Elementary School

ASV Elementary students learn in a warm and caring environment where taking risks is valued. An optimal learning environment is created using Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS). Students are taught expectations and an intentional focus is placed on positive choices. When students are taught what is expected of them, and how to follow expectations, they will understand these expectations and typically exceed them.

English Language Acquisition

ASV embraces the workshop model developed by Teachers College (Columbia University) to deeply engage students in curricular content. Small group and individualized instruction foster deep engagement and a love of life-long learning.

Students are also taught multiple strategies to communicate mathematical concepts and develop critical thinking skills. Technology instruction is integrated throughout curricular areas to support collaboration, autonomy, individual engagement and creativity.

During a typical week students engage in rich activities in a variety of curricular areas, such as Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies, music, art, physical education, Spanish and Valencian languages.

Although separate curricular standards exist for each discipline, integrated and cross-curricular instruction occurs regularly in order for students to apply learning in real-life contexts.

Elementary Levels

Elementary School consists of Grade 1 through Grade 5.

Grade 1

Grade 1 is the beginning of Elementary School. Teachers build on strategies taught in Kinder to support students in their growth as readers and writers. In Math students are building number sense and solve simple problems, using math models to demonstrate and share their mathematical thinking. In Science students explore animal habitats, properties of matter and weather, while in Social Studies/Sociales, students learn about their family, school and immediate surroundings.

Grade 2

In Grade 2 students begin to engage more deeply in their reading and begin to read chapter books. In Math students continue to use math models to create and solve more complex real-life word problems. By the end of Grade 2 students are acquiring fluent mental computational skills in addition and subtraction in preparation for Grade 3. In Science students explore soil habitats and designing mixtures, while in Social Studies/Sociales, they learn about professions and their community.

Grade 3

In Grade 3 students become proficient, independent readers. In Math students begin multiplying and dividing using visual models to further develop their understanding of the properties of multiplication and division as well as multi-step word problems and fractions. In Science students study the human body, gravity and magnetism and shoreline science, while in Social Studies/Sociales, they learn about the Earth and society.

Grade 4

In Grade 4 students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. Students deepen their ability to discuss and analyze texts. In Math, students are using all mathematical operations to apply their learning in new situations, as well as exploring basic geometry and algebraic thinking. In Science students study Weather and Water Habitats, Environmental Adaptations and Fossils, while in Social Studies/Sociales they learn about prehistory and democracy.

Grade 5

In Grade 5 students learn to analyze and think critically about text and writing. They use a variety of tools to synthesize and demonstrate learning. In Math students complete basic foundational elements to prepare them for the secondary level Mathematics curriculum. Students combine decimals and fractions, learn to find area and volume, and graph points on the coordinate plane. In Science, students study light energy and model of matter, while in Social Studies/Sociales they learn about space, maps and selected moments in Spanish and American history.

Counseling

Personal, social and emotional development is valued and taught from Grades 1-5. School Counselors provide opportunities to practice problem solving and navigate friendships to support overall social and emotional development.

School Libraries

The Elementary Library, the classroom libraries and our online catalog contain age-appropriate books promoting meaningful connections with classroom projects and the curriculum while at the same time fostering digital citizenship and academic honesty.

ASV+

ASV+ is the official co-curricular activities program at the American School of Valencia. Students may participate in a variety of athletic teams or in a STEM group as a co-curricular activity.