Literacy: Reading is taught both as a separate skill and integrated into all subjects. Literature is used to extend science, math, history and social studies themes. Over each of the past 2 years, our school read over 1,000,000 pages as part of the "Read to Rise" challenge. As a result, our library will received $5000! We're well on our way to meeting the goal again this year.

Every grade is using the SFUSD adopted program from Houghton Mifflin called "Reading First." In addition, teachers supplement the reading program with high quality literature and integrate with other subject matter areas such as history and science.

Mathematics: Math is taught both as a separate skill and integrated into all subjects. All grades use the district-adopted program from Harcourt. Teachers supplement the Harcourt curriculum with individual programs.We host a "Family Math Night" every year.

Science: Science is taught as a separate subject and is also integrated into math, history and social studies themes. Visual and performing arts are used to extend science. Science is taught using hands-on science kits and experiments. In addition, each class is participating in a unique program with the Mission Science Center. Students take field trips to their laboratory and perform unique experiments based on the State Standards and Frameworks.

Social Science: We offer a variety of curriculum sources for social science and history. As our district adopted program, our teachers use The National Geographic Society's program "Adventures in Time and Place." In addition, teachers extend and adapt curriculum to meet the state social science curriculum standards.

Music: Music, song and dance are an important part of learning and are infused into all subject areas. HMCRA has a music teacher who comes once a week for a full day. The music teacher offers instrumental lessons to 4th and 5th grade students, as well as recorder lessons and classroom singing. We have a 4th/5th grade chorus which is coordinated by the music teacher.

Technology: Our technology teacher (Brendan Creane) works full time at the school to help students and teachers use technology creatively and expressively. Please see our Technology Page for more information.

Library: Our librarian, Chris Phaeton, provides a library program for all classrooms. We have a dedicated library containing a wide selection of books.

Reading Recovery: We provide 30 minutes of daily instruction to 8 or more first graders. Students who have the most difficulty learning to read spend up to 20 weeks with a reading recovery teacher.

Families: One hour per week, our students are brought into cross-age Families. Each family has an adult host, and children from every grade. Families provide our students with cross-grade activities, build school community, conduct community service, and teach global awareness.