Coed Elementary School (TK-5)
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TK–5 | Where Potential Meets Purpose
Our coed TK–5 program inspires curiosity, confidence, and character through personalized learning in a joyful Catholic community. Every child is known, challenged, and supported as they build the foundation for a lifetime of learning and leadership.
The Foundation Matters
The elementary years shape how children learn, grow, and see themselves. At Notre Dame Academy, we intentionally cultivate academic excellence, confidence, and well-being so every student develops the skills, character, and resilience to succeed long after Grade 5.
Technology with Purpose
Technology enhances learning through our thoughtfully integrated 1:1 iPad program, helping students build digital fluency, critical thinking, and responsible technology habits—all while remaining grounded in hands-on learning and Catholic values.
Transitional Kindergarten: Learning by Doing
Through a thoughtful balance of structure and play, our TK students explore, discover, and build confidence in a nurturing environment. The journey begins with an emphasis on curiosity and confidence. At Notre Dame Academy, we believe the first years of school should be defined by wonder and the discovery of one's unique gifts.
Hands-on Discovery
Whether observing how their shadows change throughout the day or "subtracting" cookies from the cookie jar, students develop math and science concepts through real-world application.
Creative Formation
Children build models of cities and farms or reenact the Mass, turning abstract ideas into tangible understanding through dramatization and construction.
Kindergarten: A World of Wonder
A joyful, hands-on environment where curiosity grows through movement, exploration, and discovery. In these classrooms, students build the essential social and cognitive foundations for literacy and numeracy through purposeful, hands-on exploration.
Active Experimentation
Students engage in reflective observation by measuring and comparing local trees, testing how ramps change an object's motion, and caring for live classroom animals like goldfish and guppies.
Expressive Learning
From dramatizing historic events to creating original songs that explain a new concept, our students find their voices and build the confidence to take healthy risks.
Our teachers are experts in early childhood development who recognize that when a child's environment is both supportive and rigorous, they begin their transition into independent, lifelong learners.
Grades 1–5:
Growing Confident Learners
Inquiry-Based Learning
Curiosity drives every lesson. Through hands-on investigations, collaborative projects, and research-based science experiences, students ask questions, solve problems, and think like scientists, engineers, and innovators.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Southern California becomes an extension of the classroom. Field experiences connect classroom learning to the real world, inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful connections through exploration and discovery.
Executive Function & Student Success
Success starts with strong habits. Students gradually develop organization, time management, study skills, communication, and self-advocacy, building the confidence and independence needed for lifelong learning.
A Strong Foundation for What's Next
By the end of Grade 4, students are prepared for our Fifth Grade transition program, where they continue to strengthen their academic, organizational, and leadership skills before entering middle school.
Bridging the Gap: The Fifth Grade Transition
Our research-based Fifth Grade Transition Program helps students confidently navigate the move to middle school by strengthening the academic, organizational, and personal skills needed for success.
Yearlong Study Skills
A dedicated study skills course equips students with lifelong learning habits, including:
- Time management and organization
- Note-taking and active reading strategies
- Study and test-taking skills
- Communication and conflict resolution
- Growth mindset and Habits of Mind
“The study skills component is amazing! It has helped my son understand his responsibilities and work independently.” — NDA Parent