Elementary Program
At New Horizon School Westside, we believe that a warm and nurturing atmosphere is the best environment in which children can learn and grow both physically and spiritually. Our school was founded on the premise of educating the whole student, and we continue to embrace this philosophy as we update the curriculum we offer. Our low student/teacher ratio (maximum of 18 students per class), enables the faculty to truly get to know each student and his or her learning style. While maintaining high standards, our teachers utilize a variety of teaching techniques and styles in order to ensure understanding and critical analysis in an active learning environment. Teachers have high expectations of their students, and go out of their way to help all students realize their goals. In short, each faculty member partners in the success of all students and their families.
Core Curriculum
At New Horizon School Westside we have adopted a curriculum that integrates core knowledge and skill development with social and moral development. The curriculum is primarily based on the instructional strategies and the California framework and content standards as approved by the California State Board of Education (SBE). It is further enhanced and periodically updated to reflect the advances made in the field of education research. Such content is derived from various sources like the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) guidelines and recommendations. One example is the introduction of the Common Core State Standards in every classroom. These standards focus on learning expectations for students. Based on the findings that today’s jobs require different skills, these standards prepare students with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in college and the workplace.
The core curriculum consists of classes in Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. The School uses annual Educational Records Bureau (ERB) Tests to assess the level of student achievement and as a diagnostic tool. The core curriculum is creatively designed with projects, learning centers, reports, skits, field trips and other exciting learning opportunities that students enjoy. Click here to view our complete curriculum guide
Support Activities
In addition to its core curriculum, the Religious Studies program is supported every day and throughout the year through diverse activities. Some of these activities are: daily Dhuhr prayer, Hajj simulation, Annual Qur’an competition, Food and Toy Drive during the month of Ramadan, Student Iftar at School, and the celebration of Eid holidays.
Enrichment
Our students are blessed to be enriched daily with experiences that go above and beyond our core curriculum. As part of our mission to nurture the mind, body and spirit, we strive to enhance our students’ learning experience with a variety of opportunities. These include Library, Computer instruction, Art classes, and Introduction to Music.