Curriculum
At YES Charter, we are committed to fostering a deep love of learning while meeting the diverse needs of our students. By thoughtfully integrating the California State Standards with hands-on, engaging Project-Based Learning activities and essential 21st-century skills, we create a dynamic learning environment. Our approach is designed to support various learning styles and ensure that students are not only academically successful but also prepared to thrive in the world beyond the classroom.
Project-Based Learning and Field Trips
Spanning 15 acres, YES Charter offers students exceptional opportunities to extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom. Central to our educational approach is Project-Based Learning (PBL), which encourages students to explore real-world issues while cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Each PBL experience begins with a thought-provoking driving question designed to spark curiosity and inspire deeper inquiry. By integrating standards across multiple disciplines, students engage in meaningful projects that connect academic knowledge with practical application, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the world around them.
This hands-on approach also allows students to connect with their local environment, developing a sense of stewardship for the land. Our First Graders, for example, delighted in planting a milkweed garden to support the future of native pollinators, such as the monarch butterfly. Meanwhile, our Middle School students explored fire science, proposing innovative solutions for communities in fire-prone areas
Field trips play a vital role in connecting students to the world around them. By visiting local farms, rafting along the Yuba River, and even spending a week at Shady Creek Outdoor School, YES Charter students gain a greater understanding of the important part they play in the community.
CALIFORNIA STATE STANDARDS
California State Standards for each grade provide a framework for the academic skills students need and build upon as they move forward from kindergarten to high school. Building on prior knowledge each year, these Standards create a clear and consistent foundation for student learning objectives.
Mathematics
Today’s educational standards emphasize critical thinking, the application of knowledge, and conceptual understanding—moving beyond rote memorization. From the elementary years onward, students build a strong foundation, deepening their understanding year after year and making meaningful connections across disciplines.
In mathematics, our approach focuses on key components such as problem-solving, modeling, strategic use of tools, and logical reasoning. At YES Charter, we are committed to selecting curricula that not only align with California State Standards for both content and rigor but also provide students with opportunities for hands-on, real-world applications of their learning.
Currently, we have adopted Illustrative Math across all grade levels. This curriculum is problem-based, encouraging students to engage actively with numbers and develop mathematical concepts through exploration and collaborative discussion.
English Language Arts
In English Language Arts, YES Charter fosters a deep understanding of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, with an emphasis on critical thinking and effective communication. From elementary through middle and upper grades, students are equipped with the tools to analyze texts, articulate ideas, and express themselves clearly and creatively.
In the elementary grades, we utilize SAVVAS My View, a comprehensive program that integrates reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and writing skills. This curriculum helps students connect with a diverse range of texts while developing the foundational skills necessary for academic success.
For our middle and upper-grade students, YES uses a tailored curriculum designed to meet the specific needs and interests of each grade level while also meeting accreditation standards.
Science
In Science, YES Charter follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to ensure a rigorous and comprehensive understanding of the natural world. From early grades through middle and upper levels, students engage in hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that foster curiosity and critical thinking.
Aligned with NGSS, our curriculum encourages students to explore scientific concepts through investigation, experimentation, and problem-solving. In each grade, lessons are carefully crafted to build on prior knowledge, allowing students to deepen their understanding of core scientific principles while making real-world connections.
Arts and Physical Education
At YES Charter, we believe in the importance of a well-rounded education, which is why we integrate the California Arts Standards and Physical Education Standards into our curriculum. Our full-time Art and PE teachers provide specialized instruction, allowing students to explore their creativity and develop physical fitness through structured lessons. Additionally, art, music, and movement are woven into daily activities with classroom teachers, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to express themselves artistically and stay active.