West Seattle Elementary Academics Overview

Reading

West Seattle Elementary students are always growing as readers! We use the Center for the Collaborative Classroom (CCC)model for reading instruction. The CCC model emphasizes a variety of research-based strategies, including small group instruction, student-led facilitation, and embedded social-emotional skills to give students the tools they need to become great readers.

Our major emphasis is to give students the higher-level thinking skills that all proficient readers use when they read a text. Individual conferencing and assessment are built into our reading program so that every student’s learning needs are met. In addition to our school lending library of over 10,000 volumes, each classroom has a leveled classroom library with a variety of books for students to enjoy.

Math

Math skills are a top priority for every student at West Seattle Elementary. We use a variety of math instruction methods, ranging from whole group projects to small group instruction, with the goal of making every student proficient at math.

Teachers use Rethink Mathematics to consistently monitor student progress and adjust teaching strategies as needed.

Science

West Seattle Elementary focuses on theme-based, hands-on science units. Each grade level studies several units during the school year. Study areas include fabrics, rocks and minerals, organisms, circuits and pathways, ecosystems, soils, micro-worlds and many more. In addition to our regular science curriculum, intermediate students participate in the Salmon in the Schools program, which allows students to raise salmon from eggs. During the rearing process, students explore issues such as water ph, temperature and quality, the stages of salmon development and the life cycle of our native salmon species.

Another way intermediate students study local ecology is through a four-day long camping trip to Islandwood, a 255 square acre outdoor learning center. Students are immersed in an exciting curriculum that emphasizes ecosystem science.

Geography

All students at West Seattle Elementary participate in weekly geography lessons. Through a variety of teaching methods, students learn about different cultures, biomes and natural landscapes around the world. The year culminates with a Geography Bee competition.