 The Golden Ratio. Fibonacci’s Numbers. The Da Vinci Code. From the ancient Greeks to modern artists, we have long been fascinated with spirals. They are beautiful patterns that represent complex mathematical equations and are present in nature, architecture, and even the Mona Lisa. But did you know that spirals can also inspire curriculum? At Placer Academy (PAC), our innovative TK-6 Core Knowledge curriculum features sequenced, project-based learning that is organized in a logical order, so knowledge builds on knowledge. Content and skills spiral within and through the grades, ensuring that our students enter each new grade with a foundation of understanding and ready to learn. The Core Knowledge approach engages all TK-6 learners at PAC. Research has shown that these early years are the most impactful time to help children lay the groundwork for language development and future success. PAC’s Core Knowledge builds on strong foundations of language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, visual arts, and music.  The heart of our Core Knowledge curriculum is the “Sequence” - a planned progression of understanding that builds student knowledge chronologically or thematically grade by grade. For example, PAC second graders learn about ancient Greece - specific events, people, and contributions to civilization, including democracy, poetry, and philosophy. These concepts are then revisited in later grades in deeper ways. Core Knowledge also encourages different grades to partner on subjects, including cross-grade level buddies working together on reading and math skills and “Fun Fridays” all-school projects. And our hands-on approach brings learning to life with STEM challenges and history reenactments.
Core Knowledge curriculum equips PAC students with the background knowledge they will need as they enter the more specialized curriculum of high school. It inspires our learners, and sets them up for success. Interested in learning more? The founder of Core Knowledge has published a series of books for parents that details curriculum year-by-year, including specific steps that caregivers can take in supporting their learning. And contact us to find out how PAC can inspire your students today for success tomorrow! About Placer Academy Placer Academy is a TK-6 tuition-free, public charter school serving students in Rocklin, Lincoln, and Roseville CA and the surrounding areas. Placer Academy inspires with hands-on, Project Based Learning, giving each student the support they need to succeed. Our caring teachers and staff encourage families to be closely involved in our tight-knit community, and we partner with many area businesses on inspiring service learning projects and field trips. Join our public charter school today! Enrolling now.
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“When families and schools work together and support each other in their respective roles, children have a more positive attitude towards school and experience more academic success.” (U.S. Department of Education study) Families are children’s first and most important teachers, role models, and nurturers. At Placer Academy(PAC), we believe that strong family engagement is critical to promoting our TK-6 students’ healthy academic and personal development. That’s why we are a “Parent Cooperative School”. We welcome parent involvement in every stage of your child’s journey – and see ourselves as partners in student success.  A Home for Homeschoolers Distance learning has pushed many students out of classrooms and into living rooms. Whether your child has been homeschooled for many years or just started due to COVID-19 regulations, we think you’ll find the transition from distance to school-based learning at PAC to be a positive one. Homeschooled parents often comment on the ability to maintain a strong connection with their child’s education as a primary benefit of enrolling at PAC. If you have questions, we can connect you with other families who have made the jump from homeschool to PAC – and are glad they did! Communication is Key Placer Academy teachers communicate regularly with our families. Whether it’s a note sent home, email exchanges to answer any questions that may arise, weekly class newsletters or parent-teacher conferences, you’ll stay up to date on your child’s learning throughout your years at PAC. We also welcome questions and comments from our families – because we are partners in your child’s learning. Volunteer Your Way As a public charter school, PAC was founded by families who wanted an alternative to traditional public school. Family engagement has remained at the core of who we are and today all PAC families are encouraged to volunteer a minimum of 30 hours per year. If that sounds like a big commitment, we have lots of opportunities to get involved and even families with the busiest schedules find convenient ways to engage here!
 All families are also invited to join us at campus events, including concerts, performances, and art shows. Our recent Open House showcased student’s artwork and projects they worked on throughout the year. And this spring’s Kindergarten African Safari Day featured student presentations to PAC families and friends.
Our PTO is Looking for YOU! The Placer Academy Parent Teacher Organization is an active group of caregivers that support our school with fundraising and special activities. With their help, we were able to fund our future playground (estimated completion Fall 2022) – and this year we added student enrichment opportunities for all ages. Our PTO welcomes new members throughout the school year. Join a meeting and find out how you can be part of this amazing group! PAC relies on our families to offer enriching academics in a tight-knit community. Find out more about how you can get involved and enroll today! About Placer Academy Placer Academy is a TK-6 tuition-free, public charter school serving students in Rocklin, Lincoln, and Roseville CA and the surrounding areas. Placer Academy inspires with hands-on, Project Based Learning, giving each student the support they need to succeed. Our caring teachers and staff encourage families to be closely involved in our tight-knit community, and we partner with many area businesses on inspiring service learning projects and field trips. Join our public charter school today! Enrolling now. At Placer Academy Charter (PAC) our small-school environment ensures that every child is known and valued. Our public school culture promotes wellness and empowers all TK-6 learners to take charge of their learning, believe in their abilities, and inspire others.  A Whole Child Approach Our “Whole Child'' approach to education prepares students to reach their full potential by ensuring a healthy, safe, engaging, supportive, and challenging learning environment. This approach moves beyond a traditional, academic focus to nurture many aspects of child development, including physical and mental wellness and social-emotional learning. PAC teachers use Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and responsive classroom practices to promote positive behavior, focusing on prevention - not punishment. We also use project-based learning and Core Knowledge curriculum to create deep learning experiences. Our students are challenged to use a wide range of skill sets to investigate, problem solve, and make decisions. Family involvement is another key component of our Whole Child approach - we are a “Parent Cooperative School” and we welcome caregivers in our tuition-free, public school to attend student performances and presentations and serve as classroom support. Classroom Culture Each day at PAC, our TK-6 grade classrooms open with a morning meeting and end with a closing circle time. Morning gatherings set expectations for the day while bringing a sense of calm, safety, and community to our classrooms. Our closing routine encourages students to reflect on what’s meaningful about the school day, class, and themselves. These social-emotional check-ins help develop bonds between our students and teachers, and add to the culture of our school.  Growth Mindsets Throughout the day, our teachers talk with our students about “Growth Mindsets” - a set of underlying beliefs that people have about learning and intelligence. Studies show that when students believe they can get smarter, they understand that effort makes them stronger and are empowered to take risks. PAC students learn to adopt Growth Mindsets -- a safe space to thrive through challenges and see setbacks as development opportunities. Our teachers use Growth Mindsets to model the value of learning from mistakes, and all of our students develop the confidence to take on new challenges. Role Model Connections The Placer "buddy program” pairs up older and younger students throughout the year to provide role models and build the culture of our school with all grades. Students work together to read or complete activities or projects, building social-emotional skills along the way. Our younger students especially enjoy the one-to-one attention received from older buddies and the relationships are beneficial to all ages. Students work together on taking turns, listening, sharing knowledge, and completing a task. Many of our students that may struggle with peer relationships excel as mentors and role models. We are so proud! Placer Academy nurtures our students with more than just academic support. Find out more and join us today About Placer Academy Placer Academy is a TK-6 tuition-free, public charter school serving students in Rocklin, Lincoln, and Roseville CA and the surrounding areas. Placer Academy inspires with hands-on, Project Based Learning, giving each student the support they need to succeed. Our caring teachers and staff encourage families to be closely involved in our tight-knit community, and we partner with many area businesses on inspiring service learning projects and field trips. Join our public charter school today! Enrolling now. |
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