Elementary School | Almaden Country Day School | San Jose

Elementary School | Almaden Country Day School | San Jose
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Elementary School
San Jose Private Elementary School
At Almaden Country Day School, we focus on each child as an individual who is accepted and valued. We offer continuity and consistency across a curriculum designed to develop and celebrate the whole child; from our early childhood Pre-Kindergarten classes through our Fifth Grade.
Diverse Instructional Programs & Enrichment Classes
In addition to English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, the instructional program for all elementary (K-5) students includes Art, Physical Education, Music and Theater Arts. All elementary students engage in project-based learning using a variety of technologies in our popular Makerspace. Enrichment classes are taught by specialist teachers.
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Learning. Laughter. Discovery. Kindergarten at ACDS encompasses the creative play of childhood and learning opportunities designed to enrich the whole child.
With a 15:1 student to teacher ratio, the ACDS Kindergarten program features small class sizes enabling our dedicated teachers to provide individualized attention. Kindergarten at ACDS features a wide range of activities that engage the spectrum of developmental skills critical to later academic success: pre-academic practice, self-care, focus and self-control, social interaction, sensory-motor progression — and fun! Outside of the classroom, kindergarten students attend field trips that connect to our current studies.
Our teachers create a joyful, safe learning environment that includes circle time, instructional centers and self-directed tasks. We also welcome guest speakers throughout the year to share their professional expertise, cultural knowledge, and other topics of interest to the children.
Curriculum
Kindergarten English Language Arts
Kindergarten Library
Kindergarten Mathematics
Kindergarten Music
Kindergarten Physical Education
Kindergarten Science
Kindergarten Social Studies
Kindergarten Spanish
Kindergarten Technology
A Day in the Life of a Kindergarten Student
Our Kindergarten students have exciting and fun days of learning each and every day of the school year. Expand the menu below to see a typical day in the life of a Kindergarten student at ACDS.
A Day in the Life of a Kindergarten Student
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:15 - 7:50
Complimentary
Extended Day Program
before school
7:50 - 8:10
Soft Start Morning Tubs
Soft Start Morning Tubs
Soft Start Morning Tubs
Soft Start Morning Tubs
Soft Start Morning Tubs
8:10 - 8:30
Morning Meeting / Number Corner
Morning Meeting / Number Corner
Morning Meeting / Number Corner
Morning Meeting / Number Corner
Morning Meeting / Number Corner
8:30 - 9:20
Reading/Phonics
Reading/Phonics
Reading/Phonics
Reading/Phonics
Reading/Phonics
9:20 - 10:05
Snack & Recess
10:05 - 10:45
Spanish
Math
Science
Garden/Math
Science
10:50 - 11:30
Math
Writing
PE
Writing
Math
11:30 - 12:10
Lunch & Recess
12:10 - 12:30
Quiet Time
12:30 - 1:20
Music
PE
Buddies/Assembly
Library
Writing
1:25 - 1:50
Writing
Social Studies/Centers
Math
Social Studies/Centers
Fun Friday!
1:50 - 2:00
Closing Circle & Dismissal
2:00 - 3:00
Kindergarten group play (optional hour of supervised, child-directed play)
3:00
Dismissal (or
Extended Day Program
3:15 until 5:30 p.m. - registration required)
Sample schedules are subject to change.
The transition to first grade is an exciting one for students — a move to the elementary school campus, a full day from 8 a.m. –  3:10 p.m., the children's first ACDS musical theater production, and other first grade traditions.
Our first grade homeroom teachers provide instruction in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.
Curriculum
1st Grade Art
1st Grade English Language Arts
1st Grade Library
1st Grade Makerspace
1st Grade Mathematics
1st Grade Music
1st Grade Physical Education
1st Grade Science
1st Grade Social Studies
1st Grade Spanish
1st Grade Technology
1st Grade Theater Arts
A Day in the Life of a 1st Grade Student
Our 1st Grade students have exciting and fun days of learning each and every day of the school year. Expand the menu below to see a typical day in the life of a 1st Grade student at ACDS.
A Day in the Life of a 1st Grade Student
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:15-7:50
Complimentary
Before School Program
before school
7:50-8:00
Arrival
8:00-8:15
Morning Meeting
Morning Meeting
Morning Meeting
Morning Meeting
Morning Meeting
8:15 - 9:00
Language Arts
Language Arts
Language Arts
Language Arts
Language Arts
9:05 - 9:50
PE/Library
PE/ Makerspace
Makerspace/ PE
Garden
PE/ Homeroom
9:50-10:05
RECESS
RECESS
RECESS
RECESS
RECESS
10:05-10:50
Library/PE
Homeroom/ Pe
PE/ Homeroom
Big Buddies
Homeroom/ PE
10:55-11:40
Math
Math
Math
Math
Math
11:45-12:30
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
12:35-1:20
Language Arts
Language Arts
Math
Math
Language Arts
1:20-1:35
RECESS
RECESS
RECESS
RECESS
RECESS
1:35-2:20
Music/ Homeroom
Science/Art
Science/Art
Art/Science
Art/Science
2:25-3:10
Social Studies
Language Arts
Social Studies
Language Arts
Social Studies
2:55-3:10
Closing Meeting
3:10
Dismissal (or
The Orchard: Extended Day Program
until 5:30 p.m. - registration required)
All sample schedules are subject to change.
Field Trips
First grade students generally take at least one annual offsite field trip. In recent years, they have spent a day exploring the Technology Museum of Innovation in downtown San Jose.
Second graders cultivate their curiosity and build autonomy in a safe, motivating environment.
Students study early innovators and demonstrate their knowledge through video and group presentations. Budding entrepreneurs collaborate to create math stores using learned math concepts. Books come to life in second grade through various hands-on projects and presentations. Second grade homeroom consists of instruction in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies while adding several engaging enrichments throughout the week.
Curriculum
2nd Grade Art
2nd Grade English Language Arts
2nd Grade French
2nd Grade Library
2nd Grade Makerspace
2nd Grade Mathematics
2nd Grade Music
2nd Grade Physical Education
2nd Grade Science
2nd Grade Social Studies
2nd Grade Technology
2nd Grade Theater Arts
A Day in the Life of a 2nd Grade Student
Our 2nd Grade students have exciting and fun days of learning each and every day of the school year. Expand the menu below to see a typical day in the life of a 2nd Grade student at ACDS.
A Day in the Life of a 2nd Grade Student
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:15-7:50
Complimentary
Before School Program
before school
7:50-8:10
Arrival/Morning Stem/Tubs
8:15-8:30
Class Meeting - SEL
French
Morning Tubs
Class Meeting - SEL
Fine Arts
Fine Arts
8:30 - 9:00
Number Corner
Number Corner
Number Corner
9:05 - 9:50
French / PE and 1st - 2nd Collaboration
Number Corner
Phonics
Science
Science
9:50 - 10:05
Recess
10:05 - 10:50
PE /
French
Fine Arts /
TLC Collaboration
Library/MS
Big Buddies
Garden / Phonics
10:55 - 11:40
Phonics
Phonics
Math / Reader's Workshop
Phonics
Number Corner
11:45 - 12:30
Lunch
12:35 - 1:20
Reader's Workshop
Reader's Workshop
Reader's Workshop / PE
French / PE
Math
1:20 - 1:35
Recess
1:35 - 2:20
Math
Math
PE/Math
PE/NC/Math
Social Studies
2:25 - 2:50
Writer's Workshop
Social Studies
Writer's Workshop
Reader's Workshop
Fun Friday
2:55 - 3:10
Closing Meeting - SEL
Closing Meeting - SEL
Closing Meeting - SEL
Closing Meeting - SEL
Closing Meeting - SEL
3:10
Dismissal (or
The Orchard: Extended Day Program
until 5:30 p.m. - registration required)
All sample schedules are subject to change.
Field Trips
Second grade students have multiple offsite field trips during the year. In recent years, they trekked to the Seymour Discovery Center at Long's Marine Laboratory, picked apples at Casa de Fruta, and drank tea after their tour of the Campbell Historical Museum.
Third graders bring increased attention spans and capacity for inquiry to new learning opportunities this year, featuring activities ranging from student-led hand-puppet book reports and an afternoon of kite-flying while learning of its origins.
Our third grade homeroom teachers provide instruction in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.
Curriculum
3rd Grade Art
3rd Grade English Language Arts
3rd Grade French
3rd Grade Library
3rd Grade Makerspace
3rd Grade Mathematics
3rd Grade Music
3rd Grade Physical Education
3rd Grade Science
3rd Grade Social Studies
3rd Grade Technology
3rd Grade Theater Arts
A Day in the Life of a 3rd Grade Student
Our 3rd Grade students have exciting and fun days of learning each and every day of the school year. Expand the menu below to see a typical day in the life of a 3rd Grade student at ACDS.
A Day in the Life of a 3rd Grade Student
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:15-7:50
Complimentary
Before School Program
before school
7:50-8:00
Arrival
8:00-8:10
Class Meeting
Class Meeting
Class Meeting
Class Meeting
Class Meeting
8:15 - 9:00
Homeroom
Homeroom
Homeroom
PE
PE
9:05 - 9:50
Homeroom
Homeroom
Homeroom
French
Garden
9:50-10:05
Recess
10:05 - 10:50
Homeroom
Homeroom
Homeroom
Library/Makerspace/ Art
Library/Makerspace/ Art
10:55 - 11:50
Science/Art
Science/Art
Homeroom
Homeroom
Homeroom
11:45-12:30
Lunch
12:35 - 1:20
Science/Art
Science/Art
French
Homeroom
Homeroom
1:20 - 1:35
Recess
1:35 - 2:20
Homeroom
PE
Homeroom
Homeroom
Homeroom
2:25 - 3:05
Homeroom
Homeroom
Big Buddies
Homeroom
Homeroom
3:10
Dismissal (or
The Orchard: Extended Day Program
until 5:30 p.m. - registration required)
All sample schedules are subject to change.
Field Trips
Project Based Learning: nonfiction unit conducting animal research, building animal habitats, ending the unit with Oakland Zoo.
Around this time, students really begin to see and respect different points-of-view, understand cause and effect, show independence, and can view matters from a big-picture standpoint. Our robust curriculum is developmentally appropriate for this age and provides outlets for expression including project-based learning.
Our fourth grade homeroom teachers provide instruction in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.
Curriculum
4th Grade Art
4th Grade English Language Arts
4th Grade French
4th Grade Library
4th Grade Makerspace
4th Grade Mathematics
4th Grade Music
4th Grade Physical Education
4th Grade Science
4th Grade Social Studies
4th Grade Technology
4th Grade Theater Arts
A Day in the Life of a 4th Grade Student
Our 4th Grade students have exciting and fun days of learning each and every day of the school year. Expand the menu below to see a typical day in the life of a 4th Grade student at ACDS.
A Day in the Life of a 4th Grade Student
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:15-7:50
Complimentary
Before School Program
before school
7:50-8:00
Arrival
8:00-8:10
Morning Meeting
1st Period
8:15-9:00
Science/Garden
Fine Arts
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
Science
Fine Arts
English Language Arts
2nd Period
9:05-9:50
Fine Arts
Science/Garden
French
PE
English Language Arts
Fine Arts
Science
English Language Arts
9:50-10:05
Snack/Recess
3rd Period
10:10-10:55
Math
PE
French
Math
Math
Math
4th Period
11:00-11:40
English Language Arts
Math
Math
English Language Arts
Fine Arts
Science
11:40-12:30
Lunch
5th Period
12:35-1:15
Library
PE
English Language Arts
French
PE
Number Corner
Science
Fine Arts
6th Period
1:20-2:05
PE
Library
English Language Arts
PE
French
Social Studies
Social Studies
7th Period
2:10-2:55
English Language Arts
Number Corner
Number Corner
Social Studies
English Language Arts
Social Studies
2:55-3:10
Dismissal (or
The Orchard: Extended Day Program
until 5:30 p.m. - registration required)
All sample schedules are subject to change.
Field Trips
Field trips that our fourth grade classes have embarked on include Quicksilver Mining Museum, and San Juan Bautista State Park & Mission. Fourth graders also go on their first overnight field trip as a class to Coloma Outdoor Discovery School to learn about the Gold Rush.
Fifth graders at ACDS bring their increased capacity for complex thought and problem-solving to this grade’s collaborative, project-based activities.
Students delve into reading and writing with purpose across the genres- realistic fiction, fantasy, non fiction, and argument and advocacy. In mathematics, they learn and apply a multitude of strategies to solve real-life problems. In social studies, students study and analyze the history of the United States and its origins. Fifth graders collaborate and partner for hands-on projects and investigations across the curriculum. Students experience a week of outdoor learning and cabin living at WOLF Science camp in Aptos, California.
Our fifth grade homeroom teachers provide instruction in English Language Arts, Math, and Social Studies.
Curriculum
5th Grade Art
5th Grade English Language Arts
5th Grade French
5th Grade Library
5th Grade Makerspace
5th Grade Mathematics
5th Grade Music
5th Grade Physical Education
5th Grade Science
5th Grade Social Studies
5th Grade Technology
5th Grade Theater Arts
A Day in the Life of a 5th Grade Student
Our 5th Grade students have exciting and fun days of learning each and every day of the school year. Expand the menu below to see a typical day in the life of a 5th Grade student at ACDS.
A Day in the Life of a 5th Grade Student
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
7:15-7:50
Complimentary
Before School Program
before school
7:50-8:00
Arrival
8:00-8:10
Morning Meeting
1st Period
8:15-9:00
Number Corner
PE
Number Corner
Library/ Makerspace
PE
2nd Period
9:05-9:50
Math
Math
French
Math
Number Corner
9:50-10:05
Snack/Recess
3rd Period
10:05-10:50
English Language Arts
French
Math
1st Grade Buddies
Math
4th Period
10:55-11:40
French
Number Corner
Enrichments: Science, Art, Music
Enrichments: Science, Art, Music
Enrichments: Science, Art, Music
5th Period
11:45-12:30
Play/Lunch
6th Period
12:35-1:20
PE
Library/ Makerspace
Enrichments: Science, Art, Music
Enrichments: Science, Art, Music
Enrichments: Science, Art, Music
1:20 - 1:35
Recess
7th Period
1:35-2:20
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
English Language Arts
8th Period
2:25-3:10
Social Studies
Social Studies
Social Studies
Social Studies
Fun Friday
3:10
Dismissal (or
The Orchard: Extended Day Program
until 5:30 p.m. - registration required)
All sample schedules are subject to change.
Field Trips
Fifth grade students enjoy an extended overnight trip to science camp that offers the opportunity to enhance our on-campus science curriculum focusing on botany, zoology, inter-species relationships, and interdependence in nature. For five days and four nights, participants stay at beautiful
Web of Life Field (WOLF)
, Monte Toyon Campus, for a variety of learning and bonding adventures.
Elementary School Essentials
Bridges in Mathematics program
as the foundation for teaching elementary math
In an annual full-length musical theater production starting in first grade
Columbia University's Teachers College
Reading and Writing
programs
The Orchard: Extended Day Program
We offer a
complimentary supervised
before-school program for children enrolled in grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade. ACDS also offers a fee-based after-school program,
The Orchard,
staffed by certified caregivers for Kindergarten through 8th grade students.
Learn More about The Orchard: Extended Day Program