La Jolla Private Elementary School Curriculum

A well-designed Integral Education curriculum involves much more than a simple list of the academic subjects to be covered in class. At the Integral Elementary School of La Jolla we incorporate many important and innovative features that drive, and are driven by, our curriculum design. Understanding this reciprocal relationship between what is learned and the actual learning experience of students is essential in order to truly appreciate the unique program we offer. In other words, how we implement our curriculum is just as important as the curriculum itself. The education experience offered to students at IES/LJ is, therefore, in accordance with the following holistic Integral Education Goals, Principles and Practices:

Integrated Curriculum:

• Geography and Social Sciences;
• Physical, Earth, and Life Sciences;
• Meditation;
• Yoga and ATB;
• Physical Education;

Core Competencies:

• Literacy
• Computational Skills
• Communication
• Management;
• Decision Making;
• Problem Solving;
• Technological Skills
• Reasoning and Critical Thinking
• Creative Thinking;
• Study Skills and Organization
• Leadership;
• Self-Reflection and Self-Knowledge
• Artistic Expression

Free-Progress in Education:

• Provided in a dynamic, flexible, innovative, and engaging learning environment;
• Honors individual differences and cultural diversity;
• Respects developmental needs;
• Fosters the development of consciousness, inner power, and the joy of learning;
• Meets and exceeds California State Standards.

Individual Learning Plans:

• Developed for each student twice a year (in October and March), with the   collaboration of parents, teachers, and especially, the students;
• Primary focus is on the needs of the student (rather than on an exclusive,   standardized, one-size-fits-all curriculum);
• Integrates a minimum syllabus with self-directed, student-centered learning;
• Sets forth realistic and attainable learning outcomes.

Meaningful Learning:

• Explores self and world through activities, exercises and dialogue;
• Consults children in their own growth by accessing and assessing their prior   knowledge, understandings and perceptions;
• Stimulates interest and commitment to developing deeper knowledge and   understandings, new skill sets, and the strengthening of existing competencies;
• Prepares for authentic demonstration of new knowledge and skills.

Authentic Assessment:

• Students demonstrate relevant skills, knowledge and competencies through
  creative projects and real-world challenges;
• Portfolios are created and maintained by all students to present and
  highlight their learning over time;
• Encourages self-reflection and self-assessment.

A school and classroom structure that maximizes freedom and progress:

• Students-teacher ratio of about 11:1;
• School organized into three sections: Kindergarten (20 students, 2 teachers),
  Grades 1-3 (Section A, with 45 students, 4 teachers), and Grades 4-6
  (Section B, also with 45 students, 4 teachers);
• School structure (into Sections A and B) is based on social realities of
  mixed aged groupings and multiple human interactions between teachers and
  students of all ages (rather than on the industrial-age model's traditional
  classroom structure of segregating children into large single age groups
  working with an isolated teacher);
• Kindergarten class is a self-contained classroom where children will become
  prepared to enter into the Section A program;
• Technology integrated throughout the school (not set aside in a designated   computer lab) that provides regular access to digital resources and computer
  software for learning and creativity;
• Daily program nurtures the mind, body, heart and soul, and includes morning   meditation time, yoga, and physical education;
• Space provided for an art center and for a quiet room - to be designated
  the "Room of Silence" - where students and staff can go to meditate or
  study in an absolutely silent and consecrated atmosphere.

For more information about the Integral Elementary School of La Jolla, please phone us at: 858-450-4321 or send email. We will be delighted to share with you our plans to manifest this wonderful vision for education.