Academics: K-8

Academics

Enrichment

Journeys

Journeys are the heart of the Tessellations curriculum. Journeys are a project-based, integrated approach to instruction in multiple subjects. English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, History, and Art are woven into a meaningful and relevant storyline, instead of treating the subjects as discrete classes. Journeys are designed to strengthen conceptual understanding through critical examination, deep reflection, and meaningful connection to the real world in a collaborative learning experience. All Journeys include SEL and DEIJ components.

More details and Journey examples can be found here:
Kindergarten to 5th Grade Journeys
Middle School Journeys

Math

Students are arranged in leveled math groups across the school. This means students learn math at a level that is appropriate for them, regardless of their chronological grade. Math instruction blends direct instruction, structured investigation, and open exploration. At the elementary levels, teachers present material visually and kinesthetically through models and manipulatives. In our middle and high school level classes, teachers present content in a variety of ways that allow students to discuss, digest, and make sense of the math and explore the various levels of abstraction. Materials are accessible to learners with strengths in different modalities, and students are constantly asked to develop, test, discuss, and apply their ideas.

Tessellations offers standards-aligned, competency-oriented math courses ranging from our elementary program through our high school level math program. We’ve recently introduced an accelerated level 6/7 course, which is followed by pre-algebra, algebra 1, geometry, algebra 2, precalculus, calculus, and statistics. The elementary courses utilize the Math in Focus curriculum, and the upper levels use a blend of curricula with a heavy reliance on the Art of Problem Solving series. Teachers enrich coursework with hands-on projects and real world applications to enhance students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and to provide purpose-driven opportunities for learning.

Students are placed in math levels at the beginning of the year according to a variety of placement considerations, such as their previous math teacher’s recommendation, standardized test scores, one-on-one testing, student needs, family input, a review of recent work samples, and the student’s demonstrated math habits. Teachers continually assess and support students at their developmental stage throughout the school year.

Literacy

For grades K-5, literacy is taught during specific lesson blocks as well as through Journey work. For grades 6-8, literacy is integrated into the Journey. Students are placed in ability groups within their grade bands, allowing teachers to support students’ skill development with age-appropriate social, emotional, and intellectual content. Differentiated instruction includes foundational skills in reading and writing such as phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary.

As students progress toward middle school, the literacy curriculum shifts to developing the author’s craft, examining text structure, and engaging in literary analysis. Students also participate in regular Lit Circles to discuss and analyze books of shared interest.

Literacy development at Tessellations includes opportunities for students to read primary and secondary sources connected to their Journey, to utilize texts from a variety of authors and a multitude of perspectives, and to engage in rich analysis, comprehension, and thought exercises. Writing is also connected to the Journey and students write for different purposes, such as to tell a story, to persuade, to document, and to express creativity. Students build speaking and listening skills through role plays, presentations, and socratic seminars. These pieces come together to provide students with a holistic literacy experience, centered around the theme of their Journey.

Social & Emotional Learning

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is incorporated into school experiences in the form of daily opening and closing circles, dedicated SEL classes, and curriculum connections to every single Journey. The SEL curriculum supports student’s development of a deep sense of self, interpersonal relationships, community connections, as well as their personal agency, their potential to impact on the world around them, and the pursuit of meaningful intellectual endeavors.

Teachers work with students to build a toolbox for processing uncomfortable feelings, managing perfectionism, and working through conflicts with others. K-3 students are taught and encouraged to use the Zones of Regulation to help them understand and communicate their feelings. As students grow, they develop a deep sense of self, an understanding of community, and navigate the evolving relationships of childhood. They examine and discuss topics such as emotional intelligence, perspective taking, stress management, responsible decision-making, resilience, and the development of a growth mindset. Tessellations’ SEL curriculum is informed by a growing body of research that demonstrates its positive impact on a wide range of outcomes, including academic performance, metacognition, interpersonal relationships, and mental health. Tessellations considers SEL work and a focus on whole-child development to be of utmost importance.

Nature Connections

Tessellations’ outdoor education curriculum, Nature Connections, inspires students to build a deep connection with and respect for nature while simultaneously supporting students personal growth and development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors gain increased independence, improved mental health, confidence, empathy, self-discipline, motor-skills, problem-solving skills, and initiative. Each Tessellations student regularly visits our Nature Campus, where they engage in a range of activities, from team building challenges, wilderness education, science lessons, physical pursuits like hiking, nature journaling, outdoor art experiences, creek explorations, and relevant Journey curriculum.

The Nature Campus includes hiking trails, a garden, creek, and inside classroom space. Homeroom teachers and Outdoor Educators/Naturalists work together to plan Journey related activities in addition to curriculum design based on the North American Association for Environmental Education Standards. Fostering a connection with nature is a core value shared amongst students, families, and staff. Having an outdoor campus that students can return to deepens that connection and allows for true place-based learning across the seasons.

Physical Education

Students start their physical fitness journey at different stages and Tessellations makes sure to be inclusive with games and activities. Tessellations utilizes California Department of Education standards for PE and incorporates lessons in SEL as well as a love of play and a joy for movement when building lessons for the Physical Education program. Tessellations’ aim is to foster joy in and positivity towards movement, athletic pursuits, and group games.