A Robust Curriculum

Our high performing mathematics program focuses on students not just learning math concepts but truly mastering them and applying them in real world situations. DMP Students receive up to seven hours of weekly mathematics instruction in small groups. These consist of 10 to 14 students and are formed based on ability. Each student is appropriately challenged to reach their full potential, in a low stress learning environment. We do not limit students with grade-level barriers. Students who demonstrate expertise of current grade-level mathematics standards are advanced to a higher grade-level program.

Kindergarten students begin the mathematics process using manipulatives, discovering numbers and patterns, and progressing through place values, basic graphing and the solution of simple equations. Succeeding grades study a full range of math concepts, learning to master computational skills, applying math concepts in problem-solving environments, and concentrating in elements as varied as geometry, statistics and probability, and algebraic linear equations.

A key component in our curriculum is language arts. All lower grade students are positioned in small developmentally-appropriate groups where they receive up to 8 hours of language arts instruction each week.

Beginning with the fundamentals of language and visual/motor development, phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, and sound-symbol association, students continually develop a wealth of indispensable skills as they move through their elementary school years. Lower grade lessons in reading, grammar and oral language proficiency naturally lead to comprehensive studies of comprehension and annotating of great novels, analytical writing, creative composition and public speaking.

Del Mar Pines places considerable emphasis on areas such as literature appreciation, creative voice and structured analysis, as well as the critical requisites of mind-mapping, outlining and gathering research from a variety of credible sources.

We believe children are natural scientists. An engaging and robust science education in elementary school is critical in connecting to children’s curiosity and wonder while getting them excited to learn more. Students in grades K-6 receive weekly science instruction in the classroom plus an additional one hour of hands-on science in the science lab each week.

We use multiple science programs and are aligning our K-6 science curriculum to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) will help our students develop a deeper understanding of science beyond memorizing facts, and experience similar scientific and engineering practices as those used by professionals in the field.

Our science program includes interactive science instruction that promotes analysis and interpretation of data, critical thinking, problem-solving, and connections across science disciplines. Each year, students are able to demonstrate a greater capacity for connecting knowledge across, and between, the physical sciences, life sciences, earth and space sciences, and engineering design.

 In the Kindergarten and first grade social studies curriculum students are introduced to the broad concepts of relationships, rights and responsibilities. They also explore stories of ordinary and extraordinary people who introduce ideas of fair play, self-control, justice, good sportsmanship, leadership, deliberation and individual accountability. The importance of respecting the rights and opinions of others is a primary focus.

Social Studies in following grades, has students examine the geographic and economic aspects of life in their own neighborhoods, then expand their horizons to State, National and international perspectives. Upper-grade students learn about the physical and cultural landscape of California, study the culture and impact of Native Americans, the subsequent arrival of immigrants, and the impact they have had in forming the character of contemporary society.

Finally, investigations of U.S. history and the relationship between State and Federal governments are complemented by examinations of the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome, India, China and Egypt.

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