Curriculum

At PUC Elementary, we believe that school is not only an academic program, but a well-rounded educational experience that will lead to a life-long love of learning. We accomplish this by encouraging intellectual curiosity in a variety of forms, from traditional academics to art and music--all in the context of small class sizes and focused, personal attention from our teachers. 

Classes also integrate faith as a core part of the curriculum. As a Seventh-day Adventist school, PUCE focuses on inviting students to choose Christianity as a way of life. The day begins with a brief morning worship. Bible classes are taught daily and reflect Seventh-day Adventist beliefs. A week of spiritual emphasis, featuring special speakers, is held once each semester. Students are also mentored in character development and ethical discernment in hopes that they will grow to be compassionate, wise, and contributing citizens of society. 

Kindergarten, first, and second grades

Students begin their K-12 learning journey in a Kindergarten, first, and second grade multiage classroom that offers an excellent space for young learners to grow and learn within their individual timelines. While each grade level has specific learning standards, a K-2 combination class creates a unique environment where children are exposed to various levels of instruction. This helps to broaden areas of strength for students and reinforce skills that need more support. Instruction can readily be adjusted to meet individual needs. In addition to academic benefits, a multiage classroom supports social and emotional learning as students navigate working and playing with classmates of different ages.

Students work separately on grade level math, reading, writing, handwriting, and grammar skills and as a combined class for the subjects of Bible, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, P.E., and Spanish. Quality children’s literature books and thematic units of study bring these subjects to life and weave foundational skills into learning projects. Students enjoy a monthly visit to the St. Helena Public Library and a variety of rotating field trips that connect science and social studies topics with outside of school learning experiences.

Kindergarteners build foundational language, reading, and math skills through a mix of  developmentally appropriate teacher-led instruction and hands-on exploratory activities. Emergent reading and writing skills are developed through creative writing opportunities and repeated practice. 

First graders build foundational reading skills through sequential, systematic instruction in phonics and spelling. They have many opportunities to practice reading skills with each other, at home, and with their Friday fifth/sixth grade reading buddies. Spelling becomes part of weekly at-home practice beginning in October. The math curriculum takes a hands-on approach, using a variety of tools to cement core concepts. Students aim to master basic addition and subtraction facts using a variety of strategies. 

Second graders continue to build reading, spelling, and writing skills with a strong phonics base. They begin the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. In math students focus on single and double-digit addition and subtraction skills, along with proficiency in solving word problems. Students also cement crucial sequences such as counting by hundreds, tens, fives, twos, as well as days of the weeks, months of the year, and even the books of the Bible!

Third and Fourth GRADEs

Third and fourth graders make the transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”  Students evaluate and enjoy good literature, which often provides a springboard into science, social studies, and Bible content.  They have also earned the privilege of learning two new forms of writing: cursive and touch typing!  Both are taught with care and skill, and students have the opportunity to expand their creative and informational writing exponentially.

After years of adding, third graders also unlock the beauty of repeated addition – multiplication!  Students work throughout the year to memorize their multiplication tables to the tens (or even the twelves!).  Word problems focus on identifying the differences between adding and multiplication – or sometimes both within the same problem.  Fourth graders complete the computation family by becoming skilled at division, then applying all four concepts while working with whole numbers and fractions.

Fifth and sixth Grades

The fifth and sixth grade class curriculum bridges foundational academic progress with deep, inquiry-based exploration, rooted in Christian values to foster critical thinking, spiritual and character growth, and a vibrant classroom community. In language arts and mathematics, students build steadily upon baseline skills, with a particular focus on honing analytical writing, public presentation, and critical literature analysis. Lessons are delivered through a variety of modalities to engage different learning styles. The science curriculum dives into the study of plant and animal cells, animal classification, gravity, celestial motion, ecosystem, healthy lifestyle, and the human reproductive system. In social studies, students explore U.S. history from Native Americans through the World War II, using these historical contexts to learn how to actively own and defend their perspectives in class discussions while deeply respecting and valuing the input of others. Ultimately, the program moves far beyond the repetition of facts to instill an enduring love of learning and inquiry, teaching students how to think independently and collaborate respectfully. 

Seventh and eighth Grades

In the final two years at PUC Elementary, the goal is to prepare students for entry into high school. There is a strong emphasis on reading and writing across the curriculum. Students become confident presenters and speakers in a variety of settings. The math program focuses on geometry concepts and pre-algebra, including working with equations and graphing. Students become skilled users of technology within all subjects. 

Beyond the standard academic curriculum, students in seventh and eighth grades strengthen their self-management skills and organizational abilities. There is a strong emphasis in taking responsibility for their own learning and commitments. By the time the students complete these grades, the goal is for them to be independent leaders and learners.