Lower School
Building character that will last a lifetime.
During their Lower School years at San Domenico, students will master fundamental skills and gain knowledge in all of the core academic subjects, but we believe there’s more to an exceptional education. Through our very intentional approach, San Domenico students continuously develop their character in tandem with their academic growth.
At SD our educational philosophy is deeply imbued with our core values of study, reflection, community, and service. These values guide our student-centered classrooms and our commitment to developing habits of mind in our youngest students that will serve them throughout their K through 12 years here at SD, and out in the world at large. We nurture and foster our students' natural sense of inquiry and curiosity about the world around them, in a vibrant learning community.
Curriculum Overview
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Mathematics - 1st
We teach math skills using hands-on manipulatives, pictorial representation, and abstract symbols.
Mathematics - 2nd
Problem solving is a key feature, with students working independently and in groups.
Mathematics - 3rd
Students develop into mathematical thinkers with a mastery of abstract problem-solving.
Mathematics - 4th
Students use conceptual models to visualize abstract mathematical operations, such as fractions.
Mathematics - 5th
Students learn multiple methods for computation, building a repertoire of strategies.
Mathematics - K
Students strengthen their math concepts and fluency with daily, hands-on math stations.
Music - 1st
Students learn how participating in music can enhance their lives and the world around them.
Music - 2nd
We play many songs together as an ensemble or band, learning different instruments and parts.
Music - 3rd
We sing songs and play instruments from many different cultures, eras, and composers.
Music - 4th
Fourth Graders use ukuleles in the band to strum chords and sing along.
Music - 5th
The band uses drums to keep time with rhythms that are of increasing complexity.
Music - K
Students study notes and rhythms through singing, movement, and hands-on instrument play.
Physical Education - 1st
Students continue to build healthy habits with physical activity, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Physical Education - 2nd
Students learn to demonstrate independence and a sense of fair play and cooperation through play.
Physical Education - 3rd
Games focus on proper motor patterns while engaging in moderate and vigorous physical activities.
Physical Education - 4th
Students learn fitness and skill development through assigned tasks during games and activities.
Physical Education - 5th
Students perform fitness activities to build strength, endurance, coordination and agility.
Physical Education - K
Students explore and develop kinesthetic skills and coordination through cooperative games.
Reading - 1st
Students work on developing strong reading habits to become independent readers.
Reading - 2nd
Students develop and strengthen skills such as retelling, questioning, and summarizing.
Reading - 3rd
Three simple words set the foundation of our third grade literacy program: Reading is thinking.
Reading - 4th
Students begin to interpret books by searching for clues and making connections to their own lives.
Reading - 5th
Students work on determining themes, inferring, analyzing the author’s craft, and more.
Reading - K
With exposure to fiction and non-fiction books, students learn to see themselves as readers.
Science - 2nd
Through investigation and observation, students form deeper understandings of the world around them.
Science - 3rd
Students make models, code, investigate questions, and use the engineering design process.
Science - 4th
Students see themselves as scientists who ask questions, think critically, and develop hypotheses.
Science - 5th
We use hand-on investigations in multiple fields of science: Earth, Life, Physical, and Computer.
Science - K
We focus on hands-on learning through experiments and scientific explorations.
Social Studies - 1st
Students gain a view of their place in the world by studying community, leadership, and identity.
Social Studies - 2nd
Students write to pen pals, examine food supply chains, and learn about societal Changemakers.
Social Studies - 3rd
Students focus on Marin County, including geography, indigenous peoples, and local government.
Social Studies - 4th
We study the history of California and explore how our past influences our present and future.
Social Studies - 5th
Students study and create projects based on geography and the history of the United States.
Social Studies - K
Three distinct units help students learn to think deeply about the world around them.
Visual Arts - 1st
We explore Andy Goldsworthy, study Berthe Morisot, and use Matisse’s interiors for inspiration.
Visual Arts - 2nd
We paint upside-down like Michelangelo, draw self-portraits à la Mona Lisa, and draw landscapes.
Visual Arts - 3rd
We draw flowers like Georgia O’Keeffe, explore Salvadore Dali’s surrealism, and build Miwok kotchas.
Visual Arts - 4th
We explore color theory, Japanese Sumi-e ink painting, mosaics, architecture, and more.
Visual Arts - 5th
We draw still-life from observation, explore advertising, practice digital photography, and more.
Visual Arts - K
We paint like Kandinsky while listening to Stravinsky, draw with scissors like Matisse, and more.
Vocabulary and Grammar - 5th
We teach parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, and how to apply in students’ writing.
Word Study - 1st
We use a systematic multisensory program to teach foundational reading and spelling skills.
Word Study - 2nd
We teach basic spelling patterns, expand vocabularies, and improve handwriting skills.
Word Study / Phonics - K
Building a foundation for reading (decoding) and writing (encoding) is the key to success.
Word Work - 3rd
Students focus on trick/sight words and look to master the spelling of high-frequency words.
World Languages - 1st
Students broaden their vocabulary and start to practice fluency through immersive units.
World Languages - 2nd
Students enter a full Spanish immersion experience, expanding their vocabulary and comprehension.
World Languages - 3rd
With increased fluency, students demonstrate listening, speaking, and reading comprehension skills.
World Languages - 4th
Students improve their skills in responding to questions about the stories they read.
World Languages - 5th
Fluency is reached by retelling story details in writing and orally in the student’s own words.
World Languages - K
Students begin their journey of exploring Spanish language and culture.
Writing - 1st
Students learn to write with detail, using writing to teach, persuade, and entertain the reader.
Writing - 2nd
Lessons dig deeper, asking students to stretch their thinking and pay closer attention to details.
Writing - 3rd
Our immersive writing units are designed to make students excited to get words out on the page.
Writing - 4th
Students begin to craft fictional stories, creating believable characters with depth and complexity.
Writing - 5th
Units of study include Personal Narratives, Research Reports, Opinion Essays, and Memoirs.
Writing - K
With daily writing experiences, students move through writing stages at various rates.
