Kindergarten | Science Academy of Chicago

ADVANCED MATHEMATICS

Our students are advancing in math, working at a grade level above through the My Math curriculum by McGraw Hill. Teachers provide extra practice with IXL math to ensure every student thrives.

Language Arts

HMH Into Reading alongside the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Curriculum are utilized to provide research-based literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

With focus on building strong foundational skills in:

· Phonemic Awareness

· Phonics and Word Recognition

· Fluency and Vocabulary

· Comprehension

· Writing Foundational Skills

HMH Into Reading supports students in developing both foundational skills and deeper understanding of texts. The Heggerty Curriculum strengthens systematic phonological and phonemic awareness, giving students the essential building blocks for reading success.

To individualize the learning of each student, teachers also use an online program called Accelerated Reader (AR.) This online program helps teachers manage and monitor each student’s reading practice.

SCIENCE

Our students explore science in a hands-on, fun, and engaging way with the Generation Genius curriculum aligned to NGSS standards. This interactive program introduces them to all aspects of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Math). Students dive into exciting themed topics, making learning both enjoyable and enriching throughout the year.

In addition to classroom science instruction, students also attend a dedicated STEM specials class once a week. During this time, they expand their learning through STREAM-focused experiences further developing problem-solving skills, creativity, and collaboration.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Students build an understanding of themselves, their families, and their community through engaging, age-appropriate lessons aligned to Illinois Social Science Standards. They explore topics such as community helpers, rules and responsibilities, maps and basic geography, and national symbols and traditions.

Through stories, discussions, and hands-on activities, students develop an appreciation for citizenship, respect for others, and an awareness of the world around them, laying the foundation for future learning in social studies.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our Physical Education program for the lower grades is designed to help students stay active, healthy, and happy while learning important movement skills. We focus on building strength, balance, coordination, teamwork, and confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Every lesson is filled with energy, encouragement, and plenty of smiles!

ART

Our art program inspires creativity and self-expression while introducing students to the elements of art—line, shape, color, form, texture, and space—along with key design principles such as pattern, balance, and contrast. Through painting, drawing, sculpture, crafts, fiber arts and mixed media, students build foundational skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Students explore art from around the world and learn about artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian and more. By studying diverse artists and cultures, students gain appreciation for global artistic traditions while growing in confidence as creative thinkers.

MUSIC

Music education is an important part of every student’s learning experience. Through memorizing songs and performing with their grade-level peers twice each year, students develop confidence, collaboration skills, and a strong sense of responsibility.

Elementary students, from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 5, participate in a comprehensive general music program. They explore rhythm, melody, and musical expression through singing and hands-on learning with instruments, including Orff percussion instruments, recorder, keyboard, and selected string instruments.

Junior High students in Grades 6–8 may choose String Orchestra as an elective. This ensemble experience allows students to further develop their instrumental skills, work collaboratively, and perform more advanced music.

Our music program supports students’ artistic growth while fostering creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music.