Elementary Program

The Hollywood Schoolhouse elementary program begins with full-day kindergarten classes where students are exposed to a creative curriculum of language arts, math, science, social studies, Spanish, Drama, Music and Fine Art. Our teachers strive to create days filled with creative and engaging tasks ease children into elementary academics. The Hollywood Schoolhouse environment is one where children work independently and in small groups, where differentiated learning accommodates all types of learners.

We are committed to small class sizes, and opened a new Learning Center in September 2006, specifically designed for grades K-2. The Learning Center offers remediation or enrichment for all children in those grades.

Using the California State framework as a base, we mix both traditional and progressive teaching methods. Children learn through teacher directed lessons, cooperative learning groups, peer interaction, discussions, hands-on activities, and cross-curricular studies. Children are stimulated to be active critical thinkers. At the Hollywood Schoolhouse, we address the many types of learners: intrapersonal, interpersonal, spatial, kinesthetic, musical, verbal/linguistic, naturalist/existentialist, and logical/mathematical. Our staff members teach to the multiple intelligences of our students by providing a variety of multi-modality learning experiences and assessment tools. Children learn most effectively when given the proper guidance and are made to feel comfortable to take risks in their learning environment.

A well-trained, caring and enthusiastic faculty teaches students with a passion for teaching. Staff members are invigorated and inspired by the young people they influence. The close connection between the students, their families, and the teachers is the heart of the Hollywood Schoolhouse community. Staff members believe in the development of the whole child and in the enormous benefit of interdisciplinary, project-based learning. The ultimate goal is the attainment and development of abilities that can be applied to real, practical life situations. The teachers strive to create a nurturing environment in which all children may learn, grow and meet their full human potential.

Children are given a strong academic foundation with a carefully planned sequence of study. The Language Arts curriculum consists of reading, writing, listening and speaking. At each grade level we foster a love for reading by encouraging students to be insightful readers and by exposing them to a variety of genres. Children are inspired to stretch themselves in their reading selections and explore areas of interest. Teachers choose reading selections that pique children’s interest and imagination, complement the curriculum, and place an emphasis on the gender, ethnicity, and social diversity of our student body. Children are encouraged to predict, discuss issues, interpret, respond to, make conclusions, discuss, summarize, and write reading responses. Books that are related to social studies and science concepts are also integrated into the reading program. The building blocks of vocabulary, spelling, and grammar provide students with the skills to be more advanced independent readers, as well as writers.

The writing process is strongly emphasized in our language program. Teachers expose students to the beauty and power of the written word. Students apply the important elements of prewriting, drafting, conferencing, revising, editing, publishing, and developing their own creative expression through writing. Writing is also integrated throughout the curriculum.

In our mathematics program, students are encouraged to apply mathematical principals to real life, practical situations. When presented with problems, students are asked to strategize, develop, and share their reasoning and solution strategies. This problem solving approach, along with mathematical reasoning, a strong conceptual foundation, and a hands-on approach to learning mathematical concepts, helps in each child’s development. A spiral approach to learning is used. Skills that are acquired are revisited and applied on an ongoing basis. Students strive for a mastery of basic skills and receive much benefit from the problem solving, hands-on approach to learning mathematical concepts.

Across all grade levels, social studies concepts are integrated into the curriculum. Students explore interrelated topics that meet and exceed the requirements of the California State Framework. Many of the themes are related to our own Los Angeles community and the diversity of the student body. Students are encouraged to explore different points of view and respect the various influences that have shaped our world. Students also enjoy the many project based activities and fieldtrips that have been incorporated into our social studies curriculum.

In our science program, students experience physical, earth and life sciences. Teachers use a hands-on, project-based approach to learning science. Students use their experiences to observe, infer, and evaluate the scientific process. Students enjoy and benefit from regular visits from our science specialist or from trips to our science lab and community garden.

Complementing our core curriculum is a multitude of experiences in Spanish, Computer Science and athletics. Visual Arts, Performance, and Music are an extremely important part of our curriculum. Performances and fine arts nights show off the student’s hard work, dedication, and talent. Curriculum-related fieldtrips also complement learning experiences in all areas.

At the Hollywood Schoolhouse, we strongly believe education is a joint venture among students, parents and teachers. As a team, we value the importance of working together and participating as a constructive force. We believe in setting our students up for success. Our children are stimulated, confident, and excited about learning. This love of learning continues to grow and expand throughout their lives.