Specialist Curriculum
Saratoga Union School District (SUSD) believes academic achievement is only one piece of a student’s success. Because students at the formative years of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade growth are discovering who they are and how they relate to the world through rapid emotional, physical and creative growth, SUSD is focused on actively "Nurturing minds. Inspiring futures." This includes balancing intellectual rigor with physical health, creative expression and social-emotional growth.
Our specialist curriculum is designed to support every dimension of your child's development, including:
- Physical Education: Beyond building motor skills, fitness and movement fundamentals, our PE program teaches sportsmanship, resilience, and healthy habits. It gives students a physical outlet to channel energy, build confidence, and develop lifelong wellness routines.
- Music and Visual Arts: Creative expression is essential for cognitive development and self-discovery. Through music and art, students explore self-expression, rhythm, collaboration and spatial awareness, helping them process feelings and think innovatively.
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Social-Emotional Literacy (SEL): Embedded into daily school life, our SEL framework guides students in navigating complex emotions, building empathy, resolving conflicts peacefully and establishing strong relationships with peers and mentors.
By honoring the full spectrum of a child's growth during these crucial formative years, we ensure our students feel safe, understood, and inspired to thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.
Read about some of our programs below.
Physical Education
SUSD provides quality physical education to every child with a standards-based instructional program.
Students wear the following attire, based on their grade levels:
- Elementary School (TK through fifth grade): Comfortable clothing and athletic shoes (closed toe) on their scheduled PE day(s).
- Middle School (Sixth through eighth grade): A purchased PE uniform, which they should take home each weekend to wash. Lockers are provided for the PE uniform and shoes.
Social-Emotional Learning
Project Cornerstone is a district-wide program focused on supporting the healthy development of our children by making every effort at home, school and in the community to ensure that our children have the necessary building blocks to become successful, caring and responsible. Project Cornerstone promotes the building of the 41 Developmental Assets children need to thrive.
Music
Elementary School
Middle School
The Redwood Middle School Music Department oversees instrumental music from fourth through eighth gradesas well as the choir and color guard/dance program for sixth through eighth grades. In addition to classes, groups perform at the district concerts during the school year and at other community events.
