Ketchikan Charter School Profile

KCS was founded by parents, with the support of concerned community members and administrators, who saw a need for an elementary school, which focused on academic excellence, parental input and involvement, and accountability. These became the foundation of this school and are so noted in the Goals. The focus of this school must always remain “WHAT IS BEST FOR STUDENTS!” Although teachers work with students’ six hours each day during the school year, no one knows a child as well as his/her parents. No one is more concerned about a child’s success or failure—not only during the formative school years, but on through adulthood. For these reasons, it is our belief that for the educational process to truly be successful, teachers and parents have to work together. There must be a mutual respect as we build partnerships on behalf of our children. For these reasons, the majority of the members of the governing board of this Charter School are parents. Parents have to have a controlling voice to ensure the needs of students as a whole and individually are being met.

Ketchikan Charter School has served grades K-6 since 1997 and expanded its program to include a seventh grade in 2004. In the spring of 2005, Ketchikan Charter School was approved by the State and Local Authorities to add an eighth grade. We now have a very successful middle school program for grades 6 thtrough 8th. Our school days begin at 7:45a.m. and end at 2:30p.m.

The distribution of laptop computers to all secondary students represents a unique opportunity reflecting the vision of the Ketchikan Charter School Acadmic Policy Committe and the Administration. This laptop program is a significant step to take full advantage of technology in the learning process.

SUMMARY OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
The Ketchikan Charter School founders recognized a need for a school, which focused on academic excellence, parental input and involvement, and accountability. These became the foundation of this school and are so noted in the achievement goals. KCS believes students must be challenged to perform at higher academic levels and demonstrate mastery of core academic subjects. Highly qualified teachers and scientifically research-based curricula are the keys to student success at KCS.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION METHODS
The Core Knowledge Sequence, is a curriculum based on the work of E.D. Hirsch which emphasizes an intensive academic curriculum in which topics spiral so that students can revisit them, ensuring that students develop a basis for learning what educated people should know. It has been the experience of those using this approach that students retain information much longer and develop skills more easily when meaningful content is combined with the teaching skills

In addition to the Core Knowledge Sequence, KCS emphasizes the teaching of basic skills with a traditional and conventional approach, in a self-contained educational environment. Our academically oriented program is organized so the entire class generally works as a single group on grade-level material with ability grouping occurring where necessary.

Language Arts
Students are taught Spelling, English, Grammar, Vocabulary, Phonics and Reading through the Spalding Total Language Arts Program in grades K-8. The Open Court Reading Series is also used to supplement the literature component of Spalding and the Core Knowledge Sequence.

Mathematics
Saxon Math is used in grades K-8. Saxon Math uses the method of incremental development. Concepts are introduced in small bits and then practiced before another concept is introduced; this is combined with continuous review so that previously learned material is reviewed in every lesson the entire year. Topics are never dropped, but instead are increased in complexity and practiced everyday, providing the time required for concepts to become totally familiar.

History/Geography
History and Geography topics are taken from the Core Knowledge Sequence and the Pearson Learning History Resources are used in grades K-6.

Science
Science topics are taken from the Core Knowledge Sequence and lessons are taught from Foss Science Kits, the Baltimore Curriculum Lesson Plans, and teacher created units.

Art
The bi-weekly art classes allow students to explore the many different genres of this area based on the Core Knowledge Sequence. Students participate in hands-on projects that help develop their creativity and self-expression. Frequently, these projects are related to Core Knowledge topics currently being studied with the classroom teacher. Students are exposed to many great artists and their works thorough art appreciation lessons.

Library
Students attend the library weekly. Students have an opportunity to read, check out books, and receive instruction about the different areas of library usage

Music
Students spend time learning music appreciation and study great composers and their works through the Core Knowledge Sequence. There are many opportunities for the students to sing as part of the class and as a part of the yearly school-wide musical programs.

P.E.
Through a variety of physical education activities, students learn about teamwork and the importance of sportsmanship..

Spanish
Students learn Spanish through Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS). Every lesson includes vocabulary, storytelling, and reading.

Technology
Students learn technology skills through authenic tasks and integration with the curriculum.