Kindergarten conducts an annual egg to trout lifecycle study, observing this magical transformation first-hand in classroom aquariums before releasing them into their native environment.
Project Based Learning
Our curriculum provides rich opportunities for experiential, hands-on learning at each grade level. We believe that learning is more meaningful and memorable when students engage in purpose driven, real-world experiences where they are empowered to have ownership in the learning process.
Project-based units are designed to teach students the academic knowledge and skills they need to learn in an authentic context that also nurtures critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills.
Through inquiry and exploration, students collaboratively investigate a complex question, problem, or challenge, then create a public presentation or product to share their learning with others. Project-based learning brings a sense of creative energy to the classroom that inspires joyful learning.
Junior Kindergarten has a life cycle/insect unit with tadpoles, caterpillars, and pea plants, where students excitedly anticipate changes, watch them grow, and witness the amazing transformation into butterflies and frogs. During those weeks, storytime is enriched with non-fiction books about the life cycles and insects.
First grade learns about our local Half Moon Bay community and early city planning in their neighborhood study, which culminates in the creation of a model city in the innovation lab.
Second grade hatches and raises baby chicks at the end of every school year. Students also get to explore the globe through their “country study” where each student selects a country of their choice to research and explore with a culminating class presentation.
Third grade studies local wetlands and wildlife with regular visits to Half Moon Bay State Beach, including docent-led tours and lessons about the wildlife at our neighboring seashore. This project is also their first opportunity to perform a dissection in the school’s science lab, dissecting clams to get to know their function and form.
Fourth Grade dives deep into the Gold Rush era and California’s natural environment before an overnight trip to Gold Country at the end of the school year.