Westlake Charter School

Westlake Charter School and Westlake Charter Middle School

WCS and WCMS uses the following curricular programs:

International Thematic Curriculum

A thematic program that provides the cornerstone of our international focus. Students explore a variety of themes that incorporate science, social studies, art, music, technology, language arts, math, and more.

Continent Study: Each grade level focuses on a continent of the world.

  • Kindergarten: North America
  • First Grade: Antarctica and Australia
  • Second Grade: South America
  • Third Grade: Europe
  • Fourth Grade: Asia
  • Fifth Grade: Africa
  • Sixth Grade: Review of all continents. Additionally, students will take a closer look
    at global issues and how they can make a difference in the world
  • Spanish: Mexico, Central America and Spain

Comprehensive Literacy

Houghton Mifflin Excursions Program (Grades K-3rd)

This language arts program balances the need for structured phonemic awareness, phonics, grammar, writing and reading instruction with differentiation and small group instruction. This program provides a multitude of resources to meet the diverse students in a class.

Guided Reading/Literacy Circles (Grades K-6th)

Provides every student with reading instruction at his/her own level during small group Guided Reading instruction. Students will also experience literature response, shared reading, partner reading, and teacher read-alouds. Online Resource

Making Meaning (Grades 4th-6th)

A resource that provides direct instruction in comprehension and reading skills along with character education. Uses high quality children's literature to demonstrate and reinforce concepts. Online Resource

Grammar, Spelling and Conventions (Grades 4th-6th)

Explicit instruction in grammar, usage and mechanics through mini lessons and connections to reading and themes.

6 + 1 Traits of Writing and Being A Writer (Grades 4th-6th)

Writers' workshop program teaches students the primary traits that good writers use: ideas, organization, voice, word choice, conventions, and presentation. Uses high quality children�s literature to make connections and provide examples of good writing. Teacher Online Resource | Student Online Resource

Mathematics

Houghton-Mifflin Math (K-5th)

Standards-based, state-adopted program that presents math to students in a systematic way while also providing support to struggling learners and challenges for advanced students. Student Practice Activities

CK-12 Middle School Math (6th)

This program is electronically based and provided in an i-Book format for our iPads. The content is standards-based, and covers the fundamentals of fractions, decimals and geometry. Topics also include measurement, graphing concepts, problem-solving. Text Support/Access

Science and Social Sciences

For these curricular areas, our teachers use the backwards design process to create thematic units of study. Each unit is standards based and various resources are used to meet our high achievement expectations.

Our Science/Social Science resources include but are not limited to:

  • Science FOSS Education (K-5th) A research-based science curriculum. Students interact with the content in an inquiry-based FOSS (Full Option Science System) environment while focusing on the state standards.
  • Science CK-12 Earth Science and Life Science for Middle School (6th Grade) Textbook Support/Access
  • History Alive (6th Grade) An interactive resource that allows students to experience the content work collaboratively with each other to master the standards.

Spanish �Viva el Espa�ol! and Realidades Programs

These programs teach Spanish vocabulary, sentence-building, and conversational skills. Connections are made to grade level themes. Online Resource | Student Online Resource

Physical Education

Centered around state standards for physical education. Focus on coordination, balance, and movement. Connections are made to grade level themes. Activities and Ideas Website

Art

Westlake's art program is directed, guided, but not limited to the California State Standards. Students will become versed in the elements of art and become familiar with the artwork of famous artists. Connections are made to grade level themes. Student art resource