K–8 Academics at Legacy Traditional Schools
Structured, accelerated curriculum focused on reading, writing, math, science, and character development
Academic Overview
Core Academics
English Language Arts
Strong reading, writing, and spelling using the Spalding Method
Our language arts program is based on the Spalding Method using The Writing Road to Reading (2012). As a total language arts program, Spalding integrates direct instruction in listening, speaking, spelling, writing, and reading. The Spalding mission is to develop skilled readers, critical listeners, accomplished speakers, spellers, writers, and lifelong learners.
The following are crucial components of the Language Arts program:
Composition
Students learn to express their understanding by composing structured sentences and paragraphs. They explore different writing styles, including narrative, informative, persuasive, and argumentative, aligned to grade-level expectations. Using rubrics and checklists, students are encouraged to be creative while maintaining high standards for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and neatness.
Oral Communication
Students practice listening and speaking skills through memorization and recitation of quality poetry, prose, and historical selections such as excerpts from the U.S. Constitution. These exercises build fluency, expression, and public speaking confidence. Typically, students in grades K–5 memorize and present one piece each grading period, evaluated against clear performance criteria.
Reading/Literature
Students develop strong comprehension and vocabulary skills by engaging with high-quality contemporary literature and classic works. Instruction is based on the Spalding Method and supplemented with McGraw Hill Wonders anthologies and approved literature studies. Students participate in Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) daily and are encouraged to read at home. Throughout the year, students complete three to four detailed book reports to strengthen critical thinking skills. Books must be teacher-approved, and previous titles may not be repeated.
Spelling
Spelling instruction follows the Spalding Method, a phonics-based approach that emphasizes daily written and oral phonogram practice. Students build strong foundations in phonics, manuscript, and cursive handwriting.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary development is integrated across reading, writing, and spelling. Students learn precise definitions, practice using academic vocabulary in writing, and build comprehension through dictionary and reference skills.
Mathematics
Conceptual math with enVision and GO Math! programs
Legacy schools in Arizona and Nevada teach enVision Math, which includes robust resources such as lessons, activities, assessments, textbooks/workbooks, and technology. enVision Math focuses on deep conceptual math and understanding through lessons that progress from introduction to more complete usage of a concept.
This depth of knowledge is designed to better prepare students for real-world experiences. Strictly aligned with state standards, enVision also offers greater integration with Schoology so students can better view and work on materials from home as needed.
Legacy schools in Texas teach GO Math! This is a comprehensive mathematics program developed to support TEKS. The program emphasizes essential questions and big ideas, with depth of understanding as a goal. Interactive lessons utilize research-based instructional approaches, and differentiated instructional resources ensure success for all students. Students use a consumable textbook and manipulatives to reach the goal of understanding.
The GO Math! program focuses on the 5E instruction model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) to develop mathematical understanding in student achievement.
Science
Hands-on investigation and critical thinking
Legacy’s science curriculum enables our students to construct an understanding of scientific concepts through investigation and analysis, the use of laboratory equipment, student readings, and interactive technology. Students exercise logical thinking and decision-making skills appropriate to their grade level.
For our schools in Texas, the Texas Science Experience, supported by Savvas, offers a Texas state standards-aligned program emphasizing phenomenon-based and hands-on learning. This curriculum helps students build a strong understanding of scientific principles through active exploration and laboratory experiments,
engaging them in critical thinking and decision-making activities suitable for their age group. Focusing on real-world phenomena, the program encourages students to deeply explore and understand scientific concepts, enhanced by interactive tools and technology.
Social Studies
History, geography, and citizenship
The social studies program at Legacy includes the study of world history, U.S. history, state history as applicable, and geography. Students also learn about responsible citizenship and America’s place in global history and economic.
Junior high students delve more in-depth into knowledge of the significant individuals, events, and issues, as well as economy, government, culture, and elements of citizenship. They engage in the details of United States History and explore historical points from the colonial beginnings, the English Colonies, the American Revolution, and everything that comes with forming a new nation, such as forming government; citizenship and the Constitution; expansion; times of war and civil unrest; reconstruction; and everything in between.
Art
Creative expression and foundational arts education
In Art class, students utilize a variety of media and techniques to create art projects that emulate historically significant artists and art styles. Students will learn essential art vocabulary as well as the basics of art history, the elements of art, and the principles of design.
Art Masterpiece allows students the opportunity to experience a more in-depth exploration of materials, examination of art history, mastery of the elements and principles of design, and acquisition of skills and techniques needed for effective creative expression. Students will not only produce a wider breadth of artwork in a variety of media; they will also investigate diverse practices to gain a critical understanding of the qualities that distinguish successful artwork, both within a historical context and in relation to their own creative development. (program offerings and/or availability may vary by campus and grade level).
Discover more
Legacy news
Stay connected with the latest from Legacy Traditional Schools! Legacy News features district and campus updates, student and staff achievements, special events, and media coverage from across our network. Celebrate the stories that make our schools exceptional and see how Legacy continues to lead in academic and extracurricular excellence.
Student Stories
We could talk about our curriculum, our facilities, and our test scores all day long, but we’d rather show you how it impacts real lives. Real kids, just like yours. You’ll see a common theme among all of these stories—the kids are the true heroes, and Legacy is a big supporting character in their journey. What will your child’s journey be?
Careers at Legacy
Join a team that’s passionate about making a difference. At Legacy Traditional Schools, we offer rewarding careers for both instructional and non-instructional positions across our campuses and district offices. Whether you’re inspiring students in the classroom or supporting operations behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a dedicated community focused on student success. Explore our opportunities and start your Legacy today.
Electives
All junior high students have the opportunity to select from a variety of electives each semester. We have designed our electives to help develop all of the important characteristics that lead to developing successful, well-rounded children.
Curriculum
English Language Arts
Our language arts program is based on the Spalding Method using The Writing Road to Reading (2012). As a total language arts program, Spalding integrates direct instruction in listening, speaking, spelling, writing, and reading. The Spalding mission is to develop skilled readers, critical listeners, accomplished speakers, spellers, writers, and lifelong learners.
The following are crucial components of the Language Arts program:
Composition
Students learn to express their understanding by composing structured sentences and paragraphs. They explore different writing styles, including narrative, informative, persuasive, and argumentative, aligned to grade-level expectations. Using rubrics and checklists, students are encouraged to be creative while maintaining high standards for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and neatness.
Oral Communication
Students practice listening and speaking skills through memorization and recitation of quality poetry, prose, and historical selections such as excerpts from the U.S. Constitution. These exercises build fluency, expression, and public speaking confidence. Typically, students in grades K–5 memorize and present one piece each grading period, evaluated against clear performance criteria.
Reading/Literature
Students develop strong comprehension and vocabulary skills by engaging with high-quality contemporary literature and classic works. Instruction is based on the Spalding Method and supplemented with McGraw Hill Wonders anthologies and approved literature studies. Students participate in Silent Sustained Reading (SSR) daily and are encouraged to read at home. Throughout the year, students complete three to four detailed book reports to strengthen critical thinking skills. Books must be teacher-approved, and previous titles may not be repeated.
Spelling
Spelling instruction follows the Spalding Method, a phonics-based approach that emphasizes daily written and oral phonogram practice. Students build strong foundations in phonics, manuscript, and cursive handwriting.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary development is integrated across reading, writing, and spelling. Students learn precise definitions, practice using academic vocabulary in writing, and build comprehension through dictionary and reference skills.
Mathematics
Legacy schools in Arizona and Nevada teach enVision Math, which includes robust resources such as lessons, activities, assessments, textbooks/workbooks, and technology. enVision Math focuses on deep conceptual math and understanding through lessons that progress from introduction to more complete usage of a concept.
This depth of knowledge is designed to better prepare students for real-world experiences. Strictly aligned with state standards, enVision also offers greater integration with Schoology so students can better view and work on materials from home as needed.
Legacy schools in Texas teach GO Math! This is a comprehensive mathematics program developed to support TEKS. The program emphasizes essential questions and big ideas, with depth of understanding as a goal. Interactive lessons utilize research-based instructional approaches, and differentiated instructional resources ensure success for all students. Students use a consumable textbook and manipulatives to reach the goal of understanding.
The GO Math! program focuses on the 5E instruction model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate) to develop mathematical understanding in student achievement.
Science
Legacy’s science curriculum enables our students to construct an understanding of scientific concepts through investigation and analysis, the use of laboratory equipment, student readings, and interactive technology. Students exercise logical thinking and decision-making skills appropriate to their grade level.
For our schools in Texas, the Texas Science Experience, supported by Savvas, offers a Texas state standards-aligned program emphasizing phenomenon-based and hands-on learning. This curriculum helps students build a strong understanding of scientific principles through active exploration and laboratory experiments,
engaging them in critical thinking and decision-making activities suitable for their age group. Focusing on real-world phenomena, the program encourages students to deeply explore and understand scientific concepts, enhanced by interactive tools and technology.
Social Studies
The social studies program at Legacy includes the study of world history, U.S. history, state history as applicable, and geography. Students also learn about responsible citizenship and America’s place in global history and economic.
Junior high students delve more in-depth into knowledge of the significant individuals, events, and issues, as well as economy, government, culture, and elements of citizenship. They engage in the details of United States History and explore historical points from the colonial beginnings, the English Colonies, the American Revolution, and everything that comes with forming a new nation, such as forming government; citizenship and the Constitution; expansion; times of war and civil unrest; reconstruction; and everything in between.
Art
In Art class, students utilize a variety of media and techniques to create art projects that emulate historically significant artists and art styles. Students will learn essential art vocabulary as well as the basics of art history, the elements of art, and the principles of design.
Art Masterpiece allows students the opportunity to experience a more in-depth exploration of materials, examination of art history, mastery of the elements and principles of design, and acquisition of skills and techniques needed for effective creative expression. Students will not only produce a wider breadth of artwork in a variety of media; they will also investigate diverse practices to gain a critical understanding of the qualities that distinguish successful artwork, both within a historical context and in relation to their own creative development. (program offerings and/or availability may vary by campus and grade level).
English Language Learners
Arizona: English language development (ELD) is specialized instruction that supports English learners (ELs) in building both the academic language and social language needed to succeed at grade level. At our schools, ELs receive support through the Structured English Immersion (SEI) Pull-Out Model, which is designed to strengthen students’ English language skills while keeping them actively engaged in grade-level learning. For more details, view the full EL Program Description.
Nevada: English Learners (ELs) receive daily support from their classroom teachers to help them build strong academic language skills during regular instruction. Teachers use proven EL best practices along with each student’s WIDA Can-Do Descriptors to guide instruction. This helps them identify the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills that their students are ready to learn next, so that students can continue to grow confident in both language and academics. Our English Language Development (ELD) team also provides both push-in and pull-out support through trained EL paraprofessionals, ensuring students receive the focused help they need.
Texas: The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) is a statewide test given each year to students who are learning English, also called Emergent Bilingual (EB) students, in grades K–12.
TELPAS measures how well students understand and use listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. The results show how much progress your child is making each year as they build their English skills.
Teachers use TELPAS results to:
- Understand your child’s current level of English proficiency.
- Plan lessons that help your child grow in both English and academic subjects.
- Provide the right supports and classroom accommodations.
- Help decide when your child is ready to exit English language support programs.
In Texas, all teachers include language development in their daily lessons, so students are learning English while also studying subjects like math, science, and social studies. TELPAS helps schools make sure your child is getting the right kind of support to be successful in both language and learning.
Computers
Computer class introduces students to the basics of computer use, keyboarding, cyber-safety, and the use of various software programs for academic purposes.
Cornell Notes
We know that true learning requires the student to be an active participant. We teach our students the Cornell Note Method to enhance their experience at Legacy and beyond. Students learn a proven way of taking notes that is instrumental in helping retain and recall important information.
Pre-K
The pre-kindergarten program is aligned with the Arizona Department of Education’s Early Learning Standards: Prekindergarten children will participate in primary language arts (Spalding), Math, science, music, art, and physical education through hands-on discovery and other age-appropriate activities.
Kindergarten
Legacy Traditional Schools offers a variety of kindergarten programs by campus, from Tuition-FREE full-day and half-day kindergarten programs to our Kindergarten Education Enrichment Program (KEEP), which extends the half-day kindergarten school day for a fee.