In the early grades, the focus is on phonics, phonemic awareness, and guided reading to instill a love for literature and reading habits that will benefit students in their academic journey and beyond.

Early reading in primary grades is introduced through the Science of Reading methodology, emphasizing phonics instruction as the foundation. This equips students with decoding skills, while guided reading provides practice and enhances context comprehension.

Teachers utilize a variety of resources, including authentic literature, to improve students' ability to interpret and appreciate written text.

Intermediate grades shift the focus from learning to read to reading to learn. A multi-text literacy approach supports various learning activities for students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Our reading program incorporates evidence-based materials and techniques essential for a well-rounded reading, spelling, and handwriting curriculum, featuring:

• Phonemic awareness
• Phonics/word study
• High-frequency word study
• Reading fluency
• Vocabulary
• Comprehension strategies
• Handwriting
• Spelling

Georgia ELA/Reading Standards

Writing, grammar, listening, speaking comprise our Language Arts program. These are all designed to help students develop communication skills. Our writing program begins early in kindergarten. We see a strong language arts program playing significantly in the understanding and advancement of all other subjects across the curriculum. At Jackson, students have many opportunities to demonstrate their language arts skills through writing in all subject areas.

Georgia ELA/Reading Standards

Our mathematics program is anchored in a manipulative-based approach that focuses on concepts and problem solving. The Georgia Department of Education publishes standards for all Georgia schools to follow and these standards drive our instruction. We utilize a wide variety of resources to teach these standards and focus our efforts on concept development and application. Students have many opportunities to apply mathematics concepts and solve complex mathematical problems, with real life applications utilized throughout the curriculum. Our students reinforce their learning with appropriate games and competitions that engage and excite learners.

Georgia Math Standards

The science program is designed to expose students to a wide variety of science disciplines with a hands-on emphasis on the real world. Students learn the scientific method of observing and experimenting while developing their natural curiosity.

Georgia Science Standards

Our social studies curriculum takes students from their own awareness of self to their place in the world around them. It includes history, geography, and economics, as well as current events. Social Studies is integrated throughout our curriculum as we encourage students to expand their understanding to include a true global perspective.

Georgia Social Studies Standards

Our PE program includes exercise, skill development, rhythms, and a wide variety of introductory sports instruction. Our Wellness program, focusing on healthy eating and living, encompasses both physical education and health and fitness, offering a variety of activities designed to develop both. 

Georgia Physical Education Standards

The goal of the fine arts program is to build a strong foundation of skills using a diverse curriculum designed for enjoyable, active learning, creating, and performing. Through these positive experiences, students will grow up to become more confident and well rounded adults who appreciate the arts and incorporate it into their lives.

Our visual arts program encompasses multiple mediums, including painting, drawing, clay, ceramics, and mixed media, exposing students to a wide variety of artistic expression. Student work is displayed throughout the year. Students are then invited to display a sample of their work in our annual Art Show!

Georgia Visual Arts Standards

Language and communication are at the heart of the human experience. Learning to communicate in another language is critical to our students' ability to succeed in a global society. Our focus is to:

• Ensure students receive quality instruction in the target language through an articulated, sequential program which prepares them for college, career, and life in a global society;

• Provide opportunities for cultural and linguistic enrichment through authentic interactions and engaging instruction.

At Jackson Elementary, we are able to offer World Language instruction in Spanish to students in second through fifth grade. The program focuses on learning a second language through listening, speaking, singing, reading, and writing through developmentally appropriate activities. Instruction includes learning about the many countries and cultures and helps to support our IB global awareness objectives. 

Spanish Standards