UNITED
Community School
Curriculum
United Community School's curriculum is integrative and thematic and goes beyond the NC Standard Course of Study. The curriculum is highly engaging and provides many opportunities for hands-on learning and peer interaction.
Our curriculum is based on these eight themes called the Core Commonalities:
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The Life Cycle
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The Use of Symbols
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Membership in Groups
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A Sense of Time and Space
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Response to the Aesthetic
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Connections to Nature
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Producing and Consuming
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Living with Purpose
The Core Commonalities are integrated into all thematic units and spiral upward from K-8.
Literacy
At United Community School, literacy is the first and most essential goal. All students are expected to become proficient in the written and spoken word. Language at UCS is defined broadly to include words, numbers, and the arts. We consider all of these to be critical areas of development for students to be truly communicative, and we expect our students to have a deep understanding of all three areas. Language is the means by which all other subjects are pursued.
Writing
United Community School uses Fundations for phonics instruction and handwriting practice, guided reading groups for comprehension.
Mathematics
UCS draws from multiple resources that help us to meet and exceed state standards, including Reveal K-8.
The Arts
United Community School is part of the A+ Schools of NC (an art-based network). UCS focuses on art history, art appreciation, and art making to help build a strong respect for the art and enrich our students’ lives. In reference to art, Dr. Ernest L. Boyer wrote, “It is an essential language that makes it possible to communicate feelings and ideas words cannot express.” United Community School ensures that students are exposed to the various art forms (music, dance, art, theater) and learn to use the arts as a means of communication. Art is incorporated into everyday activities. Our students’ exposure to the arts will continue outside of the classroom as classes participate in field trips to art museums, symphonies and shows, and local exhibits. Students in every grade level perform and produce artistic pieces that showcase their learning in the classroom.
Science
We believe that students learn best when they gain knowledge through exploration and active learning. We do not rely on text books and lectures to teach content. Instead, we engage students in meaningful, hands-on, real-life experiences that challenge them to think and explain their reasoning instead of memorizing and reciting facts.
