K-8 Concept
THE K-8 SCHOOL CONCEPT
What is a K-8 School?
- A neighborhood school
- A school where students progress from kindergarten through eighth grade together
- A school that offers appropriate curriculum and instruction at each grade level
Why is this concept popular?
Research indicates that students benefit from a K-8 school. Some 40% of California schools serving 6-8 graders are K-8 schools. Studies show:
- Students at K-8 schools show greater growth in achievement
- Parents and teachers at K-8 schools show significant satisfaction
- Smaller numbers of students per grade level, which is typical of K-8 schools, increase achievement
- Reduced numbers of transitions from school to school increase student achievement
A way to offer alternatives to traditional middle schools for some middle-grade students
- Many CUSD middle schools are at capacity, with more than 400 students per grade
- K-8 schools would contain between 100 and 175 students per grade
Additional ways that students benefit
- Increased parent involvement at all grade levels
- Learning strengthened because a smaller number of teachers work more closely together
- Greater personal connections to teachers and administrators
- Younger students get to know teachers before moving to middle school
- Younger students can be tutored by older students, and older students obtain leadership skills and responsibility
- Younger advanced students have opportunities for accelerated study
- Students can remain at their neighborhood school with a seamless transition between their primary, intermediate, and middle grade programs
- Students are less likely to “fall through the cracks.”
What is it like at a CUSD K-8 School?
- A neighborhood school
- Administrators know children and families well
- Students at all grade levels taught CUSD grade-level standards and curriculum
- Teacher teams share curriculum expertise and student information from level to level
- High-achieving intermediate grade students have access to advanced courses
- Middle grade students change classes and take electives
- Middle grade students transition toward independence needed for high school in a supportive environment
- Middle grade parents remain involved in their neighborhood school