Academic Programs

River Charter Schools are dedicated to creating vibrant learning environments where students learn to become resilient problem solvers, collaborative communications, and successful citizens. Our two campuses, Delta Elementary Charter in Clarksburg and Lighthouse Charter School in West Sacramento, embrace a student-centered approach that blends academic excellence with hands-on, real-world learning experience.

We strongly emphasize project-based learning, the arts, and critical thinking to create an engaging and enriching educational journey that prepares students for success beyond the classroom.

Guided by our core values and commitment to continuous growth, River Charter Schools welcome students, educators, and families to work together toward a brighter future.

A class of middle school students sitting at their desks activly listenting to the teach who i sin the front of the room teaching a lesson.

Project-Based Learning

River Charter Schools embrace an educational approach called Project-Based Learning. PBL draws students into thinking about how to apply their learning rather than simply memorizing information to pass a test.

Students are given a driving question that prompts them to explore a particular area of study using real-world skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. This active, engaging, and hands-on approach gets students excited about exploring a subject and teaches them how to pursue knowledge and solutions to become lifelong learners.

At River Charter Schools, all students participate in two PBL Signature Nights (Fall and Spring), where they present their project and discuss what they learned.

To learn more about the value of Project-Based Learning, watch this video.

Art for Every Child

One of the core tenets of education at River Charter Schools is arts education. We believe exposing children to art instruction and exploration reinforces skills that lead to academic success, like creativity and critical thinking. But equally important, making art brings joy!

Our art program covers the seven elements of art, including color theory, line, perspective, texture, value, tone and form.

Each grade studies artists, illustrators, and art history, ranging from classic to contemporary, and then puts into practice what they’ve learned. We work with a wide range of mediums including acrylic, watercolor, collage, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, sewing, and more.

(Donations of supplies and materials are always welcome. Email your school’s art teacher to contribute!)

Drama Opportunities

Both River Charter Schools campuses offer opportunities for students to express themselves through drama. Past productions have included a modern version of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and Addams Family, the musical.

These plays and musicals are designed to include a range of ages and experience levels, with rehearsals taking place after school. For more information, watch for school announcements via social media and our online calendar.

All Art Drama

Music

River Charter Schools are committed to providing music education for every student — even as many districts are eliminating their music programs. Studies show that making or playing music has incredible impacts on the brain, lighting up neural pathways and strengthening brain functions in ways that lead to success in and out of the classroom. In our music classes, students have opportunities to sing and play various instruments, including guitars, ukuleles, piano, and drums. They enthusiastically share their music with parents, faculty, and fellow students several times a year.

To learn more about how playing an instrument benefits the brain, watch this video.

Core Curriculum

River Charter Schools have selected a standards-based core curriculum as well as supplemental resources that help students develop strong skills in reading and language arts, mathematics, history and social science, and science. Our teachers also draw from additional resources to address student learning needs.

Our core curriculum includes:

  • iReady Reading: Students demonstrate strong reading, writing, speaking, and language skills in multiple forms of expression (e.g., written, oral, multimedia, and performing arts) with communication skills appropriate to age, setting, and audience.

  • iReady Math: Students develop abilities to reason logically and to understand and apply mathematical processes and concepts, including those within number sense and operations, functions and algebra, geometry and measurement, statistics, data analysis, and probability, appropriate to their skill levels.

  • Authentic Learning PBL Units in Social Science (PBL Works): Students learn and apply knowledge in history, geography, economics, civics, and government to appreciate the interrelationships that exist within our complex 21st Century. They will develop the skills of a historian through research and the use of primary sources.

  • Authentic Learning PBL Units in Science (PBL Works): Students use scientific research and inquiry methods to understand and apply the major concepts underlying various branches of the sciences, utilizing the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards.

    • Other areas of emphasis in the curriculum include:

    • Health
    • Physical Education
    • Visual and Performing Arts
    • Project-Based Learning

    To learn how we’re succeeding in meeting state standards, check out the California School Dashboard.

    After-School Program

    River Charter Schools offers a free after-school program on each of its campuses. Most days include play time and snack time, as well as study time to encourage students to work on homework.

    Schedule:

    Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:15-6 p.m.
    Wednesday 2-6 p.m.
    Minimum Days 1-6 p.m.

    Register Here (DECS)
    Register Here (LCS)

    Expanded Learning Opportunities

    We also offer additional extracurricular activities and programming for 10 days during the school year and 20 days in June as part of our Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP).

    Depending on the school and season, additional extended learning opportunities may include:

    • Drama rehearsal
    • Extended physical education 
    • Homework tutoring
    • Intervention support
    • Arts and crafts
    • Sports practice 
    • Robotics club
    • Baking club