Curriculum-at-a-Glance
Language Arts
Language Arts at PS1 is designed to prepare students for any reading and writing task, fostering life-long, confident readers and writers.
Our program is grounded in the science of reading and writing, using research-based methods to meet the individual needs of each learner.
Through explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, students develop the skills necessary for proficient reading.
Additionally, writing instruction emphasizes structured approaches to composition, grammar, and the writing process. Students learn to speak, listen, read, and write with purpose, deepening their understanding and contributing meaningfully to others’ knowledge.
Reading
At PS1 Pluralistic School, we prioritize nurturing a life-long love of reading while supporting all facets of reading development. Recognizing that each student’s journey is unique, we provide a structured, systematic, and cumulative approach to literacy instruction. Students engage with reading for pleasure, learning, and information-gathering. We honor the diverse range of reading abilities students bring to school, meeting each learner at their individual level.
Our structured literacy program is built on evidence-based practices and incorporates explicit, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension strategies. This sequential and cumulative approach ensures that students not only develop fluency and a deep understanding of texts, but also grow their confidence and joy in reading. Reading is seamlessly integrated into the school day and encouraged as a meaningful and joyful daily practice at home.
Writing
At PS1, we believe that every student is an author. From the earliest stages, students are encouraged to express their ideas through writing, with developmental spelling and dictation serving as natural starting points for younger learners. Our writing curriculum emphasizes the importance of finding one’s unique voice as a writer, viewing writing as a craft that grows and evolves over time.
Aligned with a growth mindset, we encourage students to embrace the full writing process—prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and publishing a final draft—while seeing each piece of writing as part of their journey toward mastery. At PS1, writing is about making meaning, not just recording information, and it prepares students to communicate effectively and thoughtfully in all areas of their lives.
Speaking and Listening
PS1 students grow into confident communicators and attentive listeners, two skills integral to our pluralistic mission. The development of public speaking and active listening is embedded across the curriculum, allowing even the quietest voices to emerge with confidence. We prioritize the sharing of ideas and encourage students to build on each other’s thoughts through collaborative discussions. Whether the students are engaging with teachers, participating in group work, or addressing the entire school community during Circle Time, they are consistently developing their ability to express their thoughts, listen thoughtfully, and engage in respectful discourse. At PS1, we believe that fostering these essential communication skills is foundational to participating in a democratic society and essential for personal growth.
Math
PS1’s math program is designed to foster a positive math identity and empower students with a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
All students are known as competent mathematicians and will be supported to extend their learning. Students are taught to construct meaning of mathematical concepts through critical thinking, problem solving, developmentally appropriate models, meaningful discourse, creativity, and more.
By utilizing the ways children naturally make sense of math, they are positioned to make connections, think flexibly, understand complex topics, and progress forward.
Students in Kindergarten-5th Grade use Contexts For Learning Mathematics. This is a comprehensive curriculum aligned to the Common Core State Standards.
It was built around author Cathy Fosnot's developmental learning trajectories, which identify the most important big ideas, strategies, and models in mathematics. This curriculum provides incredibly rich opportunities for students to see themselves as “mathematicians at work.” Their needs will be met and their learning will be extended no matter where they are on their math journey. Students will develop and demonstrate conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and application through the carefully constructed lesson structure. They will investigate open and intriguing contexts from their lived world, and build fluency and automaticity through strings of related problems.
6th-grade students use Illustrative Mathematics, a curriculum which is also aligned with Common Core State Standards. Engaging students in rich, problem-based tasks, this curriculum sparks discussion and discovery. Its intentional lesson design promotes mathematical understanding and fluency for all students. Students learn by doing math, solving problems in mathematical and real-world contexts, and constructing arguments using precise language.
Above all, students find joy in making sense of the math that is all around them. Click below to learn more about Contexts for Learning through the clusters and to hear an overview of the program.
Math Overview By Cluster
“Every first and second Thursday of the month, I walk into Math Morning. The hardest problems are always in the back. That is where I always go. One Thursday, there was a Nim problem… A few weeks later, I was in a math competition and there was a Nim problem! I was the only sixth grader in the country to get it right.” H.K., Class of 2025
From early explorations of shapes and numbers, to discovering patterns in Nim and tackling multi-step algebraic equations, PS1 students are thriving in math. With Contexts for Learning Mathematics (K–5) and Illustrative Math (6th grade), our program builds problem-solvers who know not just what works, but why it works. Our students find joy in challenge — and the support of teachers who ask the right questions to deepen their understanding and sharpen their ability to explain their reasoning.
Social Studies and Science
To better reflect our evolving and innovative educational experiences, we’ve reimagined traditional subjects—Social Studies, Science, Social Justice, History, and Environmental Studies—under a unified theme: Community and Environment. This integrated approach more accurately represents the way our students learn: through connection, context, and curiosity.
Projects and themes are intentionally woven together, shaped by students’ questions, imagination, and the real-world issues that matter to them. This holistic model helps children build a deeper understanding of themselves, their community, and the world they share.
Science
Social Studies
Social Studies begins with family and identity and expands to local, national, and global communities. Through Imaginative Inquiry—an approach that uses storytelling, role play, and dramatic conventions—students step into multiple perspectives, explore history and social issues, and practice taking action in imaginative yet meaningful contexts.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Social Emotional Learning
Nurturing Social and Emotional Development at PS1
At PS1, we believe education should do more than transfer knowledge—it should spark curiosity, build confidence, and empower students to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential to this mission. By helping children understand themselves, connect with others, and navigate challenges with empathy and integrity, we prepare them to be curious, critical thinkers who lead with compassion and purpose.
We believe that for children to thrive academically and personally, they need to feel a strong sense of belonging and self-worth. This is why we focus on helping each student recognize their unique strengths and potential. From our youngest learners to our oldest students, we prioritize teaching emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, understanding that these are just as crucial as academic knowledge.
Our SEL program is guided by the CASEL 5 Framework, which develops lifelong skills in: Self-Awareness – recognizing emotions, strengths, and identity; Self-Management – managing emotions and setting goals; Social Awareness – showing empathy and understanding diverse perspectives; Relationship Skills – building healthy friendships and resolving conflicts; and Responsible Decision-Making – making thoughtful, ethical choices
Our teachers skillfully weave SEL into everyday lessons, creating a holistic learning experience. For example, during group projects, students practice cooperation and effective communication. In reflective writing assignments, they explore their emotions and perspectives. Class discussions often include themes of empathy and ethical decision-making, helping students apply these concepts in real-life situations.
We also dedicate specific times for focused SEL activities, where students can delve deeper into understanding their emotions and building strong, positive relationships with their peers. By embedding SEL into our curriculum, we ensure that our students are not only academically prepared but also emotionally resilient and socially adept.
At PS1, we recognize that fostering social and emotional growth is key to developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their communities. We are proud of our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student can say, "I Am Somebody."
Technology
Technology is integrated into learning as a creative tool. Students build digital literacy through keyboarding, research, presentations, and multimedia projects. In The Studio, they use tech for design and engineering, developing fluency in problem solving and innovation.
It is our goal that students become adept and confident with technology as the tools to stimulate and heighten their sense of imagination, discovery, presentation, and exploration.
Specific skills such as keyboarding, word processing, and use of the Internet for research are taught. Students create multimedia presentations using iPads and computers. Technology is an integral part of the design and engineering projects that students produce in The Studio, using software to bring their ideas to life with coding and on the 3-D printers. It is our goal that students become adept and confident with technology as the tools to stimulate and heighten their sense of imagination, discovery, presentation, and exploration.
