Academics

Welcome to Foster Elementary Charter School

At Foster, we empower every student to lead with confidence, compassion, and purpose in a community where all belong. Our learning environment is rooted in rigorous academics, meaningful relationships, and opportunities for students to discover who they are as learners and leaders.

Below are a few highlights of what makes Foster unique:

Leader in Me School

As a Leader in Me school, we support students in developing the habits, mindsets, and skills that help them thrive—both academically and personally. Through daily leadership practice, student voice opportunities, and recognition of positive contributions, students learn to take ownership of their learning and their role in our community. Our monthly Leadership Speaker Series connects students with local role models who share their stories, offering inspiration and real-world connections to leadership.

Enhanced Physical Education & Music

Foster students receive more than 720 additional minutes of music and physical education each year compared to a typical neighborhood school. These enhanced experiences promote creativity, physical wellness, confidence, and joy—supporting the whole child and enriching our academic program.

Community Service & Student Leadership Opportunities

Service is woven into our school culture. Through Service Club, student-led initiatives, and schoolwide service projects, students learn the value of contributing to something larger than themselves. These experiences build empathy, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.

Rigorous, Innovative Math Curriculum – Illustrative Mathematics

Foster uses Illustrative Mathematics (IM), a high-quality, problem-based curriculum that engages students in making sense of math through real-world contexts and collaborative thinking. Students build deep conceptual understanding and procedural fluency by exploring ideas, discussing strategies, and learning through hands-on tasks. IM’s use of diverse representations ensures that all students see themselves reflected in the math classroom—helping them grow as confident, capable problem-solvers.

Valuable Community Partnerships

Our partnerships enrich learning and strengthen the connections between school and community:

• SECURA Insurance – Provides tutoring, mentorship, and generous support for student experiences.
• Heckrodt Nature Preserve – Offers hands-on environmental learning through field trips and family events.
• VPI Inc. – Supports inclusive, unified activities where students of all abilities learn and grow together.

These partnerships expand our students’ world, helping them understand their impact and place in the community.