Programs
Elementary School Curriculum
The Diener Difference really shines throughout all of our academic programming. Our small group instruction, multi-sensory learning, and integrative movement supports us in meeting our mission of educating the whole child.
Language Arts
At The Diener School, our Language Arts program is grounded in a structured literacy approach that emphasizes systematic and explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Students are assessed at the beginning, middle, and end of the academic year, allowing us to group them according to their strengths and areas for growth.
We incorporate multisensory teaching methods that engage auditory, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learning styles to enhance understanding and retention. Our educators also integrate discovery-based and project-based learning strategies to foster curiosity and active participation.
Our curriculum includes evidence-based programs such as IMSE Orton-Gillingham and Savvas MyView Literacy, which are aligned with current best practices in reading instruction.
Our Kindergarten through 5th grade students build a strong foundation in writing through Voyager Sopris’s Step Up to Writing program.
This structured, multisensory approach supports young writers as they learn how to organize their thoughts, expand their ideas, and write with clarity and confidence. From learning to write complete sentences in Kindergarten to composing well-structured paragraphs and essays by the 5th grade, students are guided step-by-step through the writing process.
Using tools such as color-coded sentence parts, graphic organizers, and visual cues, students develop essential skills for writing narratives, informative pieces, and opinions. Integrated into all subject areas, Step Up to Writing also helps students improve reading comprehension, vocabulary, and oral communication. With engaging lessons and consistent strategies, our students become enthusiastic, capable writers prepared for continued academic success.
Writing
Math
Our Kindergarten through 5th grade math program uses HMH Math in Focus, which is based on the Singapore Math approach.
This program helps students become strong, confident problem-solvers by building a deep understanding of math concepts through hands-on, visual, and abstract learning experiences. Students begin by exploring math with concrete materials, such as blocks and counters, then move on to drawing visual models, and eventually learn to work with numbers and symbols. This step-by-step progression supports all types of learners and helps them make lasting connections.
Our teachers use a multisensory, differentiated approach to meet the needs of each child. Math lessons are active, engaging, and connected to real-life situations, allowing students to see how math applies to the world around them. Through small group instruction, ongoing assessments, and plenty of practice, students grow in their confidence and ability to think critically and creatively in math.
Our science curriculum is powered by the HMH ScienceFusion program and brought to life through a hands-on, multisensory approach in the homeroom setting.
We believe that science is best learned through exploration, experimentation, and active engagement. Our students investigate key concepts in life, earth, and physical sciences through interactive lessons, collaborative projects, and real-world applications. This dynamic learning environment fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of scientific principles, helping students build confidence and a lasting love for discovery.
Science
Social Studies
Our elementary social studies program at The Diener School is built around the McGraw-Hill IMPACT Social Studies curriculum, which encourages students to become active, informed citizens.
Through engaging stories, interactive lessons, and project-based learning, students explore history, geography, civics, and culture in ways that are meaningful and accessible. The curriculum supports critical thinking, empathy, and real-world connections, helping students understand their roles in their communities and the wider world. With a focus on collaboration and inquiry, our social studies instruction empowers students to ask questions, make connections, and develop a strong sense of identity and responsibility.
Curriculum Spotlights
