The Core Knowledge curriculum is based on the premise that a grade-by-grade core of common learning is necessary to ensure a sound and fair elementary education. The concept has grown out of the work by Professor E. D. Hirsch, Jr., author of Cultural Literacy and The Schools We Need, and is based on a large body of research in cognitive psychology, as well as a careful examination of several of the world’s most fair and effective school systems.

Professor Hirsch has argued that, for the sake of academic excellence, greater fairness, and higher literacy, early schooling should provide a solid, specific, shared core curriculum in order to help children establish strong foundations of knowledge. This research has produced a curriculum that states explicitly what students should learn at each grade level.

Caprock Academy will use Core Knowledge in its K-7 classes. During these years, Core Knowledge will integrate with the Classical Education to form the basis of developing the background and skills the students will need for their high school years.

Core Knowledge is meant to be fun for both students and teachers:

• Children are invigorated by a sense of accomplishment and learning things they can discuss with their parents.
• Teachers appreciate the carefully selected content and the opportunity to use their own creativity on how to present the materials.
• It also provides coherence to curriculum and contributes to increased teacher collaborations.

To learn more about Core Knowledge, visit the Core Knowledge Foundation web site.