School Schedule

Students are grouped flexibly for mathematics instruction, with hands-on investigations that are deeply rooted in real-life applications. This approach allows students to progress at their own pace, providing the flexibility to spend more time on challenging concepts or accelerate when needed. For students in 5th grade who require advanced instruction, 6th grade math options are also available. 

District-Approved Universal Math Curriculum: Math Expressions

Math Expressions

Colorado State Standards for Math:

Grade K 
Grade 1

Grade 2

District Approved Literacy Curriculum:

Into Reading

Colorado State Standards for Literacy:

Grade K

Grade 1

Grade 2

District Approved Science Curriculum: FOSS Science

FOSS

Colorado State Standards for Science:

Grade K

Grade 1

Grade 2

Colorado State Standards for Social Studies:

Grade K

Grade 1

Grade 2

School begins at 8:30 a.m., and students typically arrive by 8:15 a.m. Depending on the weather, students start the day with either some outdoor free-play time or indoor independent reading or writing.

After completing our morning check-in and chores, we begin the day with Morning Circle. This is an essential part of the elementary school experience, as it helps build a sense of community, fosters social-emotional skills like empathy and active listening, develops public speaking skills, and establishes a positive classroom environment. It also provides a structured space for students to share thoughts and feelings, setting the tone for a productive day of learning.

During Morning Circle, each student is warmly greeted and recognized. Both teachers and students have the opportunity to share what they've been up to outside of school, what they're looking forward to, or what's been on their minds. We discuss the day's or week's schedule, share any important announcements, and engage in a community-building activity to start the day on a positive note. On Mondays, our Circle includes the whole school, giving everyone the chance to build community together.

The Responsive Classroom is an amazing resource for all things classroom management.

The Responsive classroom morning meeting

 

 

Students are grouped flexibly for mathematics instruction, with hands-on investigations that are deeply rooted in real-life applications. This approach allows students to progress at their own pace, providing the flexibility to spend more time on challenging concepts or accelerate when needed. For students in 5th grade who require advanced instruction, 6th grade math options are also available. 

District-Approved Universal Math Curriculum: Math Expressions

Math Expressions

Colorado State Standards for Math:

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Grade 6

Literacy instruction at Gold Hill School occurs in whole-class, small group, and individualized settings, with learning tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students. Reading instruction encompasses all key components, including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension of both fiction and nonfiction texts. Our writing curriculum explores a variety of writing styles and purposes, focusing on fiction, nonfiction, and opinion writing.

District Approved Literacy Curriculum:

Into Reading

Colorado State Standards for Literacy:

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

The K-5 students enjoy lunch and recess together, providing a time for socializing and building friendships. In warmer weather, we take advantage of the outdoors and eat outside. During recess, students have the opportunity to play and form bonds both within and across grade levels.

At Gold Hill School, science and social studies investigations often integrate literacy, mathematics, and the arts. These investigations may take place in the classroom or extend into the local environment. Instruction is typically delivered to the whole class, with learning scaffolded to support younger students, and collaborative learning approaches are frequently employed. Each year, students explore one unit each of life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Social studies includes one unit each of history, civics, and economics per year. Topics rotate on a three-year cycle. While the units of study align with those in other BVSD schools, our students may encounter these topics at different grade levels, with each unit’s depth and approach tailored to Gold Hill School’s experiential learning philosophy. By the end of fifth grade, students will have met intermediate standards, although not always in the same grade level as in other district schools.

District Approved Science Curriculum: FOSS Science

FOSS

Colorado State Standards for Science:

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Colorado State Standards for Social Studies:

Grade 3

Grade 4

Grade 5

Our specials classes—Music, Art, and Physical Education—are provided by BVSD, just like at any other BVSD school. These classes follow an ABC rotation schedule, where students enjoy a week of art, followed by a week of music, and then a week of physical education. The classes are taught to the whole school, with subject matter scaled and differentiated as needed to accommodate all learners.

At the end of the school day, students complete their chores, pack up, and gather for a brief Closing Circle. This time allows us to reflect on the day and the learning that took place. The Closing Circle is an important part of the day as it offers a structured space for students to reflect, share accomplishments, express concerns, and set goals for the next day. It helps build community, fosters a sense of belonging and safety, and allows for a smooth transition from learning to dismissal. This time ensures that students leave with a positive feeling about their day and their learning experience.  Dismissal time is 3:30pm.