Academics
Academic Programs at TCN!
Since we opened our doors in 2003, Think College Now has aimed to offer our students a variety of formative experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Below are just a few highlights...
Literacy
Students engage daily in English Language Arts using the adopted OUSD curriculum, EL Education. The curriculum helps ensure elementary school students are thinking critically and engaging with culturally relevant materials and complex texts. In addition, TCN offers daily read alouds, shared reading, shared and interactive writing, and systematic phonics instruction (SIPPS is taught in grades K-2 and used as an intervention in the upper grades).
Math
Students receive daily math instruction through the Engage NY curriculum in addition to supplemental support through an online program called Zearn.
Social Studies
Every TCN teacher is GLAD certified. Our teachers create standards-aligned Social Studies units using GLAD strategies.
Science
TCN teachers teach hands-on science lessons using the FOSS curriculum.
Art
All TCN students receive weekly art instruction in our school's art studio, with our very own art teacher, Ms. Helen!
Physical Education
All TCN students attend a physical education (P.E.) class twice a week.
Music
All TCN students participate in Music class.
Social Emotional Learning
Caring School Communities, Responsive Classroom and Restorative Justice work
Kindergarten 2 College: Oakland Promise School
Our kindergarten students are awarded $100 to put in their very own college savings accounts at the start of their educational journeys. Our school's college focus starts with our kinder students. All TCN students understand that college is both an expectation and a possibility. Our K2C program works with students and families to demonstrate how to save for college, financial planning, and foster a college going culture for all students. As chronicled in this College Review article, our unique college focus starts early and includes college tours of UC Berkeley, 5th-grade and Kindergarten scholarship pledges, and more.
Outdoor Ed
The culminating experience for TCN fifth graders is a 3 day, 2 night trip to the Marin Headlands to experience independence, hands on science learning, and build community in the beautiful North Bay.
Academic Supports
Students have access to the individualized supports they need to reach their full academic potential.
This includes:
- Small reading groups using Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Word (SIPPS)
- Individual tutoring through Reading Partners
- Literacy and math tutors
- Teachers on Special Assignment who specialize in literacy, coaching teachers and holding student academic interventions
