Eldorado Emerson is a
WASC accredited
school with approximately 200 students enrolled, from preschool through 12th grade.
Each grade/class is usually between 10 and 20 students. Beginning in kindergarten,
all students attend art, music, Spanish, and physical education two times a week,
in different classrooms with different teachers. In third grade, the students begin
computer lab, and they also begin violin. They continue violin through fourth grade,
and in fifth grade are able to choose either a different instrument or choir. In
fifth grade, the students are able to choose which language they'd like to take
(Spanish, French or Japanese). Beginning in seventh grade, they also may choose
Arabic for their foreign language. Every year at Eldorado Emerson they will study
a foreign language.
Our students don't wear uniforms, but we do have a common-sense dress code.
School begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:00pm each weekday, beginning in Kindergarten.
We offer before school care, from 7:30am to 9:00am, and after school care, from
3:00pm to 6:00pm, for $5 per hour. Siblings are $2.50 per hour.
There is no admission testing. Older students must have at least a B-grade average
and no behavioral issues, no smoking or drug-use, and have no history of any of
these. We begin potential enrollment with a Visit Week. After this week is completed,
the student's teachers will write evaluations, and as long as everything has gone
smoothly, then the student will be officially enrolled and continue school on the
following Monday. If the student does not enroll, then there is no charge for the
Visit Week.
Students may enroll at any time during the year. Our school is open for eleven months
from September through the end of July. Late June through July is a fun summer session
where academics also continue. We have two weeks off for Spring Break, and three
weeks off for Winter Break. We are closed for the entire month of August, and for
the first week of September.
Curriculum Overview
Language Arts
At Eldorado Emerson, we know the command of language is one of the most important
skills a student takes from school. As such, our program concentrates on teaching
children to become keen and sensitive readers who can articulate their thoughts
in a practiced and powerful writing style. We focus on expository, analytical, and
descriptive writing -- inspiring our students to examine themselves and their surroundings
more closely. Grammar and vocabulary also are emphasized in the curriculum, as we
prepare future leaders for college and the challenges beyond.
Our faculty understands that language may be both pragmatic, as well as an art form.
Our students are exposed to texts that inspire students’ own creative writing and
provide opportunity for advanced literary analysis. By incorporating fiction, poetry,
nonfiction, and drama, our teachers promote a wider worldview, exposing our students
to a variety of cultures, histories, and perspectives.
Mathematics
Eldorado Emerson offers a comprehensive math program, from developing essential
mathematical reasoning skills in our Preschool and Kindergarten students, to providing
the highest levels of instruction to our high school students that gives them a
competitive advantage in the college application process. Small classes and individualized
instruction provide a non-threatening learning environment that makes learning math
fun for Eldorado Emerson students.
Our young students are prepared for a vigorous junior high and high school math
curriculum, including Pre-Alegbra, Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-calculus and
Calculus. In addition, the Eldorado Emerson Math Enrichment Program provides individualized
instruction and unique approaches to math problems for students needing special
attention. As a result, our students have an opportunity to attain greater levels
of math understanding, which generally enables them to achieve outstanding scores
on standardized examinations relative to state and national averages.
Science
Science at Eldorado Emerson strives to take students out of the classroom and into
real world science applications. Field trips are carried out over the course of
the school year, and students test theories and laws learned in the lecture in our
science laboratory. Project design and laboratory experiments provide experience
in scientific methodology to develop an understanding of the biologic and physical
world.
Our curriculum emphasizes the necessity for students to learn critical thinking
skills such as hypothesis development, data interpretation and analysis. We believe
the best science observations are often found outside, including field trips to
introduce our young students to science fundamentals. Our junior high and high school
level courses include Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Physics,
Earth sciences, archeology, and fossil studies. Honors classes may also be offered.
Social Studies
Through a variety of approaches, methods and techniques, Eldorado Emerson social
sciences are brought to life in the classroom by enthusiastic teachers with first-hand
international experience. Students are taught to use primary as well as secondary
sources in writing research papers. From the elementary school level to senior high
school students, students are taught to read and generate timelines, charts, graphs
and maps.
Our students will design research projects that allow them choose an area of interest
to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the topic. AP courses in history
are available for interested students, and our students typically perform well on
the AP test. Classroom discussions and lectures are guided toward highlighting human
achievement, social fabric, culture and philosophies.
Foreign Languages
At Eldorado Emerson, foreign language is part of the curriculum every year from
preschool through high school. The foreign language program in the preschool and
lower elementary is designed for students to get the feel, accent and rhythm of
the language. Students must study at least one foreign language, although many of
our students study two foreign languages. Middle school and high school level instruction
places greater emphasis on grammar, reading, translation and writing. Our distinguished
faculty may provide instruction in Spanish, French, Arabic and Japanese.
Technology
Our young students quickly are introduced to touch-typing and word processing applications,
as computers are utilized within the preschool and lower elementary classrooms as
a part of their daily curriculum. At the higher-grade levels, our students learn
to create spreadsheets, graphs, and organizational charts with computers. In addition,
students may incorporate digital photography involving the use of digital cameras,
scanners, and editing software; and are encouraged to integrate these skills into
the core curriculum.
Our computer lab features the latest technology where every student has an opportunity
to use a computer, and our lab is equipped with high-speed cable internet connections.
Physical Education
Our physical education program represents a varied program, in which boys and girls
acquire physical fitness, physical skills and socially desirable habits of good
sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play and safety. Flag football, basketball, soccer,
hockey, baseball and more are taught throughout the year. Students as young as kindergarten,
begin to learn skills to maintain healthy activity. Games and relays are used for
the younger students to strengthen the same muscle groups that they will use as
they grow older. California State Physical Fitness testing takes place for students
in the 5th through 11th grades. CIF Cross Country and other sports are available
for high school students.
Music
Our students are exposed to all forms of music and rhythm. All ages perform in an
effort to provide students with a positive experience with which to share their
knowledge and encourage their development of a life-long appreciation and enjoyment
of music. Our pre-K through second grade music program offers a fun, singing-centered
environment designed to actively involve all learning modalities through singing,
playing instruments, creative movement, improvisation, creating and learning to
read music. Third and fourth graders are exposed to instrumental music. They continue
to learn how to read music and begin to play the violin, and may learn woodwinds,
brass and percussion instruments. Beginning in the fifth grade, students will be
able to choose between the instrumental and choral programs.
Our music program includes the Jr. Show Choir, where students may sing and perform
a varied musical repertoire and performances include a Fall Concert, a Spring Concert,
and other possible performance opportunities throughout the year. In addition, the
Jr. Jazz Band provides an opportunity for students to hone the skills of performing
together as a group. The Emerson Honors Choir enjoys a rich tradition of choral
music. All students in grades 7 through 12 are eligible to join. Emerson Honors
Choir performances include a Fall Concert, a Spring Concert, with other possible
performance opportunities throughout the year, as well as occasional music field
trips. Finally, our Honors Orchestra participate in choosing music to perform, which
includes everything from classical to jazz. In the Emerson music program, improvisation
and composition allows the students to demonstrate full mastery of concepts and
creates a meaningful learning environment by allowing the students to express themselves
in a creative way.
Art
The Eldorado Emerson art program provides, in the highly academic general curriculum,
a balance that is particularly important for the development of the whole person.
As part of the school’s philosophy, art is part of an integrated curriculum, where
every student has the opportunity to develop creativity and individualism in the
art room. Eldorado Emerson uses art as a vehicle to help students develop responsibility
for their own art materials, as well as have an opportunity to work both in a group
as well as individually. Many skills taught can be used in practical life and are
part of becoming an excited, more effective learner.
Our art program is organized to introduce age-appropriate developmental skills.
Art projects are assigned to enhance the overall development of the student. Encouraging
creative play, imagination, and problem solving is a strong point in the program.
The students are taught elements and principles of design, art history and the role
of the artist in society through hands-on experiences in expression, analysis and
production. Our students are taught to understand the arts from a historical and
cultural context. The program is especially important to the students heading for
art school or those determined to be art majors at a college or university, as well
as any student who wishes to have an educated knowledge of the arts.
International Program
The International/ESL program attracts students from around the world to live in
the United States and study at Eldorado Emerson. We offer I-20 (F-1) Visas, home-stay
accommodations and transportation to and from school. The International/ESL program
is made possible by our diverse faculty representing numerous foreign languages,
in addition to small class sizes which provide individual attention to each student.
This intimate learning atmosphere is the hallmark of our school and has allowed
us to create a family-like environment that is highly responsive to the needs of
our international and ESL students. Our International/ESL program also contributes
to the learning experience of our domestic students, by providing them with exposure
to diverse cultures, languages and ideas.
We accept applications to our International/ESL program on a year round basis. Application
materials include the student’s academic records along with teacher recommendations
(with English translations). Incoming ESL students are evaluated by our in-house
placement test, previous exposure to English and an oral interview with our ESL
staff. Based on these assessments, students are given a corresponding number of
ESL classes per week. Strong emphasis is given toward integrating ESL students into
regular academic classes as quickly as possible by first allowing them to acclimate
into low-content courses first, such as music, art, and sports while at the same
time taking increasingly more challenging ESL courses. Our graduating International/ESL
students typically enroll directly into prestigious private and state colleges,
as well as foreign universities. Tuition rates, boarding information and special
application procedures may be made available by contacting our office.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten at Eldorado Emerson is a full-day experience that gives students an
opportunity to explore and learn in a fun and stimulating environment. Our kindergarten
students are exposed to the MagiLex reading program through one-on-one reading sessions
that allow students to proceed at their own pace. Additionally, students will learn
music, foreign language, physical education and art. The art program in kindergarten
takes the students for the first time to our art studio, where they are able to
create, explore and imagine. The classroom is set up to allow for movement and exploration.
A hands-on science table containing bird nests, snakeskin, leaves, rocks, etc. allows
students to explore the physical world; a dress-up area and kitchen allows students
to role-play and imagine; a computer station introduces students to the world of
technology. Social interactions and interpersonal skills are also important aspects
of our kindergarten curriculum. By the end of the kindergarten year, our students
are confident and eager to move onto first grade.
