Innovative Learning » Standards-based Curriculum

Standards-based Curriculum

The What and the How: Implementing a Standards-Based Curriculum at HFCA.

HFCA nurtures confident, curious, and capable learners by combining a standards-based curriculum with the International Baccalaureate World School’s approaches to teaching and learning. 

Our goal is to academically prepare our students and equip them with the skills, mindset, and values to lead in high school, college, and beyond.

A standards-based curriculum at HFCA provides a structured, student-centered approach that ensures students meet clear, essential learning goals at every grade level. This approach is deeply rooted in International Baccalaureate (IB) best practices, fostering inquiry, critical thinking, and global awareness from preschool through 8th grade.

What is a Standards-Based Curriculum?

A standards-based curriculum ensures that learning is intentional, with well-defined goals for what students should know and be able to do at each stage. Rather than focusing solely on grades, this approach prioritizes mastery of skills and concepts.

Key Features of Our Standards-Based Approach

  1. Clear Learning Goals – National and State standards provide clear expectations for both teachers and students.

  2. Personalized Growth – Each grade level builds upon the last, ensuring a seamless progression of knowledge.

  3. Real-World Application – Hands-on, inquiry-driven experiences make learning meaningful.

  4. Ongoing Assessment – Frequent feedback helps students, teachers, and parents track progress.

  5. A Seamless Learning Continuum – A cohesive journey from preschool through 8th grade prepares students for high school and beyond.

  6. Data-driven Support – Using and measuring students against national and state standards allows HFCA to advocate for our graduates as they enter high school to ensure their course selections match their proven abilities.

How It’s Implemented: IB Best Practices


At HFCA, our standards-based curriculum is implemented using IB’s world-renowned approaches to teaching and learning, which include:

  • Inquiry-Based Learning – Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore, and actively engage in their own learning.

  • Conceptual Understanding – Instead of memorizing facts, students focus on big ideas that connect across subjects and real-world situations.

  • Collaboration and Reflection – Learning is enriched through teamwork, discussions, and self-assessment, helping students develop both confidence and critical thinking.

  • Student Agency – Students develop their voice, choice, and ownership of their learning, developing independence and responsibility.

  • Interdisciplinary Connections – Subjects are integrated to enhance problem-solving skills and make learning more meaningful.

Implementing a standards-based curriculum with IB’s approaches to teaching and learning fosters a love of learning, builds confidence, and helps students see the connection between what they are learning today and who they are becoming tomorrow.

Minds to Lead. Hearts to Serve