Curriculum & Instruction

A Constructivist, Project Based Instructional Model

A Student Perspective on the Valley Charter Learning Experience

"Valley Charter School made a lasting impact on my life and learning. The school’s project based learning, diverse community, and love of reading shaped my passion for knowledge. VCS taught me the value of curiosity and action—whether it was editing my teacher's book as a fourth grader or leading a project to get flowers donated to beautify our campus. Now, as I prepare for college, I carry with me the confidence, problem-solving skills, and love of learning that VCS instilled in me."

 

-Ella, Alum

 

Valley Charter Elementary Core Program Elements:

• Singapore Math

  • Valley Charter Singapore math instruction is supported by Singapore math coach Bill Davidson.  Click here for additional information and resources about this program.

• Balanced Literacy 

  • Phonics instruction
  • Reading workshop

• Writing Workshop

• Project Based Learning: Science and Social Studies

  • Read more here about 2nd grade project-based learning on our school blog

• Physical Education

• Music

• Social-Emotional Learning at Valley Charter Elementary School

Valley Charter Middle Core Program Elements: 

• Mathematics

  • The VCMS math curriculum is primarily teacher-created and incorporates projects on a regular basis. The Eureka Math² curriculum informs the pacing, planning, and delivery of standards-based instruction and students use Eureka Math² textbooks and workbooks as resources in the classroom and at home. VCMS math instruction is supported by math coach Bill Davidson. Please read about the mastery-based approach to assessing students here.

• Science

  • The science curricula is primarily teacher-created and project-based. TCI’s "Bring Science Alive", which is aligned to the NGSS standards, informs the pacing, planning, and delivery of standards-based instruction and students use TCI textbooks and workbooks as resources in the classroom and at home.

• History

  • The history curriculum is primarily teacher-created and project-based. TCI’s "Bring History Alive" informs the pacing, planning, and delivery of standards-based instruction and students use TCI textbooks and workbooks as resources in class and at home.

• ELA (English Language Arts) 

  • VCMS utilizes the reading and writing workshop model for ELA and teachers use the "units of study" to guide the planning and implementation of each unit. Please click here to see the VCMS Reading and Writing Bill of Rights.
  • VCMS Literacy Projects

• Advisory

  • VCMS uses a teacher-based curriculum to foster a sense of belonging for all students, develop effective social skills, support effective decision-making skills, and develop students' executive functioning skills. 

• Spanish Elective for 7th and 8th Graders 

• Physical Education

  • Including a robust, free after-school competitive sports program open to all students.

• After School Sports: VCMS Athletics

  • The VCMS after-school sports program is free and open to all students. It offers year-round opportunities for competitive league play across a variety of sports.
  • The following reflection from our Athletic Director illustrates how equitable access to athletics can shape a student's future:

"As the Athletic Director at Valley Charter Middle School, I’m proud to share that we offer competitive sports for every student who wants to play—regardless of experience. Our program provides students with opportunities to build skills, experience teamwork, and compete against other charter and private schools in the area. What makes our athletics program especially meaningful is that it is completely free. We believe every student should have access to the benefits of sports participation.

One former student-athlete returned to visit during a soccer game. Now in college, he reflected on his time at Valley Charter and shared how meaningful his experience had been. He said, 'Thank you. I was able to attend college because of the opportunity I got to play soccer at Valley Charter.'

He explained how his family faced challenges, including not being able to afford cleats or reliable transportation to games. But his love for soccer, sparked at VCMS, motivated him to continue in high school—and ultimately in college.

Stories like this are why I do this work. Every student deserves the chance to experience the growth, connection, and confidence that come through participation in sports."

• "What I need" (WIN) Time 

  • This is dedicated time for intervention or enrichment. VCMS has a reading intervention teacher, math intervention teacher, and English language development teacher. 

• Clubs at VCMS 

  • Faculty-sponsored and driven by student interest.