Our Curriculum
Rigorous, integrated, and joyful. We teach ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, and financial literacy as one connected whole.
Our Approach to Curriculum
At Legends, curriculum isn't a checklist. It's the living, breathing work of helping scholars develop knowledge, skills, and dispositions to thrive. We choose curriculum grounded in research, aligned to standards, and relevant to our scholars' lives.
Rigorous
High expectations. Grade-level content with depth and complexity.
Integrated
Connections between subjects. Real-world relevance throughout.
Joyful
Engaging, hands-on, and fun. Scholars love learning.
Key Curriculum Features
Differentiation Within the Classroom
With two teachers present, we differentiate instruction in real-time. Small groups get targeted support. Advanced learners are challenged. No scholar sits waiting.
Project-Based Learning
Scholars apply learning to real projects: science experiments, entrepreneurship ventures, historical research, mathematical problem-solving.
Cultural Responsiveness
Curriculum reflects scholars' identities and communities. We celebrate diverse authors, perspectives, and voices throughout all subjects.
Data-Driven Instruction
Teachers continuously assess scholar understanding and adjust instruction. We use formative and summative data to guide practice.
Our Subject Areas
English Language Arts
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening
- ✓Foundational literacy skills (phonics, fluency, comprehension)
- ✓Guided reading at multiple levels
- ✓Writer's workshop: narrative, informational, and opinion writing
- ✓Speaking and listening skills across all grades
- ✓Authentic text exploration and literary analysis
- ✓Vocabulary development across content areas
Mathematics
Conceptual understanding and procedural fluency
- ✓Number sense and operations
- ✓Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- ✓Algebraic thinking (K-8 progressions)
- ✓Geometry and spatial reasoning
- ✓Data analysis and probability
- ✓Problem-solving and mathematical reasoning
Science
Hands-on inquiry and scientific thinking
- ✓Life sciences: biology, ecosystems, human body
- ✓Physical sciences: matter, energy, forces
- ✓Earth and space sciences
- ✓Scientific method and experimentation
- ✓STEM integration with hands-on projects
- ✓Environmental stewardship and sustainability
Social Studies
History, civics, geography, and culture
- ✓U.S. history and Maryland history
- ✓Civics and government: understanding systems and participation
- ✓Geography: maps, regions, cultures, economies
- ✓Cultural studies: celebrating diversity and connection
- ✓Economics and community
- ✓Critical thinking about current events
Financial Literacy
K-8 integration of money concepts
- ✓Budgeting and financial planning
- ✓Saving and banking
- ✓Investing and wealth-building
- ✓Entrepreneurship and business
- ✓Career exploration
- ✓Integrated throughout all subjects
Curriculum in Action: An Integration Example
Grade 4 Unit: "Community Economics & Entrepreneurship"
ELA
Read biographies of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Write persuasive pitches for imaginary businesses. Listen to interviews with local business owners.
Math
Calculate costs and profits. Create budgets. Use percentages for markups and discounts. Analyze data about prices and sales.
Social Studies
Study local economy. Learn about supply and demand. Explore how businesses serve communities. Understand trade and commerce.
Science
Design a product to solve a community problem. Test prototypes. Use scientific thinking to improve designs.
Financial Literacy
Create a business plan. Develop a budget. Pitch to investors. Track revenue and expenses over a classroom business experience.
Result: Scholars understand how these subjects connect. They see why math matters for business. They experience entrepreneurship, not as an abstract concept, but as real work.
Dive Deeper Into Our Pillars
The Two-Adult Classroom Model
How two certified educators personalize instruction and differentiate curriculum in real time.
Learn more →Financial Education K-8
How we teach financial literacy integrated across all subjects.
Learn more →Enrichment Programs
Arts, athletics, clubs, and after-school programs that build joy.
Learn more →Academic Outcomes
How our curriculum translates to scholar achievement and growth.
Learn more →Questions About Our Curriculum?
Our teachers are happy to discuss specific standards, resources, or how we approach teaching particular subjects.
Get in Touch →