Digital Curriculum Guide

Curriculum Guide SCOPE & SEQUENCE

A Letter from the Head of School San Francisco Day School is so many things: a place to be challenged, inspired, cared for, heard, and understood. It’s a place for fun, laughter and friendship; a place for serious conversations and intellectual discovery; a place for sharing your story and embracing the stories of others.

For over 40 years, this school has led the way in K-8, co-educational student-centered education, based on a curriculum that draws from the three pillars established by our visionary founders — our commitment to teaching and learning, to social-emotional wellness and growth, and to a culture of inclusion and community engagement. We know that our students, each of them talented, passionate, and curious individuals, are enriched and stretched by the rigor, complexity, and nuance these pillars bring to our programs.

In our Curriculum Guide, you’ll discover the intentional scope and sequence of our curriculum and see how we approach teaching, learning, and the acquisition and mastery of skills. We believe that every child deserves access to learning that meets them where they are and challenges them to reach higher. Our students thrive under an unlimited ceiling of possibility, where curiosity fuels discovery and learning never stops. This is where you’ll see our commitment to the whole child, and where our foundational belief that wellness and inclusion strengthen and deepen learning is lived every day.

I love to think about SF Day as a village, where humans, young and not-so-young, come together to be part of the work of growing, stretching and learning — and through the trust and joy of being a part of the village, feel brave enough to share their stories, advocate for difference, and teach by example.

There is so much to learn — and so much to share. So let’s get started!

With gratitude,

Dr. Racheal Adriko Head of School

OUR

Process

Our curriculum evolves to meet the dynamic needs of every child in an ever-changing world.

As the world changes, so must the way we teach. Our curriculum is a rigorous, living framework that continually grows and adapts as our students, our world, and our understanding of teaching evolve. Curricular renewal is a natural and healthy part of school life, and we embrace it as best practice.

This ongoing process is grounded in collaboration, led by faculty, curriculum chairs, and divisional leaders, and driven by our shared commitment to stretch each child’s potential. Together, we regularly step back to examine the whole K–8 arc of learning, align across departments, and strengthen the student journey. Faculty engage in cycles of review, asking questions like “What do you notice?” and “What are you wondering?” to surface insights, identify patterns, and refine connections across subjects and grade levels.

The anchor curricula we define provide a common language and clear standards, while leaving space for responsiveness in the classroom. This balance allows faculty to apply their professional learning in ways that best serve students. At every stage, we return to the what and the why, ensuring our approach remains aligned with SF Day’s mission and responsive to the dynamic needs of our learners.

Dr. Kaili Hwang Associate Head of School

Dr. Kate McCallum Head of Lower School

Aneesha Srikar Head of Middle School

Table of Contents English Language Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Social Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2

Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4

& SEQUENCE SF DAY SCOPE CURRICULUM GUIDE || TK 4

English Language Arts

PHILOSOPHY Our English Language Arts program nurtures students as thoughtful readers, powerful writers, attentive listeners, and confident speakers. Across all grades, students sharpen their ability to interpret language in its many forms to expand both linguistic agility and critical thinking. Through rich, varied experiences, students use language as both a tool and an art form: one that allows them to connect with others, make meaning of the world, and express who they are.

Students analyze and synthesize complex texts across genres, time periods, and perspectives. In writing, they explore form, structure, and voice to develop clarity of expression and the confidence to write for various audiences. Listening and speaking are equally integral: students practice hearing others’ viewpoints while articulating their own with care, conviction, and curiosity.

These elements work in tandem to sharpen students’ linguistic abilities, enhance their critical thinking, and inspire them to take intellectual risks. Guided by evidence-based methodologies, students learn to articulate thoughts cohesively, engage in nuanced dialogue, and write with purpose. We believe that language has the power to shape understanding, spark imagination, and guide students in forming an ethical compass that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

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Kindergarten-8th Grade

Literacy Arc

Phonological & Word-Level Awareness Systematic phonics, decoding, and vocabulary development .

Writing Process From simple sentences in kindergarten to multi-paragraph narrative texts and persuasive essays in 8th grade.

Fluency & Comprehension Oral reading with expression leading to independent, rich text understanding , analysis, synthesis, generalization, and application of knowledge learned.

Content-Specific Literacy Reading and writing in diverse genres and subjects for a specified audience, including analysis in Middle School .

Oral/Listening Proficiency Academic discourse, presentations, active listening, and progressively formal discussions.

English Language Arts students at SF Day are articulate, analytical, and imaginative communicators who are empowered to use their voices with impact and integrity.

SF DAY CURRICULUM GUIDE | TK

KINDERGARTEN

1ST GRADE

2ND GRADE

Kindergartners develop a love of language by engaging with books through read-alouds, discussion, and play. They build phonological awareness and begin connecting sounds to letters, while practicing letter formation and early sentence writing. Students strengthen fine motor skills and learn to produce and expand complete sentences aloud and on paper.

1st graders grow as readers and writers by decoding simple words and identifying basic story elements. They write simple narratives using phonetic spelling and sight words, and construct expanded sentences using adjectives, conjunctions, and nouns. Students use commas in lists and begin to ask and answer questions about texts read aloud.

2nd graders build their high-frequency word banks and read with greater fluency and expression. They apply comprehension strategies across genres and use text evidence to support their viewpoint in group discussions.

In writing, students compose multi-sentence pieces with topic sentences and supporting details and begin to use dictionaries and compound sentence structures to better express their ideas.

3RD GRADE

4TH GRADE

5TH GRADE

3rd graders read fiction and nonfiction with fluency, expression, and deepening comprehension. They identify main ideas, summarize texts, and use context clues, roots, and prefixes to expand their vocabulary. Students write multi-paragraph narratives, informational texts, and opinions supported by evidence.

Through group discussions and short presentations, students learn to actively listen, collaborate, and express their ideas clearly.

4th graders sharpen their analytical skills by identifying structure, theme, and author’s purpose in texts while expanding their vocabulary and inference skills. They write structured research reports, narratives, and opinion pieces with strong paragraph structure and textual evidence. Students expand their public speaking skills through book talks and presentations, while participating in rich group discussions supported by textual evidence.

5th graders tackle increasingly complex texts and literary elements such as mood, foreshadowing, and point of view. Their writing becomes more sophisticated as they incorporate cited research, structured argumentation, and poetic devices. They engage in cross-group discussions and debates, and continue to support their ideas with clear reasoning and precise evidence.

6TH GRADE

7TH GRADE

8TH GRADE

6th graders analyze perspective, voice, and theme in literary and informational texts and use annotation to track and extend their thinking.

They explore how literary elements shape meaning and compare multiple sources when drawing conclusions. In personal narrative, informational, and persuasive writing assignments, students use clear organizational patterns with varied syntax.

7th graders evaluate reasoning, evidence, and relevance in texts and examine how cultural and historical context influences meaning. They analyze literary devices to interpret an author’s meaning, make sophisticated inferences using multiple pieces of textual evidence, and incorporate argumentative claims and counterclaims in their formal essay writing.

Through focused revision and reflection, students refine their work and build confidence as academic writers.

8th graders analyze complex literary and informational texts for argument structure, stylistic choices, and implicit meaning. They explore how language shapes tone, drives plot, and reveals character. Students master academic and domain-specific vocabulary and write with precision across genres, including persuasive essays, analytical expositions, and narrative pieces. They adapt writing for different audiences and apply grammar strategically to enhance voice, meaning, and rhetorical effect.

Math

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PHILOSOPHY Math is more than numbers — it is an opportunity for students to think creatively, explore connections, and approach challenges with the true flexibility and perseverance of a mathematician. Across all grades, students learn to see mathematics as both a precise tool and an open landscape for inquiry.

Our K–8 math program builds confident, curious problem-solvers with strong foundational skills and deep conceptual understanding. Beginning with hands-on exploration in the early years, students progress from counting and number sense to complex problem solving, algebraic thinking, and data analysis. At every stage, we balance procedural fluency with real-world application and mathematical reasoning.

With an unlimited ceiling for growth, they revisit and expand on key concepts — stretching their thinking, developing flexible strategies, and cultivating a resilient approach to challenges. Those who master the foundations of math may apply to Math Honors, an independent study taken alongside Algebra I that explores advanced topics such as geometry, trigonometry, and advanced algebra. By 8th grade, all students are prepared for high school mathematics and equipped with the tools to tackle any problem with confidence and clarity.

Kindergarten-8th Grade

Mathematical Arc Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them Reason abstractly and quantitatively Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others Model with mathematics Use appropriate tools strategically

Attend to precision

Look for and make use of structure Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning Mathematicians at SF Day embrace the power of multiple strategies, value mistakes as part of the process, and approach their work with curiosity and courage.

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KINDERGARTEN

1ST GRADE

2ND GRADE

Students explore numbers through hands-on activities that build early numeracy and math recognition in our world. They develop counting skills, recognize patterns, and begin understanding how numbers relate to one another. Foundational ideas like unitizing, comparing quantities, and recognizing shapes prepare students for formal operations in later grades.

Students solidify number sense and begin working fluently with numbers up to 20. They practice composing and decomposing numbers, develop addition and subtraction strategies, and tackle word problems. They also begin learning about time, measurement, and the basics of geometry, setting the stage for place value and operational fluency.

Students strengthen their understanding of place value and work efficiently with two-digit numbers. They focus on subtraction strategies and use tools like number lines and base-ten models. Concepts like data collection, geometric attributes, and money lay important groundwork for multiplication and division.

3RD GRADE

4TH GRADE

5TH GRADE

Students shift from additive to multiplicative thinking. They build fluency with multiplication and division facts, explore the structure of arrays and area, and begin working with fractions and scaled data. Place value knowledge extends to larger numbers, and students practice applying strategies to solve word problems about shapes, perimeter, and units of measure.

Students develop a deeper understanding of multiplication, division, and place value to the hundred-thousands. They learn to compare and compute with fractions and decimals, apply multidigit algorithms, and classify angles and shapes.

Measurement and geometry work becomes more precise, with an emphasis on using appropriate units and tools.

Students operate flexibly with fractions and decimals and apply the standard algorithm for multi-digit multiplication. They work with volume, coordinate planes, and multi-step problems. A focus on reasoning and explanation supports conceptual understanding, especially in interpreting fractions as division and extending their application.

6TH GRADE

7TH GRADE

8TH GRADE

Students broaden their number sense by exploring factors, multiples, and fraction operations with fluency. They apply ratios, rates, and percentages in real-world contexts, and begin formal algebra with expressions and equations. Geometry work includes surface area and area of irregular shapes.

Students expand into negative numbers and rational operations, solve inequalities, and work across tables, graphs, and equations. They analyze proportional relationships, scale, and percent change, and build procedural fluency with expressions. Geometry deepens with the Pythagorean Theorem and volume and surface area of three-dimensional shapes.

In Algebra I, students study linear functions, systems of equations, exponents, radicals, quadratic and polynomial equations.

Throughout the course, they learn to model, solve, and explain complex problems with increasing independence and precision.

Students who master Algebra I have the opportunity to apply to Math Honors, an independent study program that allows students to delve deep into challenging concepts in geometry, trigonometry, and advanced algebra.

Social Studies

PHILOSOPHY Social Studies at SF Day supports students in questioning and comprehending the dynamic world around them.

Through history, geography, civics, economics, and culture, students gain insight into the forces that shape societies, communities, and individual lives. Grounded in inquiry, the curriculum emphasizes critical analysis of historical events, exploration of diverse perspectives, and the development of skills to assess and interpret primary and secondary sources.

Students examine how history is shaped by different identities and narratives, and begin to seek a fuller understanding of the past by exploring diverse perspectives. As they grow in their understanding, students learn to determine the credibility of sources, identify bias, and construct informed opinions through dialogue and debate. This provides students the necessary tools to effectively navigate the intricate landscape of the contemporary world and to make well-informed decisions as global citizens.

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Kindergarten-8th Grade

Social Studies Arc Cause & Effect Using essential questions as a quide to explore the past and its modernday effects on our world today.

Civic Engagement Understanding the roles and responsibilities of being in a community and how to participate in community life.

Geography & Mapping

Developing map skills and spatial thinking to understand how geography shapes people, places, and cultures throughout time.

Historical Analysis Understanding and evaluating change and continuity over time to make use of historical evidence and artifacts.

Content-Specific Literacy Reading, writing, and speaking in the context of history-social science.

Social Studies students at SF Day become engaged citizens who recognize complexity in societal issues, seek truth, and strive to create a future aligned with their core values.

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KINDERGARTEN

1ST GRADE

2ND GRADE

Students begin by exploring identity, family, and classroom community. They learn how individuals belong to many groups and play important roles. Through books, class discussions, and visual tools, students begin to recognize similarities and differences in experiences and identities. These early conversations help lay the foundation for fairness, civic responsibility, and respectful engagement with others.

1st graders explore the concept of community — what it is, who belongs to it, and how it functions.

Through their Post Office Study unit, they consider how people support one another through systems by running their very own post office. Students compare family life now and long ago and begin to notice change over time. They are introduced to American symbols and traditions while developing early mapping and sequencing skills.

2nd graders explore the question: What can a city teach us about its history? Through the lens of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, they study immigration, architecture, and local geography. Students are introduced to Indigenous communities and learn how diverse stories contribute to a fuller picture of the past. They practice research, summarize findings, and use visuals and maps to support their thinking.

3RD GRADE

4TH GRADE

5TH GRADE

Students investigate how geography shapes communities and ecosystems across California.

By examining natural systems such as wetlands, redwoods, and chaparral, they begin to understand the impact of human choices on the environment. Students use map tools and spatial reasoning to describe regions and develop early analysis of how place, resources, and decision-making intersect.

4th grade focuses on California history through multiple perspectives. Students study Native Californian cultures before colonization, examine the mission system, and explore immigration and the Gold Rush. They are introduced to nonfiction text structures and source evaluation, and they begin asking critical questions about who tells the story and whose voices are missing. Mapping and geographic literacy deepen alongside historical understanding.

Students study ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece, and Rome through geography, culture, religion, politics, and economics. Students examine how civilizations form and interact, and consider which stories are told and preserved. They practice citing sources, identifying historical patterns, and using evidence to make claims about continuity and change.

Research projects invite students to form interpretations based on both primary and secondary sources.

6TH GRADE

7TH GRADE

8TH GRADE

In 6th grade, students explore U.S. history from early colonization through the Civil War. They study founding documents and evaluate whose experiences are reflected in the nation’s narrative. Students use primary sources such as letters and maps to interpret historical events and begin writing informational and opinionbased texts grounded in evidence. Emphasis is placed on identifying bias and using research tools with increasing independence.

7th graders study global history, including world religions, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and early civilizations in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. They investigate how belief systems and political structures influence human behavior across time and place.

Students assess primary and secondary sources, compare cultural perspectives, and explore the relationship between innovation and global change. Group discussions and inquiry projects build skills in argumentation and respectful dialogue.

8th grade centers on the ongoing work of building and rebuilding a nation. Students examine U.S. history from colonization to Reconstruction, connecting national themes to California-specific events such as immigration and statehood. They analyze founding ideals alongside social movements, evaluate sources for reliability and perspective, and write analytical essays using multiple forms of evidence. Through historical case studies, students consider how past decisions shape today’s challenges and possibilities.

Science

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PHILOSOPHY Our science program taps into our students’ natural curiosity. We foster questioning and attentive observing, nurturing critical thinking. Our K–8 curriculum invites students to engage like scientists — asking questions, conducting investigations, analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

Our approach emphasizes future readiness in cross-cutting concepts, such as patterns, cause and effect, systems, and structure and function, that help students make sense of complex phenomena. Each grade emphasizes a specific discipline while engaging with questions that provoke cross-disciplinary thinking and interconnected answers. Health education is taught as a yearly science unit in grades 4-8, helping students explore the scientific principles behind their bodies, brains, and decisionmaking, while also supporting emotional well-being through a deeper understanding of how thoughts, feelings, and physical health are interconnected.

Science at SF Day is hands-on, collaborative, and inquiry-driven. Students grow as critical thinkers and problem solvers, developing both scientific knowledge and a mindset of curiosity and resilience.

Kindergarten-8th Grade

Scientific Arc

Patterns

Energy & Matter

Observed patterns of forms and events guide organization and classification, and prompt questions about relationships and the factors that influence them.

Flows, cycles, and conservation. Tracking fluxes of energy and matter into, out of, and within systems helps one understand the systems’ possibilities and limitations.

Scale, Proportion, & Quantity

Structure & Function

In considering phenomena, it is critical to recognize what is relevant at different measures of size, time, and energy and to recognize how changes in scale, proportion, or quantity affect a system’s structure or performance.

Stability & Change

Cause & Effect A major activity of science is investigating and explaining causal relationships and the mechanisms by which they are mediated. Such mechanisms can then be tested across given contexts and used to predict and explain events in new contexts.

Systems & System Models Defining the system under study — specifying its boundaries and making explicit a model of that system — provides tools for understanding and testing ideas that are applicable throughout science and engineering.

Scientists at SF Day tackle real-world problems, explore new possibilities, and gain a firsthand understanding of the influence they may have on the world.

The way in which an object or living thing is shaped and its substructure determines many of its properties and functions.

For natural and built systems alike, conditions of stability and determinants of rates of change or evolution of a system are critical elements of study.

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KINDERGARTEN

1ST GRADE

2ND GRADE

Thinking Like a Scientist Kindergartners begin to think like scientists through hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity about the human body, materials, and the natural world. They observe closely, ask questions, and use drawings to share their ideas. Gardening, building, and animal studies help them recognize simple patterns and relationships in the world around them.

Science & Community 1st graders explore how science connects to daily life and the community. They grow food, investigate light and shadows, and study balance and motion through toy design. By describing material properties and examining invertebrates, they begin forming explanations based on what they observe and test.

Our Earth 2nd graders focus on Earth and its systems.

They study rocks, fossils, and the water cycle to understand how Earth changes over time.

Simple machines and bridge designs challenge them to apply physical science concepts to engineering. Investigations into soil and weather build a deeper understanding of how Earth supports life.

Students model processes and explain their thinking through writing and discussion.

3RD GRADE

4TH GRADE

5TH GRADE

Reactions & Interactions 3rd graders explore interactions within living systems and the environment. They classify animals, study habitats, and explore genetics and adaptations. Studies of sound and chemical reactions introduce the idea of cause and effect in physical science. Students observe the night sky to understand Earth’s place in the solar system. They plan investigations and begin to analyze data to draw conclusions.

Energy & Change 4th graders examine forces, energy, and systems in motion. They investigate magnetism, electricity, and the flow of energy through circuits. Landform mapping connects Earth science with observation and modeling.

Students tackle real-world energy debates and design solutions that reflect their understanding of sustainability and environmental impact.

Earth & Space Science 5th graders explore ecosystems, energy cycles, and the structure of living systems. They study photosynthesis, food webs, and the water cycle, then apply their learning through engineering challenges like designing water filters. Space science deepens understanding of planetary systems and technology. Students ask questions, carry out investigations, and use models to explain complex processes.

6TH GRADE

7TH GRADE

8TH GRADE

Biology & Life Sciences 6th graders take a systems-level view of Earth science and life science. They explore the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere through climate, ocean, and biodiversity studies. Students examine Earth’s history, local microclimates, and the impact of imbalance in natural systems. Students also explore genetics and cell systems through investigations rooted in real-world phenomena.

Physics 7th graders focus on physics and the nature of science. They study motion, forces, and the laws that govern them. They explore how energy transfers and transforms, and how to design controlled experiments. Students build skills in computational thinking and data analysis as they design and test explanations rooted in evidence.

Chemistry 8th graders graders dive into chemistry through atomic theory, chemical reactions, and the periodic table. They connect molecular structure to function in macronutrients and examine the science behind nutrition and plastics. Investigations into light and vision expand their understanding of physical science.

Students defend scientific arguments, evaluate societal impacts, and communicate findings with clarity and precision.

San Francisco Day School 350 Masonic Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118 www.sfday.org

Main Office Tel: (415) 931-2422 Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:00p.m.

(Monday-Friday)

Admissions Office Tel: (415) 568-3611 Email: admission@sfday.org