Lower School
Language Arts
Diegueno’s language arts program builds a strong foundation in reading, literature, and writing through a structured yet immersive approach. Using the Orton-Gillingham method, phonics instruction is direct, explicit, and cumulative, ensuring students master essential English language rules with confidence. Literature-rich reading experiences deepen analysis and foster connections between texts and real-life experiences, enhancing comprehension and critical thinking. A comprehensive writing curriculum strengthens grammar, structure, and expression, guiding students through narrative, expository, and persuasive essays, as well as poetry. With a focus on both skill and creativity, students develop into articulate, thoughtful, and confident communicators.
Math
Math curriculum at Diegueno cultivates deep conceptual understanding through the Singapore Math curriculum, emphasizing problem-solving and analytical thinking. Open-ended inquiry and whole-class discussions encourage students to share diverse strategies, fostering mathematical discourse and confidence. Mistakes are viewed as learning opportunities, with timely feedback and support guiding growth. Hands-on activities, explorations, and games provide differentiated learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs. More than just mastering skills, students develop a genuine appreciation for mathematics, seeing themselves as capable, resilient learners who approach challenges with curiosity and confidence.
Science
Diegueno’s lower school science program nurtures natural curiosity through inquiry-based exploration and hands-on discovery. Each unit introduces key vocabulary and builds knowledge through engaging videos, interactive activities, and digital resources. Students apply their learning through real-world experiments, encouraging critical thinking and deeper scientific understanding. Weekly Science Lab sessions provide additional opportunities for hands-on experimentation, reinforcing the scientific method and fostering a love of discovery. By connecting classroom concepts to the world around them, students develop the analytical skills and curiosity essential for lifelong scientific exploration.
Social Studies
Diegueno’s lower school social studies program sparks curiosity through inquiry-driven exploration and meaningful real-world connections. Using Houghton Mifflin Harcourt resources, students engage with a dynamic blend of textbooks, vibrant magazines, and interactive digital content that bring history, geography, culture, and civics to life. Each unit introduces age-appropriate vocabulary and concepts through videos, hands-on projects, storytelling, and classroom discussions that place student questions and ideas at the heart of learning. From mapping communities to exploring global traditions and understanding how local governments work, students learn to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, and see themselves as part of a larger world.