Curriculum
Our approach to education is based on developing a personalized academic program in line with 21st-century
skills to develop mindful, confident, lifelong learners to succeed and live a life with intention.
Differentiated Learning
The curriculum is guided by the Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS). The individualized curriculum is developed by using each child’s preferred mode of learning. A student with superior mathematics skills and below grade-level reading skills will have a curriculum tailored to challenge and advance their math ability while remediating reading skills. We want our children to be part of their learning which aligns with the many facets of project-based learning and real-world application. Our children are artists, writers, stock market traders, gardeners, and budding philanthropists. Technology provides educators with the opportunity to engage children beyond traditional learning. We utilize websites like World Wonders powered by Google to explore the world or the online Stock Market Game that connects TJSH students with other schools to learn new skills.
Social and Emotional Support in the Classroom
Our approach focuses on the development of social-emotional skills, not just meeting academic standards. Teachers use discovery lessons about feelings, support students to journal, create mixed media art, and a myriad of hands-on activities which support each child to build their social and emotional skills. Teachers monitor struggles and challenges each child might have transitioning, including from home to school. A child might arrive at school upset after a conflict with a parent or sibling. Or, a parent might be out of town. These situations can play a role in the child’s mindset for the school day. Home worries often interfere with the child's school readiness during a school day. We believe that by listening to each child, teaching them emotional vocabulary, and allowing them to reflect, they will be able to communicate their feelings and develop self-awareness and social-awareness skills, which support their success with the academic works. As teachers model active listening, support identify and articulate their feeling, and allowing them to reflect; they will learn to communicate their feelings and develop grit to be successful in their academic work.
Cross-Age Learning
The open-concept classroom is sectioned off for peer group learning and cross-age learning, and also supports collaboration and communication between teachers. The open environment creates a practical and natural setting for children to become mentors supporting the foundation of relationship building while building self-esteem and confidence.
Sample Schedule
10:30-11:00 PE
Physical education through organized sports drills, aerobics, stretching, and structured gameplay.
1:30-2:00 Recess
Outdoor social play
8:15-8:30 Drop off & Daily Prep
Students are dropped off and begin preparing for the day's activities by reviewing the schedule.
8:30-8:45 Warm-up Activity
Students begin their day with an engaging activity that connects to a learning goal of the day.
8:45-10:30 Morning Academic Block
Group learning, discussion, and individualized lessons are facilitated by teachers to meet the learning objectives of each student. Students participate in reading, writing, language arts, math, social studies, and science in the morning and afternoon core blocks.
11:00-12:00 Afternoon Prep & Lunch
Teachers eat lunch with their students in a small group setting. During this social time, teachers support students as they master etiquette, "dinner" conversation, and deal with conflicts that arise during these social interactions.
12:00-1:30 Afternoon Academic Block
Physical education through organized sports drills, exploration of dance, and structured gameplay.
2:00-2:45 Talent Development
(Ex: Creative Arts, Coding, Outdoor projects, Service Activities)
Creative Arts Block
Creative arts are an integral piece of our curriculum. By exposing all students to various art mediums, they discover avenues of expression and develop confidence in their artistic abilities.
Projects
Students participate in activities learning fundamental science, social studies, and other co-curricular activities. This may include guitar lessons, foreign languages, sewing, finance, or other offerings. Middle school students are sometimes partnered with elementary students for activities that allow for imaginative play and/or critical thinking. This cross-age integration helps build relationships and create opportunities for developing social skills.
Outdoor Activities & Gardening
Students join together to participate in outdoor activities, including maintaining the community garden, which fosters a sense of wonder about the natural world around them.
Social Stations
Students partner together or join in a group to participate in building activities, gameplay, reading buddies, and other activities to practice social skills.
2:45 Organize, pack-up, and prepare for dismissal
3:00 Dismissal