Curriculum

Reading & Writing

K-2nd Grade – The YSGA Reading Program at the K-2 level provides an intensive phonics program for our students. Our phonics program focuses on letter and sound recognition, decoding of words, sight words, vocabulary and fluency. As students are developing the tools to become strong readers, students are exposed to different texts which includes opportunities for comprehension activities. For writing, we incorporate handwriting, as well as different writing activities. At the K-2 level, the goal is to help students learn to read.

3rd-5th Grade – The YSGAreading program focus shifts from “learning to read” to “reading to learn”. Phonics activities at this level focus on structural analysis – students are learning about affixes, root words, and word attack skills. In addition, there is an emphasis on fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students interact with a variety of texts and are expected to make meaning of the text. Texts vary from informational to fiction to novels. Writing activities integrate with the texts that students are reading.

6th-8th Grade – The YSGA reading program focus shifts from “reading to learn” to “reading to analyze”. The emphasis at this level is on vocabulary, comprehension and writing. Students interact with and analyze a variety of texts. Texts vary from informational to fiction to novel studies. Writing activities integrate with the texts that students are reading.

Math

K-2nd Grade – The YSGA Math Program at the K-2 level focuses on number sense, counting, place value, shapes, measurement, and basic operations. In Kindergarten, students build their understanding of numbers and counting. In 1st grade, students focus on adding and subtracting within 20. In 2nd grade, students are adding and subtracting multi-digit numbers with regrouping. In addition, multiplication is introduced.

3rd-5th Grade – The YSGA Math Program at the 3rd-5th level focuses on fluency in the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). In 3rd grade, students focus on all four operations, fractions, geometry and measurement. In 4th grade, students focus on all four operations with multi-digit numbers, fractions and decimals, lines and angles, and data analysis. In 5th grade, students focus on applying understanding of operations to fractions and decimals, interpreting and representing data, and coordinate planes.

6th-8th Grade – The YSGA Math Program at the 6th-8th level focuses on preparing students for high school. Students need to apply understanding of operations with whole numbers, decimals, and fractions to a variety of situations and problems. In addition, students learn about ratios and proportional relationships, expressions and equations, functions, geometry, and statistics and probability.

Science

The YSGA Science Program believes that instruction in science begins in kindergarten and continually develops as our scholars progress towards 8th grade. Throughout the year, our scholars develop their scientific and engineering skills through the exploration of phenomenon, inquiry activities, class discussion, data analysis, and writing. Additionally, our scholars engage in STEAM-based projects that allow them to become critical and creative thinkers.

K-5th Grade

Our scholars in grades K-5 take the exploratory approach as they explore the various phenomenon in the three domains of science: Life, Physical, and Earth. Our scholars are encouraged to share their curiosities and ask questions. Our scholars will learn about plant/animal life cycles, solar system, Earth’s spheres, forces & motion, energy, matter, and much more as they begin to build and develop the foundational skills necessary for science in grades 6-8.

6th Grade

During the year, students are exposed to various Earth Science topics in the areas of geology (study of the earth), hydrology (study of water), meteorology (study of weather/climate), and astronomy (study of space).

7th Grade

During the year, students are exposed to various Life Science concepts in the areas of anatomy (study of human body systems and the interactions between them), ecology (study of the relationships among/between organisms and their environments), evolution (study of the process of natural selection), genetics (study of genes and the inheritance of traits), and biology (study of the diversity and classification of living organisms into six kingdoms).

8th Grade

During the year, students are exposed to various Physical Science concepts in the areas of physics and chemistry. Some major themes include the nature and conservation of matter, conservation of energy and energy transformations, characteristics of motion (velocity and acceleration), the impact of forces on motion, electromagnetic and mechanical waves, and gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields.

Language Program

K-2 Grade – YSGA begins in instruction in two languages starting in Kindergarten. From K-2nd grade, the program focuses on “exposure”. Students learn the alphabet, as well as important words and phrases. The goal is for students to be able to repeat words and phrases. Students also learn about the culture and history of Spanish and Turkish speaking countries.

3rd-5th Grade – From 3rd-5th grade, the program focuses on “word knowledge” and “fluency”. Students learn keywords and phrases. The goal is for students to be able to listen to and speak the languages. Students also learn about the culture and history of Spanish and Turkish speaking countries.

6th-8th Grade – From 6th to 8th grade, the program focuses on “fluency” and “accuracy”. The goal is for students to be able to read, write, speak, and listen to the languages. Students also learn about the culture and history of Spanish and Turkish speaking countries.

Social Studies

K-8 – Instruction in Social Studies begins in Kindergarten and continues through 8th grade.  Kindergarten focuses on learning and working together.  First Grade focuses on our place in the world. Second Grade focuses on exploring who we are. Third Grade focuses on our communities.  Fourth grade focuses on the geography of the United States.  Fifth grade focuses on U.S. History.  Middle School focuses on the US and World History.