Academics
Academics
Our methods of instruction have proven successful over the 18 years our doors have been open. We use tried and true methods that set students up for success in their future education and throughout their lives.
Programs Offered at John Hancock Charter School
Core Knowledge Sequence
The Core Knowledge Sequence is a solid, sequenced specific and shared core curriculum that helps children establish a strong foundation of knowledge grade by grade. The guiding principle is that knowledge builds on knowledge. Children learn by building on what they already have learned. The sequence provides in great detail exactly what children should learn at each grade in core subjects so they can carry that knowledge on with them to the next level.
Spalding Writing Road to Reading
John Hancock Charter School uses the Spalding Writing Road to Reading method to teach language arts. Ms. Spalding was one of the outstanding educators of twentieth-century America. She developed an effective method for teaching reading, spelling and composition. With the Spalding method, children in kindergarten start to learn the consonants and vowels and the sounds associated with them. They also learn the various rules by which the sounds of vowels and consonants change. They acquire the ability to sound out almost any word by themselves.
Saxon Math
Saxon math believes that the most effective way for students to learn is through a gentle development of concepts and the practice of those concepts extended over a considerable period of time. As concepts become familiar and the requisite skills become automated, learning becomes a game at which students can succeed and through which they find satisfaction and self-worth. More importantly, the automation of fundamental skills frees students’ minds to consider the concepts on a more abstract level.
Quantum Learning 8 Keys of Excellence
The 8 Keys of Excellence is a character education program that has been used successfully in schools since 1982. The Keys of Excellence program gives teachers training to guide their students to model excellence and inspire them to work on skills to improve their creativity, teamwork, leadership skills and motivation.
Strings instruction
All John Hancock Charter School K-6 students, starting in kindergarten, will learn a string instrument during school hours. We feel music helps student composition, computation, concentration and study skills. Thus, we feel strongly about teaching music history, music theory and instruction in a musical instrument to all students.
Makerspace experience
In makerspace, students are given tools to encourage creativity. Hands-on learning is a powerful way to learn concepts and to transform ideas into tangible objects. The makerspace program at John Hancock boasts many hands-on tools including a 3D printer and a Glowforge laser printer.
Visual Art class
John Hancock is part of the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program. Students engage in visual art education with a dedicated art teacher and have their works displayed in a public art show every year.
Testimonials
We were first exposed to John Handcock Charter School when we moved here 6 years ago my Stepmother in law, she raved about this school as her children had gone here. We applied and were fortunate enough to get into our first year. We have been so impressed since that point. JHCS thinks of kids first. They pay attention to what each individual student needs. They pay attention to their academic needs and use math coursework that better prepares students for higher education. They use music, and art to produce a better well-rounded student. It has been proven time and time again that having music and art is just as important as other education. When the pandemic hit we were blown away by the method in which they handled themselves. Each student had completed assignments and daily teaching by the teachers not just handed a chrome book and said good luck. JHCS focuses on getting and maintaining phenomenal teachers. From Kindergarten on every teacher we have had is amazing. JHCS keeps recess this is so big in a world where kids need movement along with education they do not sacrifice exercise instead they incorporate it and use it. They work to teach students in a way that makes them excited to go to school. The teachers are frequently communicating what is going on with my individual students, and what is going on in the school overall. My older children that have graduated from JHCS have lifelong friendships that have continued despite going to a different school because JHCS encourages kindness. They also focus on mental health to help students progress and move forward. They are truly learning lifelong healthy skills.
I have had kids at John Hancock Charter School for 12 years now, and I have been consistently impressed with the high levels of caring and dedication from everyone there. The teachers truly care about the kids in their classes and ensuring their success. The small size creates a real feeling of family at the school, and my kids feel like they know their teachers before they even step into their classrooms.
The curriculum at John Hancock goes well beyond reading and math. My kids are conversant with ancient and modern history, principles of science, art history, and even music.
John Hancock is a school that has high expectations for kids, and then gives them the tools to meet those expectations.
John Hancock Charter School has been the best school for my kids! This is the eighth year I've been at JHCS and I can say that no other elementary school- charter or not- can provide a better experience, a better team of teachers and staff members, a better curriculum for their students, or a better environment to learn in. Those who are lucky enough to get into John Hancock Charter School feel as if they are part of one big family. The director and Principal of the school- for fifteen years now- has done an outstanding job making John Hancock Charter School one of the best schools in all of Utah!
I love John Hancock Charter School. They have amazing teachers and staff, small class sizes, and really inspire a love for learning. While not the most aesthetically pleasing campus, they use all resources and money to go directly back to help the students which is obviously most important.
Joining JHCS has been one of the best decisions my husband and I have made for our children. They are receiving a top notch education and are growing and flourishing in their schoolwork. What doesn’t show up in their test scores are the extras that make JHCS stellar. The emphasis on a growth mindset and the encouragement to learn beyond the classroom will help them throughout their entire lives.
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