- Curriculum Overview
Curriculum & Academics
At Happy Valley School, we provide a strong, back-to-basics academic program designed to build mastery in essential skills and ensure long-term student success.
rigorous academic program
Challenging Students to Reach Their Full Potential
At Happy Valley School, we believe students thrive when they are challenged and supported. Our rigorous academic program is designed to help students achieve at high levels while building confidence and a love of learning.
Students are generally taught at least one grade level above traditional expectations through our accelerated curriculum and high academic standards. For students who demonstrate advanced achievement, we offer opportunities for accelerated placement and enrichment designed to meet their individual needs.
Placement in accelerated classes is determined through a combination of:
- Arizona State Assessment scores
- Benchmark assessment data
- Classroom performance
- Teacher recommendations
Our goal is to ensure every student is appropriately challenged, engaged, and provided opportunities for academic growth and success.
Happy Valley School students consistently outperform Arizona state averages on standardized assessments. According to the most recently published state testing data, Happy Valley students scored nearly twice the state average in several tested areas, reflecting our commitment to a rigorous, back-to-basics educational program and high academic expectations.
| ACADEMIC AREA | CURRICULUM |
| Reading | Amplify CKLA |
| Reading Support & Enrichment | EdCon, McGuffey Readers, Harcourt, Element of Literature, Novel Studies |
| Mathematics | Sadlier Connect Math, Harcourt Math, McGraw Hill Math |
| Social Studies | Core Knowledge Curriculum (Not Common Core); Arizona History (3rd Grade) |
| Science | FOSS (Full Option Science System); Harcourt Science |
| Writing | Write Bright, 7 Traits of Writing |
| Leadership/SEL | Leader in Me and Gallup Strengths |
Curriculum Overview
At Happy Valley School, students receive a rigorous, traditional education through research-based curriculum programs that emphasize strong foundational skills in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Our curriculum is aligned to Arizona Academic Standards and incorporates the Core Knowledge sequence to build rich background knowledge across grade levels.
Instructional Approach
Happy Valley’s instructional approach begins with a strong phonics-first reading program beginning in kindergarten, building a solid foundation in literacy. Through explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, students develop the essential skills needed to become confident, capable readers.
As students progress through each grade level, our curriculum expands upon these foundational skills by emphasizing critical thinking, effective communication, problem-solving, and real-world application of knowledge. We believe that strong readers become successful learners across all subject areas, which is why literacy remains at the heart of our instructional practices. By combining rigorous academics, data-driven instruction, and meaningful learning experiences.
- Mastery-based learning ensures students fully understand each concept through a cycle of instruction, assessment, reteaching, and reassessment until mastery is achieved.
- Homework is intentionally limited and focuses on meaningful practice, including daily reading, math concepts review, and review of the writing process.
- Families may request additional practice materials for students who would benefit from extra reinforcement at home.
Enrichment Opportunities
Happy Valley Ambassador Program
The Happy Valley Ambassador Program is a prestigious leadership opportunity available to our junior high students. Students interested in becoming ambassadors participate in an application and interview process, making selection into the program a true honor.
Our ambassadors serve as role models and leaders throughout the school community. They demonstrate responsibility, character, and a commitment to helping others while developing valuable leadership and communication skills.
Throughout the year, Happy Valley Ambassadors provide tutoring and mentorship to younger students, assist with school events, welcome new families, and perform various service projects around campus. By giving back to our school community, ambassadors learn the importance of service, teamwork, and leading by example.
The Ambassador Program helps students grow as confident leaders while fostering a culture of kindness, responsibility, and school pride. We are proud of the positive impact our ambassadors make on our campus each day.
After School Clubs
Happy Valley School offers a variety of after-school clubs that allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build friendships. These opportunities provide enrichment beyond the classroom while encouraging leadership, creativity, and teamwork.