K–8 Curriculum
Students experience a content-rich STE³M-focused education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Math. Grounded in the Core Knowledge Sequence and brought to life through Problem-Based Learning, our program builds the strong academic foundation every child needs for high school, college, and beyond.
A Strong Foundation from Day One
Garfield County School of Innovation's educational philosophy rests on a balanced approach: students must first acquire solid foundational knowledge before they can effectively apply, analyze, evaluate, and create. Project-based and real-world learning are most powerful when built on a strong base of content knowledge.
This balanced pedagogy guides instruction from Kindergarten through Grade 12. In K–8, the Core Knowledge Sequence provides the cumulative, coherent, and content-specific framework that ensures every student builds the background knowledge necessary for reading comprehension, critical thinking, and later academic success.
Eight Pillars of the K–8 Program
Core Knowledge Sequence
The primary curriculum framework for Kindergarten through Grade 8. Core Knowledge provides a coherent, cumulative, and content-specific curriculum that systematically builds knowledge in language arts, history and geography, visual arts, music, mathematics, and science.
Colorado Academic Standards Alignment
The Core Knowledge Sequence, which we will properly implement and supplement, meets or exceeds the Colorado Academic Standards. The school will map Core Knowledge content to state standards and use additional high-quality resources where needed to ensure full coverage.
Literacy — Colorado READ Act
Early literacy is a top priority. The school will implement a research-based approach aligned with the Colorado READ Act, including systematic phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students reading below benchmark will receive timely, targeted intervention.
Mathematics
Mathematics instruction will emphasize both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. The school will select a high-quality mathematics program that aligns with the Colorado Academic Standards and supports the problem-solving demands of later STE³M coursework.
Science, History, Geography & the Arts
These disciplines are taught as serious content areas within the Core Knowledge framework. History and civics instruction will emphasize primary source documents, personal letters, and early texts from the founding era so students develop an accurate understanding of American history from the earliest grades.
Engineering — Starting in Sixth Grade
Beginning in sixth grade, every student will participate in engineering classes as a regular part of the curriculum. Engineering will be taught through age-appropriate design challenges that integrate science, mathematics, and problem-solving — building the foundation for advanced STE³AM work in high school.
Entrepreneurship - Beginning in First Grade
Entrepreneurship education begins in first grade and continues through Grade 8. Using age-appropriate programs aligned with the Junior Achievement sequence, students are introduced to foundational concepts of business, innovation, and value creation. In the upper elementary and middle school grades, students engage in design challenges, business simulations, and real-world projects that integrate entrepreneurial thinking with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—building the mindset and practical skills needed for advanced STE³AM work in high school.
Technology, Arts & Music
Technology, visual arts, and music are treated as essential content areas throughout the K–8 program. Students receive regular instruction in each discipline, with technology integrated to support learning across subjects and to build digital literacy and problem-solving skills. Visual arts and music follow the Core Knowledge Sequence and are taught as serious academic subjects, giving every student the opportunity to develop creative expression, cultural knowledge, and technical skill from Kindergarten through Grade 8.
How We Measure Student Growth
Multiple measures give teachers and families a clear, complete picture of each student's progress.
NWEA MAP Growth
Reading and Mathematics — nationally normed adaptive assessments given multiple times per year to track individual growth.
Colorado READ Act Assessments
Early literacy screening and diagnostic tools to identify students who need targeted reading intervention.
CMAS
Colorado Measures of Academic Success — state-required assessments in English language arts, mathematics, and science.
Curriculum-Based Measures
Teacher-created assessments and classroom measures aligned to Core Knowledge content and Colorado Academic Standards.
RISE-K Character Rubrics
Character growth rubrics that track student development in Respect, Integrity, Servant Leadership, Excellence, and Kindness.
Character Education: RISE-K
From Kindergarten through Grade 8, character development is woven into every lesson, every interaction, and every school day.
Respect
Treating every person with dignity — peers, teachers, community members, and self.
Integrity
Doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Honesty, accountability, and moral courage.
Servant Leadership
Leading by serving others first. Students learn that true leadership is measured by impact on the community.
Excellence
Pursuing the highest standard in academics, character, and personal growth — not perfection, but continuous improvement.
Kindness
Choosing compassion and generosity in every interaction, building a school culture where every student belongs.
Ready to Enroll Your Child?
Garfield County School of Innovation is accepting Letters of Intent from families who want to give their children a content-rich, character-focused education from Kindergarten through Grade 12.