Private Elementary School in Las Vegas (Grades 1–5)
At Candil Hall Academy, our elementary program fosters confident, curious learners by supporting academic, social, and emotional growth. As a trusted private elementary school in Las Vegas, we design each grade to build upon the previous one, ensuring students gain the skills and confidence needed to meet new challenges. Our curriculum, aligned with Nevada Academic Content Standards, prepares students for future success.
Common Elements Across Grades
Character Education &
Social-Emotional Learning:
Students at every grade level participate in weekly lessons focused on respect, responsibility, empathy, and honesty. These values are consistently reinforced throughout the school day, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where students grow as thoughtful individuals.
Specials &
Enrichment:
Students enjoy a well-rounded experience that includes art, music, physical education, and Spanish. These enrichment classes allow for creative expression, encourage physical activity, and introduce new cultures. Through artistic projects, musical exploration, and language learning, students build interests that enhance their academic journey.
First Grade
In first grade, students at our private elementary school in Las Vegas continue building essential academic and social skills. This year focuses on reinforcing the foundational knowledge they developed in kindergarten, encouraging independence, confidence, and curiosity in every learner.
Reading & Phonics
Using the Saxon Phonics program, students begin to experience the joy of reading as they advance from basic decoding to engaging with meaningful stories. As they explore new vocabulary and increasingly complex sentence structures, their reading fluency improves, laying the groundwork for future literacy and comprehension skills.
Math
First graders are introduced to core math concepts through interactive lessons that promote problem-solving and number fluency. In science, hands-on activities through the Mystery Science program encourage students to investigate topics like animal habitats and plant life, nurturing a sense of wonder and discovery. In social studies, students begin to explore their community and understand their role within it—building foundational knowledge of cooperation, respect, and citizenship.
Language Arts & Writing
At Candil Hall Academy, first graders begin to express their ideas more confidently through structured writing. Using the D’Nealian method, students refine their handwriting with smooth, consistent strokes, while Shurley English introduces grammar basics and complete sentence formation. These early writing activities help students articulate their thoughts and build a strong foundation for effective communication—hallmarks of a top private elementary school in Las Vegas.
Science & Social Studies
In science, students dive into hands-on learning using the Delta Science Modules. Whether observing plant growth or discovering animal habitats, these interactive experiences spark curiosity and foster analytical thinking. Social studies lessons introduce students to the concept of community, where they explore family roles, local helpers, and the importance of cooperation. These subjects encourage empathy, civic awareness, and a deeper understanding of the world—making Candil Hall one of the most engaging Las Vegas elementary schools.
Second Grade
In second grade, students are encouraged to think more independently and apply their growing skills. This year, they start to take ownership of their learning and explore new subjects more deeply.
Reading & Literature
With Saxon Phonics, students continue to sharpen their reading skills. They begin to read more independently, tackling chapter books that challenge them to think about characters, plot, and themes. By discussing these stories with classmates, they learn to share their thoughts and listen to others’ ideas, which helps them develop empathy and comprehension.
Math
Math becomes more dynamic with Saxon Math, as students dive into concepts like multiplication, division, measurement, and problem solving. Through engaging lessons, students start to see how math connects to the world around them, and students learn to think critically about real world problems. These problem-solving skills help them gain confidence in their abilities.
Writing & Grammar
Writing begins to flow more naturally as students move into cursive using the D’Nealian method. They also learn how to build more complex sentences and write simple paragraphs using Shurley English. These lessons help them communicate more effectively, whether they are telling a story or explaining a new idea.
Science & Social Studies
With hands-on experiments from Mystery Science, students explore topics like ecosystems and electricity. These activities help them make connections between what they learn in class and the world they experience outside. In social studies, they start exploring American history, discovering how the past shapes the present, which sparks a sense of curiosity about their heritage.
Third Grade
Third grade is an exciting year, where students transition from learning how to read to using reading as a tool to explore new subjects. This shift encourages them to become more independent learners and thinkers.
Reading & Literature
Students dive into chapter books and informational texts that challenge their growing reading skills. In literature circles, they discuss the stories they read, learning to form and express their own ideas while considering others’ perspectives. This helps them build not only comprehension skills but also a deeper appreciation for storytelling.
Math
Saxon Math takes students further into multiplication, division, fractions and problem-solving. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks, they start to see how math can help them solve everyday problems. Lessons on geometry, such as understanding area and perimeter, show them how math plays a role in the design and structure of the world around them.
Writing & Grammar:
Writing becomes more complex as students learn to organize their thoughts into multi-paragraph essays and narratives. Grammar lessons in Shurley English help them develop sentence structure, making their writing clearer and more expressive. These skills are critical as they begin to write more thoughtfully about a variety of topics.
Science & Social Studies
In science, students explore physical sciences—learning about concepts like force and motion through hands-on experiments. These activities inspire curiosity and analytical thinking. In social studies, students dive deeper into American history, learning about the people and events that shaped the country. This exploration of history helps them understand the connections between past and present.
Fourth Grade
In fourth grade, students begin to tackle more complex subjects, honing the skills they have developed in earlier years. This year is about strengthening their academic abilities and learning how to apply them in new ways.
Reading & Literature
Fourth graders explore more advanced texts, both fiction and nonfiction. Through reading projects, they start to analyze themes, characters, and the author’s intent, which helps them think more critically about what they read. These skills not only improve their comprehension but also encourage them to think about how stories relate to the world around them.
Math
Saxon Math guides students through more advanced topics like long division, decimals, and fractions. As they begin to explore geometry concepts like angles and lines, students start to see how math is used in real-life situations, such as architecture and art. These lessons help students become more comfortable tackling more abstract mathematical ideas.
Language Arts & Writing
Writing becomes more thoughtful and detailed in fourth grade. Students learn how to craft persuasive essays, narrative stories, and research projects. They are introduced to research techniques, which encourage them to explore topics in more depth and present their findings clearly.
Science & Social Studies
Students continue with Mystery Science, exploring earth, physical, and life science. These lessons encourage them to ask questions about the world and find answers through observation and experimentation. In social studies, they explore U.S. history, focusing on the events and figures that shaped the country. They study key events in American history, from the Civil War to the U.S. Constitution, helping them understand their role as informed citizens in a democratic society.
Fifth Grade
As the final year of elementary school, fifth grade is all about preparing students for the academic and social challenges of middle school. This year focuses on helping students become independent, critical thinkers who are ready to take on new challenges.
Reading & Advanced Literature
Fifth graders read a variety of more complex texts, including historical fiction and nonfiction. By analyzing themes, character development, and the author’s perspective, they deepen their understanding of literature. These discussions help them articulate their thoughts and ideas, preparing them for the more analytical reading and writing tasks they will encounter in middle school.
Math
Abeka Math covers advanced topics like ratios, percentages, and introductory algebra. Students learn to solve multi-step word problems and apply their math skills to real-world situations, such as budgeting or understanding data. These experiences give them the confidence to approach math with a problem-solving mindset.
Writing & Research
Writing in fifth grade becomes more structured and sophisticated, as students learn to craft detailed essays, reports, and creative stories. Through Shurley English, they master advanced grammar, which helps them communicate their ideas clearly. Research projects give them a chance to explore topics that interest them, teaching them how to gather information, evaluate sources, and present their findings.
Science & Social Studies
Mystery Science guides students through hands-on exploration of physical and life sciences, such as human body systems and basic chemistry. These activities teach students how to think scientifically, using observation and experimentation to understand how things work. In social studies, they study key events in American history as well as World History and geography.
Discover the Candil Hall Difference
Candil Hall Academy is more than just a school — it’s a nurturing and engaging environment where students love to learn, friendships thrive, and every day is filled with meaningful discovery. As one of the best private schools in Las Vegas, we create a space where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential — academically, socially, and emotionally.