Elementary School Registration

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20th Century education hasn't changed since the Industrial Revolution. It is truly surprising how stagnant school has remained. In the early 1900s, a major function of school was to churn out employees for the growing number of factories that were being built as the country streamlined manufacturing and our citizens moved away from being self-employed to working for someone else. This may have served our grandparent's generation but this model is no longer relevant.    

KO12 students don't spend their day sitting in a chair listening to a teacher drone on about a subject. Our instruction is differentiated for multiple levels of learning so that no one is left behind and everyone can work to their own ability. Each student is able to start from their own individual place, academically, social-emotionally, and physically, to develop their knowledge, skills, and experience in a way that fits their style.

KO12 instructional methods have been compared to Montessori, and it has some elements of it. But since most students don't complete their academic career in the Montessori model, we have found that students are better prepared for advancement when we balance various instructional methods, including project-based activities, direct instruction, and real-world experiences. 

Students also engage in multiple small sessions of play each day, which research shows helps to anchor learning. It also helps to foster a love for learning, and it develops their imagination, social, relationship, and leadership skills. 

THE "ACADEMIC PLUS" MODEL 

In addition to proficiency in the Pennsylvania core standard curriculum (required by all schools), 

Students are citizens in our KO12 community. They get to have real responsibilities and see first hand how their contribution impacts the whole.  This year, we are developing a KO12 Kids economy, with real currency that has value in our school community and soon we will have a KO12 Kids government. 

Our most significant mission is founded upon our belief that relationships are among the top skills that every student can master. Our school community is a real life relationships lab. Not only do we teach relationships, we model it. Our staff genuinely get along and are a source of support and encouragement for each other. 

THE CLASS SCHEDULE

Morning Meeting

Each day, we start with gratitude. Students participate in a morning meeting, which also includes calendar time and a daily weather report. Students will learn about listening skills and participating in a group discussions.

Literacy

Planned lessons include small group guided reading, rotating through Literacy Centers. Centers function to extend knowledge of skills the student is developing. 

Mathematics

Whole class lessons combined with a variety of grade appropriate self-selected activities for both partnered and individual practice. Individualized instruction is easy to provide so knowledge gaps can be identified and filled.   

Science

Students participate in experiments and investigations throughout the year. Inquiry skills are developed and practiced. Students will often partner with another student or participate in small group activities. 

Social Studies

Students will explore historical and current issues, learn about such concepts as conflict resolution through dramatic play using historical moments. They visit local sites and participate in group and individual projects to present to the class. 

Self and Others

Students will learn about and practice self-control, acceptance, and emotional self-regulation. Whole class lessons, paired and individual activities, and enjoy role playing of social situations.

Free Play/Choice (4 times each day)

Students kinesthetically interact with their learning including such things as center activities, free play, dramatic play, games and puzzles, and organized games.

Specials Classes (1-2 days/week)

Health, Safety and Movement (2 days per week)

Students will discuss and play act lessons, safety rules. For health, class will participate in lessons on physical well-being and nutrition. Students learn how to engage in fair play and understanding of game rules and participate in whole group exercises as well as team play.

Arts and Humanities (Art & Music) (2 days per week)

Students are exposed to several types of music and dance/movement. Students will participate in Art lessons as a class and on an individual basis. 

Technology 

Class will explore current communication and information technology. Some individual demonstrations of knowledge is expected such as working on smart board or tablets. 

OUR TEACHERS

School Director, Julius DeAngelus - Kindergarten 

Tr. Julius is a native of Philadelphia and has been with KO12 since 2011. He has a Master's Degree in Early Elementary Education from Chestnut Hill College.

Teacher, Lisa Weiser, First Grade/Second Grade 

Tr. Lisa is a University of Pennsylvania graduate with more than a decade of teaching experience in elementary education. 

Teacher, Kurt Fisher, Virtual Learning Lab

Tr. Kurt is a recent graduate of Marywood University and joined our school in Fall 2021