Open Court Reading Series K-6 Open Court was developed by Scholastic Research Associates and is based on the latest research in reading and language development. Open Court has been around for many years and has been field tested very successfully. It is great for multiage, as is academically very high compared to other series. This system provides a challenge for those that are accelerated and includes reinforcement material for those who are struggling. Our curriculum has authentic classical literature chosen to prepare students for real world applications. Finally, this program integrates Fine Arts, Science and Social Studies into the literature studies. We also participate in the Spelling Bee each year and encourage young authors to excel in their craft. Junior High Language Program 7-8 Literature Studies are used to integrate all of the language arts skills. Students read and study a particular book in depth. Students learn grammar, spelling and vocabulary weekly. Saxon Math K-8 Saxon Math is unique because the entire program is based on introducing a topic to students and then allowing them to build upon that concept as they learn new ones. Topics are never dropped but are instead increased in complexity and practiced every day, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar. This incremental approach to math differs from most traditional programs that are "chapter-based." In these traditional texts, students are presented with and expected to learn an entire mathematical concept in one day. The homework for that day consists of twenty or thirty problems, all of which deal with that concept. The topic is then only reviewed prior to a test, if at all. Saxon Math textbooks, however, divide concepts into smaller, more easily grasped pieces called increments. A new increment is presented each day and students work only a few problems involving the new material. The remaining homework consists of practice problems involving concepts previously introduced. Thus, every assignment (and every test) is a cumulative review of all material covered up to that point. History and Social Studies K-8 We have wonderful Arizona History books for our Levels 3 and 5. History and Social Studies is integrated into our language programs already so teachers thematically and creatively cover several areas such as the meaning of holidays at the younger levels and the study of ancient Egypt at the upper levels. Each teacher also incorporates the Arizona Standards for Social Science into his or her curriculum as required by law. Geography is taught at each level and we have our own geography bee each year. Art/Drama/Music/PE K-8 Art and Drama are taught in each class and are integrated into the subject that each teacher is covering. Mrs. Soto is our certified specialist in this area and consults with the Levels as needed. Level 3 learns the recorder on a weekly basis. We have our own new fine arts room and a new sports playground with volleyball, basketball and kickball courts. Science K-8 Science is taught using kits that include all the materials necessary to investigate and experience many different areas of scientific exploration. Willow Creek Charter requires a science project from each student in grades 3-8 and participates in the Northern Arizona Regional Science Fair each year! During the 2003-2004 school year, 10% of our total population at Willow Creek Charter received ribbons Northern Arizona Regional Science Fair! We had two Discovery awards winners and one student won $3500.00 in scholarships to Embry Riddle. We are very proud of all our students. Writing K-8 Children are taught the traits of successful writing throughout the years at Willow Creek Charter. Work is revised and edited and a successful final copy is the end result! We use writing handbooks put out by the Wright Source Publishers to supplement our writing program. Middle school students work with the 6 traits writing program while learning types of writing such as expository, descriptive, narrative and informational. Level 5 students are required to write several complete research papers. Willow Creek Charter is a school that offers high academic standards in a caring, small environment, where individual needs may be addressed and each student is appreciated. Students are our top priority. We care about kids and it shows!