Academics
Our Approach to Learning
At Sycamore, we’re proud to be an urban school that offers a dynamic learning environment with small class sizes and engaging, high-quality instruction.
Our academic approach is rooted in the belief that students thrive when their whole selves are nurtured. In addition to strong core academics, we prioritize social-emotional learning, creativity, and physical well-being through programs in art, music, yoga, chess, and more—led by dedicated specialists.
We strive to make school a place that is fun, safe, and structured - where students are encouraged to grow into kind, independent, resilient, and curious learners.
Diverse Community
Teaching students to be global citizens who have an awareness and understanding of the wider world, is crucial for social development. Discussing current events, explicitly teaching and discussing what prejudice and bias looks and sounds like, and providing opportunities to take action for social change will give students the space to become allies and advocates for others. Engaging in service learning opportunities in our diverse city cultivates a community of respectful and empathetic people. Read our complete DEI statement here.
Diverse Community
Reading Centric
Sycamore offers a dynamic reading program that includes daily reading workshop, independent reading time, and access to books across all subjects. Students regularly visit the local library, connecting with librarians and discovering books as tools for research, imagination, and cultural exploration. Daily read-alouds foster social-emotional growth and expose students to complex language and storytelling beyond their independent reading level.
Reading Centric
Whole-Child Education
The Whole Child approach to learning immerses students in engaging learning environments to foster a sense of community and encourage interpersonal skills such as problem solving, goal setting, creativity, autonomy, and self-accountability. Our philosophy encourages children’s growth by responsiveness to their understandings, interests, and abilities, allowing children to deepen their innate curiosity and eagerness to discover and learn more. 5 Selves of the Whole Child: Curious, Creative, Caring, Empathetic, Confident.
Whole-Child Education
Community Learners
Lifelong learning drives Sycamore Community School's vision for student growth. Building community at Sycamore means partnerships between the home and school through morning meetings, publishing parties, field trips and other volunteer opportunities. Immersing students into the extensive urban, civic, and cultural opportunities that Los Angeles offers will be at the core of the school program.
Community Learners
Curriculum
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Reading & Writing Workshop (K–8)
Reading & Writing Workshop develops confident, independent readers and writers through explicit instruction, meaningful practice, and student choice. Students learn strategies to deepen comprehension, analyze texts, develop ideas, and communicate effectively while building a lifelong love of reading and writing.
Fundations Phonics (K)
Fundations provides Kindergarten students with a structured, multisensory foundation in phonics and early literacy. Students develop essential skills in letter recognition, phonemic awareness, sound-symbol relationships, decoding, spelling, and handwriting to support their growth as readers and writers.
Rooted in Reading (K-2)
Rooted in Reading uses high-quality children’s literature to build comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. Through engaging read-alouds and text-based activities, students explore both fiction and nonfiction while developing a deeper understanding of what they read.
Wordly Wise (5-8)
Wordly Wise provides systematic vocabulary instruction that helps students understand and use increasingly sophisticated language. Students explore word meanings in context and strengthen the vocabulary skills needed for reading comprehension, writing, and success across academic subjects.
Words Their Way Spelling (3-4)
Words Their Way is a developmental approach to spelling and word study that helps students recognize patterns and understand how words work. Through word sorting, exploration, and application, students strengthen spelling, vocabulary, and their understanding of increasingly complex word patterns.
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Cognitively Guided Instruction
Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI) is a math pedagogy based on the work of Megan Franke, UCLA Center X, that allows for differentiated instruction. This student-centered approach maximizes engagement through an emphasis on exploring how to use your intuition and natural number sense to solve problems.
Visit the UCLA Mathematics Project to learn more.
Eureka Math²
Eureka Math² is an evidence-based mathematics curriculum designed to build deep understanding, confidence, and lasting mathematical knowledge. Rather than focusing on short-term answers or memorized procedures, the curriculum intentionally connects concepts and mathematical models across lessons and grade levels, helping students understand how and why math works. Through guided inquiry, explicit fluency practice, real-world application, mathematical discourse, and productive struggle, students develop strong problem-solving skills and learn to explain and defend their thinking. Consistent models and strategies allow students to build on prior knowledge as concepts become increasingly complex, while embedded supports ensure that all learners can access and engage with rigorous mathematics. The result is a coherent approach that helps students develop a confident math mindset and the skills to tackle increasingly complex problems.
Visit Great Minds to learn more.
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Elementary (K-4): Mystery Science
“For these critical ten years of their lives, any time a child wonders something all they can do is ask grownups: parents or other adult family members at home, and teachers at school. Most questions that children ask, grownups simply don’t know how to answer. How does a magnet stick to a fridge? Can animals get sunburn? Why do some people have different accents?”
– Mystery Science
Visit Mystery Science to learn more.
Middle School (5-8): STEMscopes
“Our digital curriculum is brought to life through exploratory hands-on kits that promote inquiry and excitement as your students engage in real-world scientific connections.”
– STEMscopes
Visit STEMscopes to learn more.
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Teacher Curriculum Institute (Grades K-8)
“Students can’t help but love TCI’s hands-on lessons. Inquiry projects, debates, and experiential exercises are just some ways that students investigate and master key concepts.” – Teacher Curriculum Institute
Visit the Teacher Curriculum Institute to learn more.
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Vivamos Español (K-5)
Spanish instruction begins in Kindergarten and continues through 8th Grade, building students’ confidence and proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students in K–4 use Vivamos Español to develop foundational vocabulary and conversational skills through engaging, age-appropriate instruction.
Realidades (5-8)
As students progress, Realidades provides a structured approach to expanding vocabulary, grammar, communication, and cultural understanding, helping students develop the skills to communicate meaningfully in Spanish.
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Students in Kindergarten through 3rd Grade participate in chess instruction to build critical thinking, problem-solving, focus, and strategic thinking. Through learning and playing chess, students practice planning ahead, recognizing patterns, persevering through challenges, and demonstrating good sportsmanship—all while building confidence and having fun.
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Our art program encourages creativity and self-expression through hands-on exploration of a wide range of artistic mediums. Students experiment with techniques such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media while developing foundational artistic skills and an appreciation for the creative process. Through guided projects and open-ended exploration, students build confidence in their ideas and learn to express themselves through visual art.
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Our program develops students’ musical skills and confidence through a progressive, hands-on approach. In kindergarten and 1st grade, students build foundational skills by learning rhythm, beat, and the basics of reading music. In 1st and 2nd grade, students begin learning the ukulele, developing coordination and an understanding of melody and chords. Beginning in 3rd grade and continuing through 8th grade, students explore a variety of instruments and collaborate with classmates to form small rock bands, applying their musical knowledge through group practice and performance.
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Our P.E. program helps students develop coordination, strength, and confidence through active skill-building and teamwork. Students are introduced to a wide range of sports and physical activities while learning fundamental movement skills and game strategies. Throughout P.E instruction, an emphasis is placed on collaboration, perseverance, and good sportsmanship, helping students build healthy habits and a positive approach to competition and physical activity.
Social Emotional Learning
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Practicing mindfulness in the classroom develops a student’s ability to focus on the present moment and engage in learning.
Research shows the benefit of giving students the space and tools to re-center and refocus results in a decrease of stress and anxiety. The cornerstones of mindfulness educate students on how to cope with daily fluctuations in life and build resilience by embracing and learning from challenges. (Learn more in the Introduction of Daniel Rechtschaffen’s The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students.)
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A growth mindset is an essential skill for success. Having a growth mindset is defined by the understanding that one’s ability fluctuates as a result of effort, perseverance, and practice. Carol Dweck’s research on the Growth Mindset approach to learning explains that how you view yourself determines your outcome. Sycamore Community School integrates growth mindset practices and activities into each learning domain to heighten our student’s awareness around their potential and build a higher self-worth.
“These neuroscientific discoveries have shown us that we can increase our neural growth by the actions we take, such as using good strategies, asking questions, practicing, and following good nutrition and sleep habits.” – Mindset Works
Visit Mindset Works to learn more.
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Responsive Classroom is a framework of social and emotional practices designed to build a strong and cohesive classroom community. The practices are based on partnerships, which allow students to get to know and trust each other as people, learners, teachers, and coaches.
In a responsive classroom, students feel valued because of the rapport they build with their peers and teachers through morning meetings, closing circles, and consistent feedback. In partnership with students, the teacher establishes a classroom culture where students are intrinsically motivated.
Four Key Domains of Responsive Classroom:
• Engaging Academics
• Positive Community
• Effective Management
• Developmentally Responsive Classroom
“We believe students learn best and thrive in school and classroom environments that are responsible to their academics, social, and emotional strengths and needs.” – Center for Responsive SchoolsVisit the Center for Responsive Schools to learn more.
Enrichment Programs
At Sycamore, enrichment is more than an add-on—it’s a meaningful part of how students grow and thrive. Our strong programs in music, musical theatre, sports, and speech & debate give students the chance to explore their passions and build confidence through creative expression and teamwork. With time, consistency, and encouragement, our students are developing real skills—and becoming impressively accomplished in the areas they love most.
Field Trips
Field trips at Sycamore are opportunities to connect with our city, practice sustainability, and engage with the broader community. Led by our dedicated field trip coordinator, Kathy Brisacher, students explore local resources like the Santa Monica Public Library, nearby parks, and cultural landmarks. Whenever possible, we travel by foot or take public transit -turning each outing into a lesson in civic awareness and environmentally conscious travel. These experiences deepen students’ understanding of the world around them and foster a sense of responsibility through meaningful service projects and community connections.
After School Programs
Our after school programs are welcoming and inclusive; this encourages students to try new things! Pop and rock ensemble, art, chess, legos, track and field, basketball, musical theatre, speech & debate programs are just some of the fun and exciting enrichment programs we offer to students. The classes will vary depending on the needs and interests of our students and will meet weekly after school.