Elementary School

Our elementary school is made up of grades three through six. Students are offered a comprehensive academic program, with emphasis on developing reading skills.

Using the Lindamood Bell Reading Program, sixth grade receives daily one-hour, intensive reading instruction. Grades three, four and five receive reading instruction for two hours per day. Each class has no more than five students. The goals of this class are to develop symbol imagery, increase sight word recognition and increase speed of phonemic awareness. In addition, students develop the ability for further reading comprehension, oral language, following directions and expressive language and writing skills.

The Language curriculum is based on the Jane Schaffer writing program that teaches students to follow a logical plan and develop their confidence to write in any style.

Language Arts: this basic course for 6th graders is designed to develop skills in written and verbal expression, grammar and vocabulary. Students will complete a variety of units, including a poetry unit and a fairy tale unit, as a means of integrating the curriculum. Students also read two novels as a class; complete a variety of structured literary units; and write book reports.

Mathematics groups are designed to develop students’ strengths. A variety of approaches, including Cloud Nine, are used to augment student learning. Manipulative math materials are available in every classroom.

Students follow the California Standards in Social Studies and Science with work assignments based on student ability. Our school library has an extensive book collection and multi-media curriculum support to aid student’s learning through a variety of materials.

State-of-the-art technology is an integral part of all subjects. In the elementary classrooms there is one computer for every two students.

A variety of electives are offered throughout the school year including drama, visual arts, wood shop, crafts, and physical education.

Westmark School’s dynamic elementary school program incorporates all aspects of the student’s well-being, developing self-esteem, and promoting durable learning skills.