The Capistrano Unified School District carefully aligns its comprehensive curriculum with the California State Standards and Frameworks. Capistrano Unified has set clear guidelines as to the skills students should master at each grade level. A major instructional goal for Capistrano Unified is that all students demonstrate competency in challenging subject matter, including English/language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts.

The CORE Instructional Program (Capistrano Objectives for Reaching Excellence) ensures that students master a solid foundation of skills and that they learn progressively to apply these basic skills and foundation knowledge to reason, solve problems, use the scientific method, think creatively and critically, make aesthetic judgments, and expand their knowledge of the world. Development of CORE standards began in 1996. With constant refinement based on best educational practices, CORE standards provide all district educators a clear blueprint for teaching and learning. They are a set of education priorities to guide the school system, from crafting lessons for the classroom to allocating resources within and among our schools.

CORE parent conferences at all grade levels are designed to foster good communication in the parent/teacher partnership and help all children reach their highest potential. At the elementary school level, a goal-setting conference is held in the fall with the parent, the teacher, and when appropriate, the student. Parents have the opportunity to tell the teacher about their child’s achievements and goals, and the teacher has the chance to explain the standards and curriculum, initial assessment data, and academic goals.

Throughout the year, teachers send home information about class assignments and student achievement. Parents are encouraged to speak with a teacher about concerns at any time by making appointments. In the spring, parents of elementary students are invited to attend progress conferences to discuss academic growth and any academic concerns.

Brochures explaining CORE standards at each grade level are available on this page.  In the column on the left, click on the grade level you want.  A PDF File will be displayed for you to read or print.

The general curriculum in elementary school calls for two hours daily uninterrupted reading/language arts instruction grades K-5. Students receive mathematics instruction daily for 50-60 minutes in grades K-5. These blocks of instructional time reflect the mandates contained in the English language arts and mathematics frameworks.

The basic curriculum for middle school students—Grades 6 through 8—calls for students to complete three years of English, history, mathematics, science, and physical education. Students are also offered electives in fine arts, practical arts, world language, and technology.