Presidio Knolls Elementary Program

We provide our elementary students a rich, authentic, and rigorous curriculum through the lens of meaningful experience, dialogue, and inquiry-based learning in both Mandarin Chinese and English.

We continually seek new ways to challenge and inspire our students with a course of study that encourages them to ask questions, deepen their understanding, think critically, and explore what matters to them.

Our teachers are creative collaborators who help students build higher-level thinking and find connections between the classroom and the real world. Learning at PKS is about engagement and connection, responding to the individual strengths and needs of each student, and growing together in a supportive environment.

Units of Exploration (UoEs)

Our progressive curriculum centers around four Units of Exploration (UoEs) that each last 6-8 weeks.

Each UoE incorporates work in two languages and all major disciplines, with additional daily classes in math and English to ensure a firm foundation in these core subjects.

Read more in our curriculum guide.

Each day students also engage in two periods of outdoor recess, movement / mindfulness class, and a specialist class (Maker / Science Lab, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Multimedia). Each specialist class meets daily for an entire quarter, providing our students with the same deep, sustained explorations they get through their UoEs.

Our elementary program currently serves students in kindergarten through grade 4. Grade 5 is a crucial transitional year in the life of our students. In our commitment to recognizing the importance of this critical time in a student’s development, and to supporting this time with thoughtfulness and intentionality, the transition to middle school at PKS begins in 5th grade.