Curriculum in D51
UNIFIED PLAN OF cURRICULUM, iNSTRUCTION, & aSSESSMENT
Mesa County Valley School District's curriculum and academic programs provide a quality education that prepares students for a successful future.
Transparency of the curriculum builds community understanding of the high expectations of the Colorado Academic Standards, which D51 students are expected to meet, as outlined in the units of instruction for each content area.
D51 curriculum will be updated as the Colorado Department of Education reviews and approves state standards.
Additionally, transparency of the curriculum benefits families of D51 students, homeschool families, higher education staff and students, and other school districts throughout Colorado.
staff
Jackie Anderson
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning
Nikki Johnston
Director of
Secondary Curriculum & Professional Learning
Jamie Burnham
Assistant Director of Elementary Curriculum & Professional Learning
All
english language arts
K-12 Literacy empowers thoughtful collaborators, effective communicators, and critical thinkers. Through diverse texts and purposeful writing, students build knowledge, explore human experience, and develop language skills to engage meaningfully in academic, work, and civic life.
Mathematics
K-12 mathematics builds knowledge across grades, from early number sense to algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students strengthen reasoning and problem-solving by connecting math to real-world contexts, preparing them for advanced study, career opportunities, and everyday decision-making.
Science
Our K-12 science curriculum is driven by real-world phenomena that spark curiosity and inspire investigation. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students engage in hands-on learning, data analysis, and problem-solving to explore, explain, and model the natural and designed world like real scientists.
Social Studies
Our K-12 social studies curriculum emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application, preparing learners for civic responsibility, cultural understanding, and meaningful lifelong participation in community life, all fully aligned to the Colorado Academic Social Studies Standards.
Computer Science
K-12 Computer Science builds students' skills in problem-solving, computational thinking, and responsible digital citizenship. Through coding, data analysis, and understanding how technology works, students learn to create, evaluate, and apply digital tools to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.
Physical Education
Physical education develops students' motor skills, personal fitness, teamwork, and lifelong wellness habits. Grounded in the Colorado Academic Standards, it promotes active, healthy lifestyles while building confidence, cooperation, and an understanding of how movement supports overall well-being.
Music
Music education in D51 builds strong foundations in rhythm, notation, performance, and creative expression, with expanding pathways beginning in middle school through high school. Students can explore band, orchestra, choir, and additional musical opportunities that foster skill, artistry, and lifelong appreciation.
Visual Arts
Visual arts in D51 cultivates creativity, observation, and technical skill as students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and more. With expanding opportunities in middle and high school, learners develop artistic voice, interpret works with depth, and engage in rich, meaningful creative expression.
World Language
World language learning builds communication skills, cultural understanding, and global awareness. Students can explore Spanish, German, American Sign Language, and additional language options, gaining the confidence to interact across cultures and broaden their perspectives through meaningful language use.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten lays the foundation for academic and social success. Students develop early literacy and math skills, explore science through observation and inquiry, and learn to express themselves through art, music, and movement—all in a nurturing environment that builds confidence and curiosity.
First Grade
In first grade, students grow as readers, writers, and problem-solvers. They begin reading with greater independence, deepen number sense, and explore patterns in the world around them. Hands-on l builds communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills across subject areas.
Second Grade
In second grade, students build fluency in reading and writing while expanding their understanding of numbers, operations, and data. Science and social studies encourage critical thinking and connection making, as students ask thoughtful questions, gather evidence, and explore new ideas.
third Grade
Third grade marks a shift to deeper comprehension and independent learning. Learners analyze texts, write for different purposes, and apply math skills to real-world problems. Inquiry drives science and social studies, with an emphasis on reasoning, research, and responsibility.
fourth grade
Fourth graders develop stronger academic stamina and explore more complex concepts across all subjects. They use evidence to support their ideas, think like scientists and historians, and tackle multi-step problems in math. Learners also explore broader communities and cultures in Colorado and beyond.
fifth Grade
Fifth grade learners apply their skills in sophisticated ways - synthesizing information, solving real-world problems, and engaging in collaborative projects. With a strong focus on independence, leadership, and academic readiness, they are well-prepared to transition to middle school.
middle school
Grades 6-8 focus on deepening content knowledge while helping learners navigate adolescence. Learners engage in more rigorous academics, explore new interests through electives and extracurriculars, and build the skills needed to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate meaningfully.
high school
In grades 9-12, learners pursue academic and career goals through a variety of pathways, including advanced courses, dual credit, career and technical education, and the arts. High school is design to prepare every student for success after graduation - whether that means career, college, military, or something uniquely their own.
Engineering Design
Middle school engineering design engages students in hands-on problem solving through the engineering design process. Students design, build, test, and refine solutions using a variety of tools and technologies, developing creativity, collaboration, and systems thinking through authentic design challenges.
Core Curriculum
english language arts
K-12 Literacy empowers thoughtful collaborators, effective communicators, and critical thinkers. Through diverse texts and purposeful writing, students build knowledge, explore human experience, and develop language skills to engage meaningfully in academic, work, and civic life.
Mathematics
K-12 mathematics builds knowledge across grades, from early number sense to algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students strengthen reasoning and problem-solving by connecting math to real-world contexts, preparing them for advanced study, career opportunities, and everyday decision-making.
Science
Our K-12 science curriculum is driven by real-world phenomena that spark curiosity and inspire investigation. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students engage in hands-on learning, data analysis, and problem-solving to explore, explain, and model the natural and designed world like real scientists.
Social Studies
Our K-12 social studies curriculum emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application, preparing learners for civic responsibility, cultural understanding, and meaningful lifelong participation in community life, all fully aligned to the 2022 Colorado Academic Social Studies Standards.
Grade Level
Kindergarten
Kindergarten lays the foundation for academic and social success. Students develop early literacy and math skills, explore science through observation and inquiry, and learn to express themselves through art, music, and movement—all in a nurturing environment that builds confidence and curiosity.
First Grade
In first grade, students grow as readers, writers, and problem-solvers. They begin reading with greater independence, deepen number sense, and explore patterns in the world around them. Hands-on learning builds communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills across subject areas.
Second Grade
Second grade students build fluency in reading and writing while expanding their understanding of numbers, operations, and data. Science and social studies encourage critical thinking and connection-making, as students ask questions, gather evidence, and explore new ideas.
third Grade
Third grade marks a shift to deeper comprehension and independent learning. Learners analyze texts, write for different purposes, and apply math skills to real-world problems. Inquiry drives science and social studies, with an emphasis on reasoning, research, and responsibility.
fourth grade
Fourth graders develop stronger academic stamina and explore more complex concepts across all subjects. They use evidence to support their ideas, think like scientists and historians, and tackle multi-step problems in math. Learners also explore broader communities and cultures in Colorado and beyond.
fifth Grade
Fifth grade learners apply their skills in sophisticated ways - synthesizing information, solving real-world problems, and engaging in collaborative projects. With a strong focus on independence, leadership, and academic readiness, they are well-prepared to transition to middle school.
middle school
Grades 6-8 focus on deepening content knowledge while helping learners navigate adolescence. Learners engage in more rigorous academics, explore new interests through electives and extracurriculars, and build the skills needed to think critically, communicate effectively, and collaborate meaningfully.
high school
In grades 9-12, learners pursue academic and career goals through a variety of pathways, including advanced courses, dual credit, career and technical education, and the arts. High school is design to prepare every student for success after graduation - whether that means career, college, military, or something uniquely their own.
Elective
Computer Science
K-12 Computer Science builds students' skills in problem-solving, computational thinking, and responsible digital citizenship. Through coding, data analysis, and understanding how technology works, students learn to create, evaluate, and apply digital tools to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.
Physical Education
Physical education develops students' motor skills, personal fitness, teamwork, and lifelong wellness habits. Grounded in the Colorado Academic Standards, it promotes active, healthy lifestyles while building confidence, cooperation, and an understanding of how movement supports overall well-being.
Music
Music education in D51 builds strong foundations in rhythm, notation, performance, and creative expression, with expanding pathways beginning in middle school through high school. Students can explore band, orchestra, choir, and additional musical opportunities that foster skill, artistry, and lifelong appreciation.
Visual Arts
Visual arts in D51 cultivates creativity, observation, and technical skill as students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and more. With expanding opportunities in middle and high school, learners develop artistic voice, interpret works with depth, and engage in rich, meaningful creative expression.
World Language
World language learning builds communication skills, cultural understanding, and global awareness. Students can explore Spanish, German, American Sign Language, and additional language options, gaining the confidence to interact across cultures and broaden their perspectives through meaningful language use.
Engineering Design
Middle school engineering design engages students in hands-on problem solving through the engineering design process. Students design, build, test, and refine solutions using a variety of tools and technologies, developing creativity, collaboration, and systems thinking through authentic design challenges.
Subject Area
english language arts
K-12 Literacy empowers thoughtful collaborators, effective communicators, and critical thinkers. Through diverse texts and purposeful writing, students build knowledge, explore human experience, and develop language skills to engage meaningfully in academic, work, and civic life.
Mathematics
K-12 mathematics builds knowledge across grades, from early number sense to algebra, geometry, and statistics. Students strengthen reasoning and problem-solving by connecting math to real-world contexts, preparing them for advanced study, career opportunities, and everyday decision-making.
Science
Our K-12 science curriculum is driven by real-world phenomena that spark curiosity and inspire investigation. Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students engage in hands-on learning, data analysis, and problem-solving to explore, explain, and model the natural and designed world like real scientists.
Social Studies
Our K-12 social studies curriculum emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and real-world application, preparing learners for civic responsibility, cultural understanding, and meaningful lifelong participation in community life, all fully aligned to the 2022 Colorado Academic Social Studies Standards.
Computer Science
K-12 Computer Science builds students' skills in problem-solving, computational thinking, and responsible digital citizenship. Through coding, data analysis, and understanding how technology works, students learn to create, evaluate, and apply digital tools to navigate and contribute to an increasingly complex world.
Physical Education
Physical education develops students' motor skills, personal fitness, teamwork, and lifelong wellness habits. Grounded in the Colorado Academic Standards, it promotes active, healthy lifestyles while building confidence, cooperation, and an understanding of how movement supports overall well-being.
Music
Music education in D51 builds strong foundations in rhythm, notation, performance, and creative expression, with expanding pathways beginning in middle school through high school. Students can explore band, orchestra, choir, and additional musical opportunities that foster skill, artistry, and lifelong appreciation.
Visual Arts
Visual arts in D51 cultivates creativity, observation, and technical skill as students explore drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and more. With expanding opportunities in middle and high school, learners develop artistic voice, interpret works with depth, and engage in rich, meaningful creative expression.
World Language
World language learning builds communication skills, cultural understanding, and global awareness. Students can explore Spanish, German, American Sign Language, and additional language options, gaining the confidence to interact across cultures and broaden their perspectives through meaningful language use.
Engineering Design
Middle school engineering design engages students in hands-on problem solving through the engineering design process. Students design, build, test, and refine solutions using a variety of tools and technologies, developing creativity, collaboration, and systems thinking through authentic design challenges.