Academics and Activities
K–8 Exploratory Classes and Activities
In addition to core content classes such as Spanish Language Arts, English Language Arts, math, science, and social studies, Horace Mann students participate in exploratory classes that enrich their school experience and support creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and personal growth.
Elementary Specials
Elementary students participate in two exploratory “specials” classes each day, which may include music, art, physical education, library, or technology. These classes support district and state standards and are taught through a lens of language acquisition to strengthen students’ dual language experience.
While most exploratory classes are primarily taught in English, students experience a bilingual approach to music and art. Learning through the arts is a powerful way to build student confidence, increase vocabulary, and promote language proficiency in both English and Spanish.
Middle School Electives
As students move into middle school, they have opportunities to choose additional exploratory electives, including art, vocal music, band, orchestra, instrumental exploration with an emphasis in guitar, physical education, and technology courses such as Tech 1, Tech 2, and pre-engineering. Students may also participate in a unique murder mystery project-based learning course.
Activities and Leadership
Horace Mann students have opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities that support leadership, teamwork, school pride, and personal growth. Elementary opportunities include Girls on the Run, Baile Folklórico, and after-school tutoring. Middle school students may participate in team athletics, YMCA-sponsored After School Recreation, Wichita Academic League, Student Council, BAASE, and LAASE.
Library
Students visit the library to explore a diverse collection of books and resources that support their academic and personal growth. Through standards-based instruction students master essential skills such as locating, evaluating, and applying information effectively. These skills are vital for success in today's information-rich world and provide students with the tools they need to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
Physical Education (PE)
Physical Educaton plays an important role in a student’s educational experience. It is an academic, skills-based class that focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, creating a love of physical activity and promoting healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Wichita Public Schools adopts the national standards for physical education and they are at the center of the curriculum being taught to our elementary students. Ultimately, the goal of physical education is to equip students with the knowledge, physical skills, social skills and attitudes to lead them to healthy and active lifestyles. By providing an engaging and positive PE experience, teachers help students develop those necessary skills and confidence to be physically literate students who are active for a lifetime.
Visual Arts
During their time in art, students develop artistic literacy skills by viewing and discussing a variety of images like posters or projected slides. They also explore art processes and materials to create their own vision of the world.
All elementary students attend art class for 45 minutes each week.
Vocal Music
Elementary students attend two, 45-minute class periods, totaling 90 minutes per week of active music making! This includes playing instruments, singing, dancing, moving and exploring music from various cultures. Students build music literacy skills by reading, writing, performing and composing melodies as they work together to create memorable music moments. These music classes establish the foundation of music learning and prepare students to be future ready for music at the next level and beyond!