Educational Enrichment at KDA

At KDA, we know art opens doors to creativity, critical thinking and innovation. All students TK-5th grade learn with our art teacher, Ms. Rachel, as well as through arts integration in other subject areas such as science, language arts, mathematics, and social studies.

The skills, knowledge, and behaviors learned in PE help kids to establish and maintain active lifestyles well into adulthood. Each week, KDA students learn new skills with Coach V. P.E. also provides our students opportunities to identify and manage their emotions through movement.

KDA has a full-functioning community garden as well as newly added Sensory and Pollinator gardens on site. All students TK-5th grade wok with our garden educator to learn about their environment, stewardship and nutrition by engaging their natural curiosity and wonder.

Music positively impacts a child’s brain development which can support academic performance, social skills, language acquisition, and memory. Music education also provides an outlet for creativity. Destiny Arts provides lessons to support students with all aspects of musical ability - including beat, rhythm, notes, pitch, instruments, dancing, and more!

Our library serves as both a school library as well as a community library. Our students have the opportunity to visit Ms. Michaela in the library with their classroom teacher once every other week for stories and activities. Families are also invited to bring the love of reading home by visiting and checking out books before or after school hours.

Upward Roots' elementary day program is the first of its kind, piloted at our school to integrate Restorative Justice practices and student-led projects into the daily experience. This innovative approach empowers young learners to lead with empathy, build community, and take ownership of their growth through collaboration and creativity.

Through STREAM, students have the opportunity to explore concepts in science, technology, engineering, art, and math! Classes have the opportunity to regularly engage in innovative projects such as stop-motion videos, robotics, math games, clay animation, and more with our STREAM library. This allows teachers to choose what works for their class and students to explore their curiosities.

Playtime is kids’ time. But we realize that creating play environments that help students be their best is important. Studies show that recess matters and improves children’s physical health and wellbeing. KDA utilizes a Playworks approach to recess by teaching new games and developing healthy habits on the playground.

Our students have the opportunity to learn through a variety of new experiences and projects. These can include: field trips, virtual reality, walking field trips, class visits from community members, assemblies, virtual meetings with scientists and experts, etc. These experience culminate in deeper learning through student-driven projects.