentence structure, and independent reading stamina.

Students explore line, shape, texture, and color through watercolor, tempera, collage, weaving, and more in creative, cross-curricular art projects.

Students enjoy engaging language lessons with songs, speaking, and comprehension practice while exploring cultural awareness in our diverse, interconnected global society.

Students build a respectful, empathetic community through conflict resolution, diversity awareness, non-violent communication, Earth stewardship, and meaningful cross-grade relationships through Buddy Projects.

Students explore science through hands-on experiments, studying motion, senses, animals, and sustainability, while collaborating and developing observation, prediction, and environmental awareness skills.

Students develop physical skills through movement, ball play, cooperative games, and swimming, while learning safety, coordination, and positive sportsmanship in active play.

Students build literacy skills through phonics, writing, journal work, and Writer’s Workshop, developing reading, spelling, handwriting, and early composition with confidence and creativity.

Students explore music through solfège singing, rhythm instruments, and expressive movement and drama games, building coordination, creativity, and joyful musical expression.

Students explore art through color mixing, media experimentation, and artist studies, building confidence and creativity with cross-curricular projects and diverse artistic techniques.

Students explore numbers, patterns, time, and shapes while developing counting, graphing, money, and estimation skills through hands-on, engaging early math experiences.

Students engage in active, project-based Spanish learning through culture, communication, grammar, and creative expression using music, games, and presentations.