Curriculum
Academics
Curriculum
Beyond Textbooks rigor, arts integration in every classroom, 1:1 technology, and tutoring when a student needs it.
Curriculum by Grade
Grades K–3
EL Education for English Language Arts, Social Studies and Science · Beyond Textbooks for Math.
Grades 4–8
Beyond Textbooks across the core subjects.
Beyond Textbooks
At Gilbert Arts Academy we have adopted the Beyond Textbooks Curriculum, originally developed in Vail, AZ in 2009. The name does not refer to an abandonment of traditional textbooks, but rather to a philosophy of teaching and learning that transcends textbooks and state standards to strengthen support for communities of teachers, facilitate teaching and learning, and improve student growth and achievement. This comprehensive approach begins with a “shoulder to shoulder” rather than “top down” curriculum development process.
Teachers within a grade level and subject collaborate to “unwrap” the standards to determine big ideas, key vocabulary, student-friendly language, essential questions, and performance tasks that prove mastery. The documents produced in this process form the foundation of the core subject curriculums at each grade level and establish district-wide expectations for what teachers should teach and what students should learn and be able to do in relation to a specific standard. Beyond Textbooks guides our teachers through developing in-depth and engaging lessons in Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, PE, and more. In grades K–3, English Language Arts, Social Studies and Science are taught through EL Education, with Beyond Textbooks used for Math.
Beyond Textbooks & Parent Resources Core Standards
Fine Arts — Arts Integration
We use arts integration to enrich every student’s learning experience. This teaching approach blends artistic disciplines — such as visual art, music, drama, and dance — with core academic subjects. Through this method, students explore and demonstrate their understanding in creative and meaningful ways, making learning more engaging and impactful.
Our students participate in Elements of Art and Music Theory classes, study influential artists, and create projects that reflect their learning. All students perform in our annual holiday show, with additional opportunities to join our after-school choir or act in our yearly drama production. Field trips further support their appreciation for the arts.
Technology
1:1 Devices
Nine Chromebook carts plus a computer lab — a device for every student on campus.
Trained Teachers
K-2 teachers train in Google for Early Education and 3-8 teachers earn Google Certified Teacher credentials, bringing technology into every classroom.
Digital Citizenship
3rd-8th graders participate in Google’s “Be Internet Awesome” program, and Computer Science clubs are offered to all students K-8 — alongside lessons built for critical thinking and independent learning.
Tutoring
Teachers utilize a multitude of assessment tools to determine the ability, growth, mastery level and possible deficiencies of students. If it is determined that a student needs additional help, parents will be notified that their child will be offered tutoring by the classroom teacher after school, or that they qualify for academic assistance under the Title I program.
Contact your child’s teacher for their class tutoring schedule.