Curriculum and Instruction
Our vision is for Creighton Neighborhood Schools to inspire adventurous thinkers, collaborative learners and kind-hearted leaders.
Important Links
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Contact Us
Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
(602) 381-6036 - Office
Dr. Kim Dodd-Keran
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Dorothy Rangel
Director Secretary
602 381-6036 ext. 50224
- K-8 Curriculum Overview and Resources for Families
- Arts For All Students
- Dual Language Spanish Immersion
- Full Day Kindergarten
- Healthy Relationships & Human Sexuality
- Junior Ambassadors
- Technology in the Classroom
K-8 Curriculum Overview and Resources for Families
- Kindergarten
- Special Areas (Kindergarten - second grade)
- First Grade
- Second Grade
- Third Grade
- Special Areas (Third - Fifth Grade)
- Fourth Grade
- Fifth Grade
- Sixth Grade
- Seventh Grade
- Eighth Grade
- Special Areas (Sixth - Eighth Grade)
Kindergarten
Special Areas (Kindergarten - second grade)
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Special Areas (Third - Fifth Grade)
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Special Areas (Sixth - Eighth Grade)
Arts For All Students
Arts Opportunities for All Students
All of our students, from kindergarten through eighth grade, receive regular classes in art, music and physical education. Students in all of our schools can also opt for instrumental music classes such as band and string ensembles.
Monte Vista School is an Arts Integration School providing elements of arts education in daily classroom instruction and arts electives.
The arts programs are highly visible, not only within our school district, but also in the community. Student artwork is displayed during arts festivals, with business partners, and in numerous other exhibitions throughout the school year. Band and choir students perform school concerts and events, as do dance and drama students.
Our dedicated teachers adhere to state standards, but often go far beyond those requirements to ensure the very best possible experience for all students.
Numerous studies show that when the arts are an integral part of the curriculum, children excel in other academic disciplines at much higher levels than children who do not have those opportunities. At Creighton our focus is educating the whole child.
Dual Language Spanish Immersion
Biltmore Preparatory Academy and The Creighton Academy are dedicated, local, nationally, and internationally recognized Spanish Dual-Language Immersion Programs. The programs provide students with an opportunity to participate in a 50/50, two-way Spanish Language Immersion Program. 50% of instruction is provided in the partner language (e.g. Spanish) and 50% in English at all elementary grade levels for all students in the program, kindergarten through 8th grade (Kindergarten through 8th grade at The Creighton Academy).
Classroom instruction is delivered in one language at a time without translation. Biltmore Prep and The Creighton Academy primarily use a “Two Teacher Model” in which Teacher A delivers instruction in English and Teacher B in Spanish. Both teachers share two classes and students switch classes in the middle of the day. (Based on enrollment, a one-teacher model may be implemented, in which the same teacher delivers half-day instruction in English and the other half of the day in Spanish).
Along with the acquisition of a second language, students are also immersed in the Spanish culture through assemblies and culturally relevant events and projects. A student's proficiency in Spanish is determined by using the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) test.
Benefits of a Bilingual Brain:
- Comfort in a global society.
- Increased creativity.
- A boost in academic performance.
- Emphasis on curiosity, cultural sensitivity, empathy, and tolerance.
- Positive cross-cultural attitudes promote high self-esteem.
- A gained awareness and appreciation for diverse cultures.
- Acquired multitasking and metacognitive skills; encourages strategic thinking and problem solving.
- Positive, confident, and excited about learning.
Dual Language Schools
Biltmore Preparatory Academy
4601 N. 34th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85018
Grades: K - 8
Principal: Dr. Stephanie DeMar
Assistant Principal:
Front Office: (602) 381-6160
The Creighton Academy
2802 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85008
Grades: K-8
Principal: Ms. Katie Cartier
Front Office: (602) 381-6060
Full Day Kindergarten
An exciting year awaits, filled with adventurous learning designed to enhance your child's growth and development. This very important year promises to be one filled with discovery and joy as your child works and plays in an environment that is warm, safe, and challenging. Creighton offers FREE full-day kindergarten to our families. Our full day program provides a deeper understanding of language arts, with a focus on the literacy elements of phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, science and social studies.
- Qualifications and Registration
- Early Entry Kindergarten Testing
- Skills Required at the Beginning of Kindergarten
- Skills Acquired During Kindergarten
Qualifications and Registration
To register for Kindergarten, your child must turn 5 by August 31. To register, you will need:
- A certified copy of the pupil’s birth certificate; or an affidavit explaining the inability to provide a copy of the birth certificate. (A.R.S. §15-828)
- Current immunization records
- Proof of residency (see below for Arizona Department of Education Arizona Residency Documentation or Affidavit of Shared Residence Form)
- Parent/Guardian State issued Photo ID (or equivalent legal form of I.D. per Governing Board Policy JFAA)
- Withdrawal Form (If previously enrolled in an Arizona school)
- Guardianship/Custody Documentation (if applicable)
Kindergarten registration is open! Stop by your neighborhood school to fill out a registration packet and take a tour of the school. You can also register your child online by clicking this link: Click here for the online registration link.
Early Entry Kindergarten Testing
Any child turning 5 years old between September 1 - December 31 qualifies to take the early entry test. The student must be tested within the first 30 days of school. Testing is offered at the Creighton Family Resource Center starting June 1 - September 13 of the current school year. Call to schedule your appointment.
Creighton Family Resource Center
2052 N. 36th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
(602)381-4605
Email: FamilyResourceCenter@Creightonschools.org
Skills Required at the Beginning of Kindergarten
You may want to review this list and see if there is anything else you would like to teach your child before those first days of school. Keep in mind that this is just a guideline; the exact expectations may vary from program to program.
- Identify some letters of the alphabet
- Grip a pencil, crayon, or marker correctly (with the thumb and forefinger supporting the tip)
- Use scissors, glue, paint, and other art materials with relative ease
- Write his first name using upper- and lowercase letters, if possible
- Count to 10
- Bounce a ball
- Classify objects according to their size, shape, and quantity
- Speak using complete sentences
- Recognize some common sight words, like “stop”
- Identify rhyming words
- Repeat his full name, address, phone number, and birthday
- Play independently or focus on one activity with a friend for up to ten minutes
- Manage bathroom needs
- Dress himself
- Follow directions
- Clean up after himself
- Listen to a story without interrupting
- Separate from parents easily
Don’t panic if your child hasn’t nailed everything on the list — they’ll learn a lot in kindergarten. What’s more important is to wean them from relying on you to do things they could do themselves, such as zipping a jacket or tying their shoes. Give them the chance to show you what they can do — you might be in for a few surprises!
Skills Acquired During Kindergarten
Although the curriculum may vary from school to school, general goals focus on children building strong pre-reading skills, practicing letter formation, enhancing listening and communication skills, getting an introduction to basic math concepts, and acquiring an active interest in the world. Generally speaking, your child will be able to:
Language Arts
- Recognize and write all of the letters of the alphabet in upper- and lowercase forms
- Write their first and last name
- Learn sounds corresponding to vowels and consonants
- Use initial consonant sounds and sound patterns to read words (for example, f + an = fan; r + an = ran)
- Identify several sight words, including names of colors
- Recognize and use rhyming words
- Retell a story including details
- Put the events of a story in order
- Write simple sentences using sight words and phonics skills
Listening and Communication
- Listen attentively
- Raise hands or wait to speak
- Act on instructions and repeat spoken directions
- Engage in question-and-answer dialogue with classmates and teachers
- Work as a team on projects or problem-solving
Math
- Sort and classify objects using one or more attributes
- Recognize and write numbers to 30
- Count orally by ones, five, and tens
- Name ordinal numbers first through tenth
- Add and subtract using manipulatives (Cheerios, candy, etc.)
- Understand spatial relationships (top/bottom, near/far, ahead/behind)
- Compare quantities by estimating, weighing, and measuring
- Use graphs to gather information
- Recognize patterns and shapes
- Tell time to the nearest hour
- Count coins
- Recite the days of the week and months of the year
Healthy Relationships & Human Sexuality
The Creighton School District is committed to ensuring safety and inspiring health and wellness in our school and community. We believe that healthy relationships form the foundation for life-long wellbeing and success. Therefore, we offer a course entitled Healthy Relationships and Human Sexuality for children in grades 5-8. This course is designed to help children develop the knowledge, skills and habits needed to form healthy relationships now and in the future.
Parental consent is required for students to participate in this course.
The goals of the course are to assist in the development of students:
- Who are knowledgeable about human development, reproduction and sexual health
- Who respect and appreciate themselves, their families and all people
- Who will neither exploit others nor allow themselves to be exploited
HRHS Scope & Sequence (English and Spanish)
Course Participation Consent Form (English)
Course Participation Consent Form (Spanish)
Junior Ambassadors
Junior Ambassadors Program
The mission of the Junior Ambassadors program is to provide Creighton students with an understanding of our world, its diverse cultures, and America’s relationship with it.
Since 1991, the Jr. Ambassadors Program has provided thousands of students the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the United States, and the culture, history and languages of different countries from around the world through after-school classes, field trips and travel for students in third – eighth grade.
Our Next Trip
Interested in sending your student on an unforgettable learning experience? Join us for an informational meeting about the Junior Ambassadors Program!
Learn how your student could take part in an educational trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City!
November 13, 2025 | 5–6 PM
Virtual Meeting — Scan the QR code or use the link below to RSVP and get the meeting link!
https://rsvp.efexploreamerica.
¿Interesado en enviar a su estudiante a una experiencia educativa inolvidable? ¡Acompáñanos a una reunión informativa sobre el Programa de Embajadores Juveniles!
Aprende cómo tu estudiante puede participar en un viaje educativo a Washington D.C. y Nueva York.
13 de noviembre de 2025 | 5–6 PM
Reunión virtual — ¡Escanea el código QR o usa el enlace a continuación para registrarte y obtener el enlace de la reunión!
https://rsvp.efexploreamerica.
How to Become a Junior Ambassador
To apply for the program, students must complete an application including references from teachers and community members, and submit it to the Junior Ambassador Liaison teacher at their school. The students’ families must be willing to support their efforts. This primarily consists of financial contributions (individually or through fund-raising efforts) and attending parent meetings, and assuring that students attend after-school classes. Applications can be obtained from the Jr. Ambassador Liaison at your school.
You can view the requirements here.
NOTE: Jr. Ambassadors who travel outside of the USA must have legal residency in the United States and passports. Visas may be required.
Teachers interview applicants and select those with good recommendations, strong motivation, enthusiasm, excellent citizenship and life skill qualities, and academic effort. This means maintaining or improving grades.
All students attend after-school classes to learn communication and leadership skills, global citizenship, geography, culture, and service-learning projects.
Testimonials
“I have traveled to 76 countries, and it all started with the Jr. Ambassadors Program. I always thought travel was for the rich, that it was a luxury I wouldn't ever be privileged to experience as a child in the foster care system. But there I was, at the age of 13, boarding my first airplane and off to change my life. I now understand the value of meeting other people face-to-face, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences, as well as sharing mine with them. The world is no longer off limits to me. It's something I need. In fact, it's something I deserve. It's something everyone, no matter their background, deserves. I am now a military officer, I've studied 2 languages and hold a master's degree from a foreign university. I will sail my ship around the world as an ambassador of the US, with confidence and humility. And it all started with the Jr. Ambassadors.”
- Jennifer Floyd, Junior Ambassador Alumni
Technology in the Classroom
Reimagining Learning With Technology
At Creighton School District we are on the leading edge in providing the most current technology in our classrooms to enhance student learning. Through the use of technology, students are developing research skills, leveraging apps for learning by creating presentations and videos, as well as creating online portfolios that can be shared with their families or even used as part of their applications to competitive high schools.
iPads and Apple Devices
All Creighton kindergarten through eighth grade students receive 1:1 iPads in the classrooms. With the use of iPads, students are creating presentations and video through the apps keynote and clips. Students are also using apps that focus on increasing literacy skills and math skills in a fun and interactive way. All student projects are uploaded to SeeSaw and can be viewed by their families.
Along with the use of iPads by students, teachers are also equipped with iPads and Apple TV's are installed in each classroom, so projects can be viewed in real time using Airplay and students can interact with one another digitally.