Detailed Class Descriptions

Golden Star Educational Services

Class Descriptions by Day

Spring 2026

“Golden Star is magical! It is the sort of place where the teachers see a child for who they are & nurture the spirit within. My daughter is so excited about class on her Golden Star Days.” J.H.

We Help Your Child Shine!

Movement Mondays

(Enrichment - A la carte)

Art Studio: Mixed Media Magic! (Grades 1-3)

Get ready to draw, paint, cut, glue, and create! In this fun and creative mixed media art class, students will explore a wide variety of materials—from watercolor, paint, and pastels to collage, clay, and cardboard.

Each week, young artists will experiment with new techniques and focus on building foundational art skills while expressing themselves creatively. Along the way, they’ll discover famous artists and art styles from history and today, gaining inspiration from masters like Warhol and Kandinsky, and contemporary artists like Pete Cromer and Heather Brown.

Projects will encourage imagination, creativity, and lots of fun! No prior experience needed—just a love for making art!

Art Studio: Art History Explorers (Grades 2-4)

Unleash your creativity in this dynamic mixed media art class where imagination meets inspiration! Students will explore a wide range of materials—from paint and pastels to clay and collage—while discovering the exciting world of art history. Each week, young artists will learn about influential art movements such as Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and more. They'll dive into the work of master artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Matisse, as well as groundbreaking contemporary artists like Yayoi Kusama, Kehinde Wiley, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

Through fun, hands-on projects, students will build technical skills, express themselves creatively, and gain a deeper appreciation for the arts. Perfect for beginners and experienced young artists alike, this class blends education with exploration in a supportive, engaging environment.

Spanish Stars (Grades 1-3)

Instructor and native Spanish speaker, Ms. Anais, has been teaching at Golden Star for the past year and has noticed a huge interest in the students wanting to learn words and phrases in Spanish. They usually come to her to proudly share their counting or greetings in Spanish. They also often ask her how to say different words and phrases. To take advantage of the kid’s hunger to learn this language, she will be offering a beginning Spanish class at Golden Star!

There are different benefits to kids learning Spanish. It exposes youth to a new culture since Spanish is spoken in so many different countries. Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. The benefit of learning a second language is that it helps improve memory. In this hour long class, there will be singing, movement and lots of learning! Each class will consist of three main segments: a song, a story and an activity. Ready to join the fun?

Bright Knights (Grades 1-7)

Bright Knights is a creative role-play class facilitating the Hero's Journey. In Bright Knights the kids have their own characters and train in the Bright Knights Way trying to make peace first and fight for what is 'good and right'. Teamwork, problem-solving, virtues and their practical application are featured, along with social-emotional support. We have been having a blast, learning, training, and mystery-solving at GoldenStar! (See the video to understand more about this empowering team role playing adventure class)

See website www.ariseandshinecenter.com

And video - Bright Knights 2022 HYPE video ⚔︎❤⚔︎

Academic Tuesdays

Language Arts Naturally and Math Naturally (Grades K-1)

The Kinderstar/1st grade class is a developmentally appropriate program that uses a holistic approach to education. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, ask questions, find natural materials to play and learn with, sing, act, and use teamwork in accomplishing tasks. Inspired by the principals of Waldorf education the emphasis is in connecting with the environment, storytelling, imaginative and practical play, and establishing a rhythmic routine. Reading, writing and math standards woven within the fabric of the day. We believe that by cultivating a positive and nurturing environment, children will form a trusting relationship with their mentors and peers and seek to care for and improve the environment in which they live. GSES Kinderstar/1st Grade program strives to build a solid foundation by supporting a child’s spirit, creativity and natural wonderment about life.

Our learning for the year will be split into 3 units:

Social Emotional Learning Through Favorite Children’s Stories
Building My Community
Tales That Teach: Growing Minds and Hearts

Language Arts Naturally and Math Naturally (Grades 1-2)

Students will engage their hearts, minds and body while learning in a natural setting. Students will have indoor and outdoor classroom time at a local park. Teachers will take the students’ interests in mind when planning the reading and writing common core aligned lessons.These classes are a hit with kids since they love hearing a short book read to them,then discussing it and completing a related writing assignment. The writing process will be introduced. Often artistic and craft activities are incorporated into this well - rounded class. Reading, writing and math standards woven within the fabric of the day. In the afternoon, our math class is designed to promote interest and confidence in mathematics among elementary students. Students will be working cooperatively, connecting concepts in meaningful ways. The teacher will facilitate the discovery of mathematical concepts and the students will learn that there can be many ways to solve a single problem. Students will solve real life problems in hands-on ways such as counting the steps by 2s or hopscotching while answering math problems. In any given class, conceptual learning will take place through singing and movement, exploring nature in the park, creating art, building or playing games. Lessons are Common Core aligned and taught in a caring, encouraging and fun environment that helps students thrive!

Our learning for the year will be split into 3 units:

Feelings & Fables: Adventures in Emotional Growth
Ocean & Space Odyssey
Slither & Sprout: A Journey Through Nature’s Wonders

Writing with an Artistic Flair and Math Naturally (Grades 2-3)

In this power packed morning class, the lessons are designed to meet the needs of a particular small group of students. Everyone is embraced at their own level with their strengths and areas of need. Then, the experienced teacher supports them and builds their confidence while giving them the tools to bring forth their inner creative writer! This class uses the writing workshop approach to a lesson; starting with a mini-lesson and then giving the kids the time to work on their writing. This individualized time could include: pre-writing, first drafts, self, peer and teacher editing, revisions, and completion of an attractive final writing project. In addition, great examples of the narrative, expository and informative writing are analyzed.

As a culminating event to a unit, the child looks forward to sitting in the “Writer’s Chair” to share their final writing pieces with their supportive classmates and teacher. Classes can also include an opportunity for students to express themselves artistically in ways such as portrait making, crafting or sculpting.

The Math Naturally class is designed to help elementary students develop a positive attitude towards mathematics. Throughout the school year, students will learn innovative techniques and participate in hands-on activities which will foster a sense of curiosity and capture their imagination. After all, math can be so much more than worksheets, drills, and rote memorization. Activities will vary and can include crafts which will help them get familiar with the diverse shapes they encounter in the park, or card games perfect for reinforcing multiplication and division. Students will explore and deepen their understanding with the help of manipulatives, thematic units, and the use of literature with mathematical content. What truly makes this class exciting, is seeing math come to life as students begin making connections to real-world situations. Lessons are Common Core aligned and taught in a caring, encouraging and fun environment that helps students thrive!

Writing with an Artistic Flair and Math Fun with Projects (Grades 4-5)

Our project based and thematic math class is designed to help upper elementary students develop or continue a positive attitude towards mathematics. Throughout the school year, students will learn innovative techniques and participate in hands-on project activities which will foster a sense of curiosity and capture their imagination. After all, math can be so much more than worksheets, drills, and rote memorization. Students will explore and deepen their understanding with the help of manipulatives, thematic units, and the use of literature with mathematical content. What truly makes this class exciting, is seeing math come to life as students begin making connections to real-world situations. Lessons are Common Core aligned and taught in a caring, encouraging and fun environment that helps students thrive!

Excellence in Writing for Middle Schoolers and Real-World Math in Action (Grades 5-8)

Myths, Meaning & the Power of Story

This year’s writing class invites students into the fascinating world of ancient Greek culture and.

mythology. Through creative and academic projects, students will write their own original Greek myths, debate the most influential figures of ancient Greece, and explore informational writing—possibly through a student-created podcast episode! As the year progresses, students may branch out into other ancient civilizations beyond Europe, conducting independent research and teaching their peers through multimedia presentations. Later in the year, we’ll shift focus to World War II—an area of high interest among students—and use that time period to inspire powerful, reflective poetry. This class blends creativity, critical thinking, and real-world communication skills in a collaborative, meaningful way.

Real-World Math in Action

Math becomes more than numbers on a page in this engaging, hands-on class. Grounded in grade-level standards, students will explore mathematical concepts through collaborative projects, problem-solving challenges, and real-life applications. From geometry to data analysis, students will see how math shows up in the world around them. We’ll also take inspiration from ancient Greek mathematicians—exploring ideas like the Pythagorean theorem—and discover how math shaped history and still influences us today. This class makes math approachable, relevant, and even fun for every type of learner.

Wonderful Wednesdays

(Enrichment - A la carte)

Art Studio: Mixed Media Magic! (Grades 1-3)

Projects will encourage imagination, creativity, and lots of fun! No prior experience needed—just a love for making art!

Art Inspired (2 different choices-Grades K- 1 or Grades 2-3)

Each day’s lesson will be an exciting adventure, ignited by the colorful world of children's books, iconic masterpieces by famous artists, and the breathtaking beauty of nature. Students will dive into a treasure trove of artistic media—watercolors, oil pastels, collage, and even clay—unlocking new ways to express their thoughts and emotions. As they experiment with these vibrant tools, they’ll sharpen their fine motor skills and unleash their creativity, all while building a deeper connection to the power of art. By the end of each session, students won’t just create—they’ll bring to life their very own masterpieces, celebrating the joy of self-expression!

Art Studio: Art History Explorers (Grades 4-7)

Each week, young artists will learn about influential art movements such as Impressionism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and more. They'll dive into the work of master artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Matisse, as well as groundbreaking contemporary artists like Yayoi Kusama, Kehinde Wiley, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

STEAM (K-2)

Let’s experiment! The energy in the indoor/ outdoor classroom is one of quiet focused anticipation as the challenges for the next build project are given. The 4 C’s of 21st century learning are experienced as children collaborate, create, communicate with each other and experience critical thinking as they problem solve while engaging their hands and heart. Always mindful of the whole child, the teacher helps the student practice growth mindsets and compassionate communication. Literature, art, science, engineering, cooking, math and history are tied in thematically, and a summary and work journal entry is sent home weekly.

Science Stars (Grades 3-5)

Let’s Do Science! Get ready to uncover the beauty and complexity of the world around us! In this class we will be learning about different types of science and doing fun, hands-on experiments and making observations as we go. After learning and practicing the scientific method, students will take an interactive tour of life science, physical science, and earth science, including chemistry, water, weather, botany, geology, and more. Students will be able to get messy, curious, and creative as they discover how to be a scientist. For returning students, this class will be using different curriculum material than last year.

Bright Knights (Grades 1-7)

Brought to you by: Ariser

Bright Knights is a creative role-play class facilitating the Hero's Journey. In Bright Knights the kids have their own characters and train in the Bright Knights Way trying to make peace first and fight for what is 'good and right'. Teamwork, problem-solving, virtues and their practical application are featured, along with social-emotional support. We have been having a blast, learning, training, and mystery-solving at GoldenStar! Click these links to learn more. www.ariseandshinecenter.com

Bright Knights 2022 HYPE video ⚔︎❤⚔︎

Academic Thursdays

Choose as a single day or as a deeper learning day combined with another academic day

Language Arts Naturally and Math Naturally (Grades K-1)

Students already attending a Tuesday or Friday class will benefit from this class with a deeper and expanded dive into the learning topics for the week. Additional emphasis will be on comprehension and discussion of the various topics. Work will be differentiated based on abilities.

Students attending as a stand alone academic day will be introduced to the curriculum and asked to explore asking “curious questions”.

The Kinderstar/1st Grade class is a developmentally appropriate program that uses a holistic approach to education. Children are encouraged to explore their environment, ask questions, find natural materials to play and learn with, sing, act, and use teamwork in accomplishing tasks. Inspired by the principals of Waldorf education the emphasis is in connecting with the environment, storytelling, imaginative and practical play, and establishing a rhythmic routine. Reading, writing and math standards woven within the fabric of the day. We believe that by cultivating a positive and nurturing environment, children will form a trusting relationship with their mentors and peers and seek to care for and improve the environment in which they live. GSES Kinderstar/1st Grade program strives to build a solid foundation by supporting a child’s spirit, creativity and natural wonderment about life.

Our learning for the year will be split into 3 units:

Social Emotional Learning Through Favorite Children’s Stories
Building My Community
Tales That Teach: Growing Minds and Hearts

Language Arts Naturally and Math Naturally (Grades 1-2)

Students attending as a stand alone academic day will be introduced to the curriculum and asked to explore asking “curious questions”.

Students will engage their hearts, minds and body while learning in a natural setting. Students will have indoor and outdoor classroom time at a local park. Teachers will take the students’ interests in mind when planning the reading and writing common core aligned lessons. These classes are a hit with kids since they love hearing a short book read to them,then discussing it and completing a related writing assignment. Often artistic and craft activities are incorporated into this well rounded class. Reading, writing and math standards woven within the fabric of the day. In the afternoon, our math class is designed to promote interest and confidence in mathematics among elementary students. Students will be working cooperatively, connecting concepts in meaningful ways. The teacher will facilitate the discovery of mathematical concepts and the students will learn that there can be many ways to solve a single problem. Students will solve real life problems in hands-on ways such as counting the steps by 2s or hopscotching while answering math problems. In any given class, conceptual learning will take place through singing and movement, exploring nature in the park, creating art, building or playing games. Lessons are Common Core aligned and taught in a caring, encouraging and fun environment that helps students thrive! Collaboration is a key emphasis of this class.

Our learning for the year will be split into 3 units:

Feelings & Fables: Adventures in Emotional Growth
Ocean & Space Odyssey
Slither & Sprout: A Journey Through Nature’s Wonders

Book Club and History-AM, Math-PM (Grades 2-3)

Each morning will include one or both subjects (Social Studies & Book Club)

Trimester California Cool! (Winter/Spring 2026)

This year, get ready to become explorers of wild California! We’ll dig into the rocks beneath our feet, trek through forests and deserts, and meet the amazing plants and animals that call this state home.

We’ll journey back in time to see how California’s first people lived with the land—hunting, gathering, building, and thriving. Then we’ll follow the incredible path of how people and ideas moved across the state, changing it in exciting ways over the years.

Golden’s Book Club

Novels come to life as students meet in a small group to read and discuss a book they chose. This highly motivating and engaging way to share the love of reading with their peers is akin to an adult book club, but with more rigor and accountability. Students begin by selecting a book together then are introduced to the different types of rotating jobs such as word watcher, discussion director or connector. The teacher and student volunteers model the task for each of their roles, and then the students practice the strategies. Next, the students decide how many pages they will read at home each week. After this introduction, students are ready to use the strategy independently, rotating the roles as they read the books they have chosen. When the novel is finished, a celebration will occur with a culminating activity such as comparing the book to the movie, making and eating a protagonist’s favorite food or creating mini-movies.

Math Fun with Projects (afternoons)

“I learned that math can be fun” reflected one 3rd grader after attending Golden Star’s Tuesday and Thursday math classes. Indeed, this class is designed to help elementary students develop a positive attitude towards mathematics. Students will work more deeply with the same type of concepts covered on Tuesday and Fridays.Throughout the school year, students will learn innovative techniques and participate in hands-on activities which will foster a sense of curiosity and capture their imagination. After all, math can be so much more than worksheets, drills, and rote memorization. Activities will vary and can include crafts which will help them get familiar with the diverse shapes they encounter in the park, or card games perfect for reinforcing multiplication and division. Students will explore and deepen their understanding with the help of manipulatives, thematic units, and the use of literature with mathematical content. What truly makes this class exciting, is seeing math come to life as students begin making connections to real-world situations. Lessons are Common Core aligned and taught in a caring, encouraging and fun environment that helps students thrive!

Book Club and History-AM, Math-PM (Grades 4-5)

Each morning will include one or both subjects (Social Studies & Book Club).

Young America, Golden’s Book Club, and Math

Welcome to the exciting world of our nation’s infancy and founding! Readers will experience the early history of our unique nation through immersing ourselves in the time period. Playing games, reading, crafts, cooking, survival and life skills, problem solving, and interactive experiences will transport students back in time where they are acquainted with Native Americans, early adventurers and settlers, colonists, and revolutionaries who have all shaped who we are today. These experiences will support their understanding of this exciting time in American history.

Book Club: novels come to life as students meet in a small group to read and discuss a book they chose. This highly motivating and engaging way to share the love of reading with their peers is akin to an adult book club, but with more rigor and accountability. Students begin by selecting a book together then are introduced to the different types of rotating jobs such as word watcher, discussion director or connector. The teacher and student volunteers model the task for each of their roles, and then the students practice the strategies. Next, the students decide how many pages they will read at home each week. After this introduction, students are ready to use the strategy independently, rotating the roles as they read the books they have chosen. When the novel is finished, a celebration will occur with a culminating activity such as comparing the book to the movie, making and eating a protagonist’s favorite food or creating mini-movies.

Math Fun with Projects (afternoons)

In math enrichment, we'll do more hands-on activities to understand grade level concepts, whether we tie in math to a historical concept being explored or play some games related to the math concept being learned.

Book Club and History-AM, Math-PM (Grades 5-8)

Exploring the Ancient World—and Beyond

This class offers students a deeper dive into the history themes introduced on Tuesdays, with a yearlong focus on ancient Greek culture. As the year unfolds, we'll broaden our scope to explore other ancient civilizations, building historical context through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Students will develop essential academic skills such as map reading, online research, note-taking, and collaborative project work—all while learning to ask thoughtful questions and make meaningful connections.

In the final part of the year, we’ll fast-forward to the 20th century to explore World War II. This unit will be approached with care and compassion, encouraging students to think critically about topics like morality, propaganda, and religious and political tolerance. Sensitive themes will be introduced through well-chosen picture books and stories that make complex issues accessible and meaningful. This class blends skill-building with empathy, helping students understand history not just as a series of events—but as a way to better understand humanity.

Book Club: Thoughtful Reading, Meaningful Discussion

In Book Club, students take the lead. They’ll choose the books, guide discussion, and engage in thoughtful, student-driven conversations that mirror the kind of critical thinking and collaborative dialogue we value in adult life. Each book will be selected by class vote, with the goal of reading titles that are new to everyone—fostering shared discovery and excitement. While at least one book may connect to our year’s broader theme, the rest will span a diverse range of genres and perspectives. Book Club is a space where students grow as thinkers, listeners, and communicators—all while cultivating a love of reading.

Math Enrichment: Deep Dives & Creative Thinking

This is math—reimagined. In Math Enrichment, students explore key grade-level concepts in depth, using hands-on activities, collaborative problem-solving, and visual learning to deepen their understanding. From mathematical art projects to logic games and group challenges, students learn to approach math from multiple angles. Rather than focusing on rote worksheets, this class prioritizes creativity, exploration, and engagement. Students not only build confidence in their skills, but also gain a real sense of how math connects to the world around them.

Tutoring (Grades K-8)

Golden Star offers academic private tutoring or semi-private tutoring. Please contact Director Alyssa Unger MsAlyssa@goldenstareducation.com if interested.