Academics at Carlson Elementary School
Learning At Carlson
A Connected School Community With Room For Academic Choice.
Carlson Elementary provides a strong elementary foundation within a community where relationships, student growth, and family partnership remain central. Students develop essential academic skills while building the confidence, responsibility, and learning habits that prepare them for increasing independence.
Academic Foundation
Learning That Grows With Each Student.
Every student begins with a strong foundation in literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies. The school-specific opportunities below extend that foundation without replacing the core elementary experience.
English Language Arts
Reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, and communication build the literacy foundation students use across subjects.
Mathematics
Students develop conceptual understanding, fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving as mathematical ideas become more sophisticated.
Science
Observation, investigation, evidence, and inquiry help students understand the natural and designed world.
Social Studies
Students explore history, geography, civics, communities, and the perspectives that shape our world.
Choose The Learning Model That Fits
Classic And Chandler Traditional Academy: Two Pathways On One Campus.
Both programs provide rigorous instruction aligned with Arizona Academic Standards and remain part of the same school community. The difference is not simply the name of the curriculum—it is also the instructional approach, pacing, and structure students experience each day.
Scroll horizontally to compare both programs.
| Compare | Classic Program | Chandler Traditional Academy (CTA) |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Approach | Uses CUSD's comprehensive elementary model, allowing teachers to use whole-group, small-group, collaborative, differentiated, and other instructional strategies based on the lesson and student needs. | Emphasizes systematic, teacher-directed instruction, typically beginning with whole-group direct instruction followed by small-group support or practice. |
| Language Arts | Uses CUSD's district-adopted grade-level literacy curriculum and resources. | Uses the Spalding Method as the foundation for language arts, including explicit instruction in phonograms, spelling, handwriting, reading, and writing. |
| Mathematics | Students learn grade-level Arizona mathematics standards using CUSD's district-adopted curriculum. | Mathematics instruction is accelerated, with students working with standards and instructional materials one grade level ahead. |
| Pacing & Challenge | Instruction follows the district's grade-level progression, with differentiation, intervention, and opportunities for additional challenge based on student needs. | The accelerated mathematics sequence and structured instructional model establish a more prescribed progression in those areas. |
| Classroom Structure | Classroom organization and instructional grouping can vary according to the learning objective, teacher, and needs of students. | Classrooms place greater emphasis on consistency, structure, focused instructional time, and established traditional-academy routines. |
| Student Expectations | Students develop responsibility, independence, collaboration, and productive learning habits within the comprehensive elementary model. | CTA places an especially explicit emphasis on high academic and behavioral expectations, personal responsibility, respect, character, and consistent work habits. |
| Special Areas & School Life | Students participate in the school's special-area classes, activities, and broader campus community. | CTA students also participate in special-area classes and the broader school community. |
Beyond The Core
Elementary Learning Should Create Room To Discover.
Special-area classes, enrichment, arts, technology, clubs, and school-specific programs give students additional ways to discover strengths, practice collaboration, and connect classroom learning to new interests.
Arts & Creativity
Creative experiences help students communicate ideas, build confidence, and see problems from new perspectives.
Movement & Wellness
Physical education and wellness experiences support healthy habits, teamwork, and readiness to learn.
Technology & Innovation
Age-appropriate technology experiences help students create, investigate, communicate, and solve problems.
Interests & Connection
Clubs, activities, and enrichment opportunities help students find interests and build meaningful connections at school.
Growing Learners
From Foundational Skills, To Greater Independence.
Build
Develop strong literacy, mathematics, learning routines, and confidence.
Explore
Apply skills through inquiry, creativity, collaboration, special areas, and school-specific opportunities.
Grow
Strengthen independence, problem-solving, responsibility, and readiness for the transition beyond elementary school.