Stephen Foster Elementary Charter
Curriculum
ELA
At Foster, we are proud to implement the Wit & Wisdom® English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, a program recognized by the Knowledge Matters Campaign for its excellence in knowledge-building. Wit & Wisdom integrates rich content from science, history, geography, and other subjects into every lesson, allowing students to develop critical reading and writing skills while expanding their understanding of the world. Research shows that knowledge has a multiplier effect—the earlier students begin to build a strong foundation of knowledge, the better they perform academically in later years.
Wit & Wisdom's approach ensures that our students not only improve their literacy skills but also grow as informed and curious learners. Each lesson is thoughtfully designed to enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and writing abilities, all while fostering a deeper knowledge of the world around them. We believe that by combining skill development with content-rich learning, Wit & Wisdom empowers our students to excel both in school and beyond.
In grades 3-5 at Foster, we use the HD Word curriculum to strengthen students' phonics skills and unlock complex text. HD Word focuses on essential word study, including phonics and phonemic awareness, which helps students decode both simple and complex words. This program not only improves phonics skills but also enhances fluency and comprehension, resulting in faster, more accurate, and confident readers.
We also utilize UFLI Foundations as the core of our phonics curriculum for grades K-2. UFLI Foundations is an explicit and systematic program that equips our youngest learners with the foundational skills essential for proficient reading.
Resources to support your developing reader
MATH
At Foster, we believe every student can grow as a confident mathematical thinker. That’s why we use Illustrative Mathematics (IM), a high-quality, problem-based curriculum that invites students to make sense of math, collaborate with peers, and apply their learning to real-world situations.
What makes our math experience unique is the way IM encourages students to lead their own learning. Instead of memorizing steps, students explore concepts, test ideas, and communicate their reasoning. This approach helps them develop perseverance, curiosity, and the ability to solve problems—skills that align closely with our mission and prepare them for future success.
IM uses meaningful contexts and diverse representations, allowing students to see themselves in the mathematics they are learning. Hands-on tasks, visual models, and rich discussions create multiple entry points so every student can engage deeply and belong in the math community.
Expert-authored and standards-aligned, IM offers a rigorous foundation while also promoting creativity and critical thinking. Students build both conceptual understanding and procedural fluency, ensuring they not only know how to do math but truly understand why it works.
At Foster, math is more than numbers—it's a place where students learn to think, communicate, and lead with confidence.