CUSD Elementary Options

Art Masterpiece is a national art enrichment program that uses reproductions of fine works of art to promote art literacy in elementary school age children. It is entirely dependent upon volunteer "Art Guides" at each elementary school to present a lesson planned for a particular grade level. Lessons are taught on a monthly basis, usually six per school year. They last from 30 minutes to one hour and include a "hands on" art activity. The purpose is not to teach specific art/craft techniques, but rather to increase the child's awareness of art. Elements of art and principles of design are introduced in fun ways that the children can easily grasp.
 
In the Chandler Unified School District we believe that art is an integral part of education. Here are some of the ways art benefits and enriches our students' lives:

• Art teaches self-discipline and enhances motor skills
• Art promotes cognitive & creative thinking
• Art teaches problem-solving skills
• Art strengthens self-esteem and self-confidence
• Art provides a means of self-expression and promotes appreciation for the individuality of others
• Art improves overall academic performance

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All students in the Chandler Unified School District have the opportunity to participate in Band and Orchestra upon entering the 5th grade. Students in grades Kinder through 4th receive General Music Instruction. Students in 5th and 6th Grade may choose between General Music, Band, and Orchestra.
 
The Chandler School District believes instrumental music is a vital part of education in the schools, both on the elementary and secondary school levels.
An appreciation of instrumental music is developed through demonstrations of music literacy, performance, technical proficiency and musical expression, leading to the cultivation of the whole child. An education in instrumental music helps students gain powerful tools for understanding human experiences, both past and present. Students learn to respect different ways others have of thinking, working and expressing themselves. Students learn to make decisions in situations where there are no standard answers. Through instrumental music, students stimulate their natural creativity and learn to develop it to meet the needs of our complex and competitive society. As competence in music and other academics reinforce one another, the joy of learning becomes real, tangible and powerful.

Chandler Unified School District has nine traditional academy programs. The CTA schools offer a solid foundation of fundamental and higher level thinking skills primarily through direct instruction. The Language Arts Curriculum utilizes the Spalding phonics program. They offer My Math as the math curriculum. Additionally, the math instruction is advanced by one grade level. All traditional academies also offer special area classes such as library, music, physical education and technology. The students are also given the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular clubs or activities either before or after school.
 
The CTA schools offer high quality learning experiences designed to build a solid academic foundation in literacy and mathematics for all students K—6.
CTA schools are committed to providing a safe, structured learning environment where expectations for academic success are high and pride is evident. The programs emphasize the development of respect for others and personal responsibility.

CTA students follow a uniform dress code that helps in maintaining an orderly environment, free from distractions. The children wear red, white or navy blue polo shirts, and khaki or navy pants, shorts or skirts. Shoes must adhere to the heel and flip-flops are not allowed.

Chandler Traditional Academies:
We request families register at only one CTA Traditional Academy. Please contact one of our five traditional academies regarding registration. 

*Traditional and Classic programming is available on the same campus

More information coming soon. Explore more on Kindergarten at our Kindergarten Choices.

Chandler Unified School District is proud to offer dual language immersion (DLI) programs in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. These programs of choice are currently offered at four elementary schools. We implement a 50/50 research-based model in elementary schools, a 70/30 model in middle/junior high schools and a world languages continuation in high school.  Students have the opportunity to start at an early age learning a new language while learning grade level content.

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More information coming soon. See the list of all our schools at the top of the webpage navigation.

Physical education offers opportunities for all students to participate fully and explore a wide range of movement activities exposing students to new ideas and experiences. Equipment and activities are modified as needed to meet students’ developmental needs. Students develop self-confidence through participation in cooperative as well as competitive activities. CUSD elementary schools use the OPEN (Online Physical Education Network) curriculum. This is a rigorous, outcomes-based curriculum aligned with CUSD Standards & Grade-Level Outcomes. The lessons take into account the diverse development levels that students in all grade levels will exhibit.  The physical education teacher uses instructional practices and deliberate-practice tasks such as differentiated instruction, active engagement, modified activities, self-assessment, self-monitoring.

Philosophy 

Chandler Unified School District is committed to an educational program that recognizes the value, needs and talents of the individual student. The CATS program for gifted students is an integral part of this commitment.

This program is designed to challenge the gifted student through a multidimensional teaching approach involving special curricula, enrichment, and the acceleration of course content.

The ultimate goal of the program is to develop within the student a desire for excellence and a sense of individual responsibility to the school community and to a changing society.

For more information on the gifted program and for an application please visit the Gifted (CATS) website or contact the gifted program office at 224-3702.

The five core competencies of social emotional learning are self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Both programs implemented in our elementary schools provide curriculum aligned to these core competencies. Each elementary site chose the program that best meet the needs of the school. Approximately half of our elementary schools are implementing Second Step and half are implementing Caring School Community.

Research shows improved social emotional skills lead to increased academic achievement, improved behavior, lower dropout rates, among many other benefits. A deliberate focus on the development of social and emotional skills is critical in the process of preparing students with future ready skills (complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, people management, coordinating with others, emotional intelligence, active listening, service orientation, negotiation and cognitive flexibility). We strive to design learning spaces for students to collaborate, peer coach, and peer teach while engaging in rigorous, standards-based tasks—a combination that leads to true social, emotional, and cognitive learning (SECL). Student-led academic teaming elevates core instruction to a level of rigor far beyond that of outdated classrooms and familiar grouping strategies.

Second Step
Second Step is a research-based curriculum helping children learn to understand and manage emotions, set goals, show empathy for others, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. Students gain the skills they need to become caring, confident, and capable learners and problem-solvers.

Caring School Community
Caring School Community promotes positive behavior through direct teaching of responsibility, empathy, and cooperation.  A culture of kindness and respect are cultivated, in a safe and supportive environment where students feel heard, known, and cared for.