Curriculum Overview

Our curriculum is built on strong academic standards and intentional design to support deep learning.

• Standards-Aligned Instruction: Instruction is fully aligned with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Math, and guided by national science and social studies frameworks.

• Social-Emotional Learning Integration: Daily SEL routines support emotional awareness, goal-setting, collaboration, and self-regulation.

• Project-Based Learning Approach: Students engage in meaningful, real-world projects that encourage inquiry, creativity, and problem-solving.

Curriculum Foundations

Project-Based Learning Examples

• Weather Watchers & World Mappers

• Our Story Museum

• Create a Species

• Amusement Park STEM Challenge

• EcoSolutions Lab

• World Explorer Guide

Our program is thoughtfully organized to balance structure, flexibility, and depth of learning.

• Quarterly Learning Cycles: The year is divided into four quarters. Each quarter includes two four-week instructional units followed by a flexible buffer week used for reteaching, enrichment, and project work.

• Formative Assessment and Feedback:
  Weekly formative assessments guide instruction, helping educators adjust lessons and provide targeted support.

• Differentiated Instruction: Small-group learning allows instruction to be tailored to each student’s needs, ensuring appropriate challenge and meaningful growth across mixed-grade classrooms.

• Summative Demonstrations of Learning:
  At the end of each unit, students complete performance-based assessments or projects that demonstrate mastery of key skills and concepts.

Instructional Structure

Teaching Multiple Grade Levels Together

While PBL units are shared, grade-specific pathways ensure:

• Grade-specific reading and writing standards

• Developmentally appropriate math pathways

• Personalized learning goals aligned to CCSS expectations

Multi-age learning is one of our greatest strengths. Students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 learn together, but instruction is differentiated at every step.

Skill Pathways by Grade Level

Intentional Scaffolding

Lessons include:

• Entry points for developing learners

• Stretch tasks for advanced learners

• Choice-based pathways for autonomy and engagement

How does it work? By teaching a shared big idea or theme, but delivering:

• Whole-group conceptual lessons (all grades together)

• Grade-level breakout mini-lessons (10–15 minutes each)

• Independent or small-group work based on grade-level standards

Example (Life Science Theme):

• Whole group: What is an ecosystem?

• Grade 3 breakout: food chains (3-LS4-3)

• Grade 4 breakout: energy transfer between organisms

• Grade 5 breakout: modeling matter/energy cycles (5-LS2-1)
  

Students collaborate on a shared project, but their research, writing, and models are aligned to their grade’s NGSS standards.

• Phonics and Grammar Mini-Lessons

• Reading fluency practice

• Strategy-based guided reading

• Complex text analysis using grade-level standards

• Explicit vocabulary instruction

• Focus on narrative, informational, and persuasive writing, with research-based literacy practices

• Literature study includes folktales, historical fiction, poetry, and cultural storytelling.

• Writing instruction connected to each PBL unit

Research-based literacy practices

• The CRA (Concrete–Representational–Abstract) approach

• Standards-based problem solving

• Mixed-ability math groups

• Real-world application tasks tied to projects

Math Instruction

What is D.O.M.E.?

Differentiated Open-Minded Education DOME

1. Celebrates Neurodiversity and Real-World Connections

• Small-Group Model: Classes are capped at 8 students to reduce sensory and social overwhelm

• Thematic Immersion: Global perspectives are woven into interactive experiences

• Compassionate Instruction: Prioritizing connection over rigid correction, embracing inclusivity and diverse thinking

2. Emphasizes Curiosity, Inclusivity, and Lifelong Learning

• Brain-Based Gamification: Activities are designed for retention and joy, replacing rote memorization with exploration

• Holistic Schedule: Prioritizing emotional health by integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) with Core Subjects

• Joyful Approach: Encouraging creative risks rather than just seeking the "right answer"

3. Supports Individualized Learning Pathways

• Differentiated Instruction: Whether gifted, struggling, or neurodivergent, we adjust the curriculum to the student's pace rather than a standardized timeline.

• Flexible Growth Targets: Students pursue distinct goals, allowing some to strengthen foundations while others engage in enrichment.

• Tech-Integrated Personalization: Selected learning apps allow students to build skills and explore independently at their own level

The Story Behind Domie: Why the Beluga?

Beluga whales are known for their intelligence and strong social bonds. They are thoughtful, expressive, and deeply connected to their environment. These qualities define our approach to learning.

Community is a defining trait of belugas. They thrive in groups where communication and cooperation are essential. At Big Domes Academy, we value relationships and emotional growth. Students learn best when they feel supported, respected, and connected.

Belugas are natural problem-solvers. At Big Domes Academy, we focus on helping students think critically, ask questions, and approach challenges with confidence. Learning is not about memorizing facts, but about understanding and applying knowledge in meaningful ways.

Domie represents the heart of our community. Curious, capable, and confident, Domie reminds us that every learner has the potential to grow, explore, and make a meaningful impact.