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About Us » Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment

     beavertail

Geology lessons at Beavertail State Park, Jamestown RI

  The Jamestown Schools provide a challenging and engaging education experience to ensure all our students reach their full potential. Our curriculum is grounded in standards-based instruction in all subjects, focusing on building essential knowledge and skills. We foster a supportive and inclusive school environment where every student can thrive and feel valued. Through hands-on projects and integrated activities, students enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills, applying what they learn to real-world challenges. We also emphasize other key 21st-century skills such as innovation, collaboration and critical thinking,  preparing students to positively impact our interconnected world. To learn more about our vision for our students, check out the Jamestown Schools- Portrait of a Graduate

English Language Arts

The Into Reading curriculum was adopted in 2022 for students in grades K-5. It is a comprehensive reading curriculum which offers a responsive and balanced approach to literacy instruction, grounded in the Science of Reading. The foundation of reading instruction in the early grades is phonemic awareness and phonics which ensures all students have a solid foundation to build upon as they learn to read. In all grades, students read a variety of rich grade level texts and respond to what they have read both in writing and through discussions.

 into reading   

In sixth through eighth grade students receive their reading and writing instruction through the EL Education curriculum. This curriculum is also grounded in the Science of Reading and, at the middle school level, aims to build deeper knowledge for our students by using authentic texts and novels connected to real-world topics in the areas of social studies, science, technology and literature.

 

 

Structured Literacy Lesson in Kindergarten

The Science of Reading for Parents- Video

MathematicsMath

iReady Classroom Mathematics is a robust program which enables our students to become strong, independent mathematical thinkers. The program uses an enhanced and strategic approach to math instruction, focusing on reason, sense making, problem solving, and student-to-student conversations about conceptual mastery.  Students have the opportunity to tackle complex concepts, and hone their critical thinking skills about mathematics while building a foundation of number sense and fluency.   
                                                                        
*Please note students enrolled in our 7th Grade Accelerated Math Class learn all of the 7th and 8th grade common core math standards in one year, in preparation for Honors Algebra in 8th grade. Additionally, students who successfully complete the Honors Algebra course in 8th grade are eligible to receive high school credit at North Kingstown High School. 

Science

Science
           Students building and using "drifters" to measure currents in collaboration with the 
                           

Jamestown Schools Science Curriculum- Grades K-5 

In grades 6-8, we are in the first phase of transitioning to OpenSciEd with full implementation expected by the 25/26 School year.  It is a comprehensive middle school science curriculum that empowers students to ask questions, design investigations, craft solutions, and figure out our interesting and puzzling world. 

OpenSciEd Middle School Overview (Draft)

We also work in close collaboration with GEMS-Net (Guiding Education in Math and Science Network) at the University of Rhode Island. Learn more about GEMS-Net! 

 

Social Studies

Reading
The Jamestown Schools are in the beginning stages reviewing these revised Rhode Island Standards from the Department of Education. We will identify grades requiring shifts in focus and develop a timeline for fully aligning curriculum and instruction to these new standards by the fall of 2026.

 

Spanish 
Mexican Wrestling
Lucha Libre Mask Making- 5th grade Spanish
 
 
*By the end of 8th grade, students who successfully complete our Spanish coursework and pass the 8th Grade Spanish assessment are eligible for Spanish 1 high school credit at North Kingstown High School. 

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

sel

Lawn School R.O.C.K.S Recess Expectations 

The Jamestown School Department recognizes its responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students. Creating a supportive school climate requires close attention to the social, emotional mental health, and behavioral development of our students.

Physical Education/Health

Running
Melrose Students enjoying the Annual Wolf Pack Run-Sponsored by our PTO
 
The Jamestown Schools Physical Education and Health curricula help students build lifelong healthy habits through active, engaging lessons. In physical education, students develop movement skills, learn key movement concepts, and practice teamwork, communication, and good sportsmanship. In health class, they explore healthy eating, personal hygiene, safety, conflict resolution, disease prevention, and emotional well-being to support a strong understanding of healthy living.

Music

band
Lawn students performing at the annual Jamestown Tree Lighting
At the heart of the Jamestown music program is the belief that every student has music within them. We cultivate an inclusive environment grounded in a growth mindset, where learners of all backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to explore, perform, and connect. By treating music as both a personal and communal journey, we ensure that every child has a valued place to discover their unique voice and appreciate diverse traditions.

Our curriculum provides engaging opportunities at every level, starting with general music for Pre-K through 4th grade and introductory chorus options. Upon transitioning to Lawn for grades 5 through 8, students focus on band or chorus, with additional opportunities to join Jazz ensembles, participate in state festivals, and utilize music technology. Through adaptive classes and regular community performances, we strive to provide a vibrant, comprehensive music experience for every student.

Art

art
Melrose students designing and creating dragons
 

Art Curriculum k-4
Art Curriculum 5-8

Library 

Student enjoying a book in the Lawn LibraryBrowsing books in the Lawn Library

The JSD library program offers direct instruction to students from Pre-K through Grade 6. Library services and resources are accessible to all grade levels within the Jamestown school community. Our goal is to foster a lifelong love of reading, learning, and critical thinking. Through guided book selection and active engagement, students will develop essential literacy skills, including deep reading, analytical thinking, and the ability to identify an author’s purpose and perspective. In addition to literacy development, students will engage with technology throughout the year. Instruction will include foundational coding skills and research strategies to support digital literacy and 21st-century learning.

 
Other Curriculum Resources 
solar eclipse
2024 Solar Eclipse Viewing 
Jamestown Schools Assessment Data Presentations
 
Please click here to access the public domain of the Rhode Island Assessment Data Portal
if you would like more information about any aspect of the Jamestown Schools Data.