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K-8 Concept Explained (A future concept at San Juan elementary School)
What
is a K-8 School? 
- A neighborhood school
- A school where students progress from kindergarten
through eighth grade together
- A school that offers appropriate curriculum
and instruction at each grade level
Why is this concept being introduced?
Research indicates that students benefit from
a K-8 school. Some 40% of California schools serving 6-8 graders
are K-8 schools. Studies show:
- Students at K-8 schools show greater growth
in achievement
- Parents and teachers at K-8 schools show
significant satisfaction
- Smaller numbers of students per grade level,
which is typical of K-8 schools, increase achievement
- Reduced numbers of transitions from school
to school increase student achievement
- A way to offer alternatives to traditional
middle schools for some middle-grade students
- Many CUSD middle schools are at capacity,
with more than 400 students per grade
- K-8 schools would contain between 100 and
175 students per grade
Additional ways that
students benefit 
- Increased parent involvement at all grade
levels
- Learning strengthened because a smaller
number of teachers work more closely together
- Greater personal connections to teachers
and administrators
- Younger students get to know teachers before
moving to middle school
- Younger students can be tutored by older
students, and older students obtain leadership skills and
responsibility
- Younger advanced students have opportunities
for accelerated study
- Students can remain at their neighborhood
school with a seamless transition between their primary,
intermediate, and middle grade programs
- Students are less likely to “fall
through the cracks.”
What might it be like at a CUSD K-8 School?
- A neighborhood school
- Administrators know children and families
well
- Students at all grade levels taught CUSD
grade-level standards and curriculum
- Teacher teams share curriculum expertise
and student information from level to level
- High-achieving intermediate grade students
have access to advanced courses
- Middle grade students change classes and
take electives
- Middle grade students transition toward
independence needed for high school in a supportive environment
- Middle grade parents remain involved in
their neighborhood school
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