We believe that a comprehensive, content-rich curriculum is essential for a good education. Having a broad base of knowledge supports reading comprehension, vocabulary development, writing skills, and critical thinking abilities.

Reading, writing, arithmetic, and math are taught at each student’s instructional level. As students demonstrate mastery of skills and concepts, they move to the next level of instruction. All students are given the information, practice, and assistance needed to work at a challenging, but not frustrating, level.

Classical literature is another important component of our curriculum. There are stories, poems, and phrases that are “assumed knowledge” in American culture: nursery rhymes, fairy tales, folk tales, and other stories. Having knowledge of these literary works enables students to participate in and understand conversations in which references to characters and stories that “everyone knows” are made.

Students at Island Park Charter School gain knowledge and a deep understanding of reading, writing, literature, and math. This builds a strong foundation for future learning and academic success.

Every week students also learn about science, social studies, music, STEM, ASL, Spanish, art, and P.E.

Since we live in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, our science program is focused on learning about the plants, animals, and geographic features of this area. We have many opportunities to learn about life science, earth science, and physical science just by observing the environment around us. We also integrate a lot of science throughout our reading time.

Our social studies curriculum includes geography and history. We think it is important for students to gain general knowledge about world history and geography, and we give special emphasis to American history, government, and American geography.

Music is not only enjoyable to listen to, it also boosts brain development. Every student at IPCS learns how to play the piano. We are fortunate enough to have a music room lined with keyboards. We also have bells, boom whackers, a marimba, bongos and more. These other instruments are primarily used for our performances like, Veteran’s Day and our end of the year play.

STEM time is often focused on robotics and coding. However, during this time, students learn to type properly on a keyboard. This allows them to be successful as they get older. The younger grades work on basic robots, like Beebots, Colby and Jack, and Sammy. These robots help young learners with basic coding, left and right, and directions. As students get older, they are introduced into the LEGO Spike program and Turing Tumble. Older students are often presented with projects to design, engineer, and implement their designs. While all of this is entertaining to learn, the biggest skill to learn during STEM is working together.

Learning is easier at a younger age, especially when it comes to languages. We teach American Sign Language and Spanish to each student.

Drawing and painting are always fun activities for kids. As students get older, we want them to explore other forms of art. Some students have learned basic crochet stiches, weaving, and some have learned how to hand embroider. We want every child to express their artistic abilities and discover their hidden artistic talents.

P.E. is not just about exercise. While the students learn different games, like soccer or dodgeball, they also learn how to keep their body healthy. A common discussion topic is eating healthy foods, getting sleep, and how to take care of your body.

Students at IPCS are immersed in a wide variety of skills. We believe each of these extracurricular activities help students to discover new talents, learn new things, set them up with future potential jobs, and most importantly allow students to have a positive and fun school experience.