Curriculum
KSD Curriculum
Karval School prides itself in having small class-size which allows the district to use a standard-based curriculum that individualizes each child’s education. We use proven curriculum that helps students succeed in developing what they need to know and do to be equipped for the real world.
Preschool:
Karval has a strong early learning component in its district. Our preschoolers attend school four days a week, and are given developmentally appropriate instruction. The preschoolers that come through our program are nurtured and prepared to enter our full-time Kindergarten.
Elementary:
Our elementary uses Saxon Math, the Into Reading program, and Science Fusion as its core curriculum. What is unique to our school is the teaching of character education that helps our students become responsible and respectful citizens. PE and music instruction are still part of our curriculum which we believe enhances our programming and leads to a well-rounded education.
Junior/Senior High:
The Karval secondary education program allows for face-to-face traditionally rigorous instruction, as well as giving students the opportunity to take courses in a digital online format where they work at their own pace in courses that allow them to pursue individual interests. Like the elementary school, our secondary level class sizes are small which allows for plenty of assistance and individualization. Karval has basic and advanced coursework that meets the graduation requirements for all students. Lastly, we have electives such as agriculture, PE, and band offerings just like larger schools.
Concurrent Enrollment:
High school students who qualify, are able to take college coursework while attending Karval School District. This is especially enticing for students who are pursuing a certain career track.
Agriculture Education:
Karval School is known for its agriculture education program that feeds into an amazing FFA program. Our Ag-Ed facilities are second to none. This aspect of our total curriculum offering provides a direct linkage to our farm and ranching community.
Gifted and Talented:
Karval Public School recognizes that the student population includes students with exceptional academic abilities. These students have a need for educational services that are consistent with their ability levels and learning characteristics. These students shall be provided appropriately challenging curricula and instruction that are congruent with their learning abilities and styles through the shared responsibility of teachers, gifted and talented specialists, administrators, counselors, parents and learners themselves.
Twice Exceptional:
Our small class sizes allow us to really focus our approach for twice exceptional students. Twice-exceptional students are those who are identified as gifted according to state criteria in one or more of the categories of giftedness (cognitive, academic, creative, leadership, or arts) and are identified with a disability according to federal/state criteria – and the disability qualifies them for either an IEP or a 504 plan. Our district is known for being a place that students find their best place to learn and succeed regardless of their circumstances.
Curriculum Alignment: Ensuring Consistency and Excellence from Kindergarten through Graduation
Karval School District is committed to providing a cohesive, standards-aligned educational experience for every student from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our approach to curriculum alignment—both vertical (across grade levels) and horizontal (within grade levels)—is a collaborative, data-informed process led by our Curriculum Committee and guided by the Colorado Academic Standards.
Curriculum Committee and Review Process
Our Curriculum Committee is comprised of the superintendent, principal, and a teacher representative. Each spring, the committee initiates a curriculum review cycle by engaging staff members via email and individual interviews to gather feedback specific to their grade levels and content areas. This annual reflection allows us to evaluate what is working well and where improvements are needed.
Gap Analysis and Curriculum Mapping
Administrators conduct interviews with content and grade-level teachers, using student assessment results as a key indicator of curriculum effectiveness. These conversations help identify gaps in instructional materials, areas where current curricula may not fully support students in meeting state standards, and opportunities for improved resource alignment.
For curricula that do not span the full K–12 continuum, our district fills the gaps through intentional mapping and collaboration. Teachers use district curriculum maps to gain insight into the standards and instructional progressions at other grade levels. When appropriate, cross-grade collaboration is encouraged to strengthen vertical alignment and ensure students are prepared for each successive year.
Standards and Resource Selection
All curricular work is grounded in the Colorado Academic Standards. Teachers submit requests for curriculum updates or new materials at the end of each school year. These requests are prioritized and evaluated within the annual budget process. When a new core curriculum is adopted, the district brings in content specialists to provide training and ensure successful implementation. For supplemental materials, teachers are empowered to explore and self-train, with district support as needed.
Ongoing Professional Development and Support
To ensure alignment with instructional updates, Karval School District invests in professional development tailored to teacher needs. We pay for any relevant professional learning opportunities requested by staff and compensate teachers who voluntarily work on curriculum mapping outside of contract hours. We also regularly invite curriculum experts to lead sessions during district professional development days, ensuring our teachers have access to current best practices and instructional strategies.
If you have a questions about our curriculum, please contact Sarah Nuss at Sarah Nuss Email.