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First-graders extend their knowledge of language arts, learning skills that enable them to read and write more independently. By the end of first grade, students should read proficiently at grade level and have the ability to decode and recognize increasingly complex words accurately and automatically.

For students in second grade, instruction focuses on developing literacy and proficiency in language arts with the goal that all students become lifelong readers, competent writers, and effective communicators. In mathematics, students become proficient in basic computational skills and procedures, develop conceptual understandings, and become adept at problem solving. Standards-based instruction also includes Science, History-Social Science, Visual & Performing Arts, Health, and more.

Third grade is often considered a pivotal year as instruction in phonics is phased out of the formal curriculum and emphasis increases on vocabulary acquisition, comprehension strategies, text analysis, language conventions, and writing. A crucial goal is that all students leave third grade able to read fluently, effortlessly, independently, and enthusiastically.  In mathematics, third-graders deepen their understanding of place value and knowledge of and skill with addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole numbers.

Traditionally, fourth grade marks the transition from learning to read (in kindergarten through grade three) to reading to learn (in grade four and beyond). There is more focus on academic language as students learn and practice a range of strategies for acquiring vocabulary independently. They read a wide range of literature, study the structural elements of poems, analyze informational text, and learn to use evidence to support points in the text. In Mathematics, fourth graders perform multi-digit arithmetic.

Fifth-grade students read a wide range of materials, including literature from different times and cultures and informational text on grade-level topics in all subject areas. The emphasis is on students’ comprehension of complex narrative and informational texts.

A wide range of after school options are offered, including academic enrichment opportunities, sports, homework help, performing arts and more!  Some options are available through our Campbell Union School District Extensions programs, while others are organized by CMS teachers.  Details are available from the school office or by contacting the CUSD Extensions Department.

Build skills and strength, cooperation, goal setting, valuing progress, agility and more.

Sherman Oaks offers Cross, Country, Track and Field, Volleyball, Basketball, and Soccer.

Title IX Participation Data

Safe and Enriching Care 

CampbellCare is a high quality, district-run childcare program that is conveniently located right on our school campus. 

We take the worry out of childcare by providing a safe and nurturing place for students. Our programs are offered before and after school hours, are open on teacher in-service days (offsite), and summer (offsite). [Learn More] 

More Questions?

Call: 408-364-4200 ext. 6378, ext. 6204 for Spanish

Sherman Oaks, located between the Willow Glen and Burbank areas of San Jose, was completely rebuilt in 1996, and was the first fully operational charter school in Santa Clara County. Campus improvements over the years include a beautiful new multi-use/cafeteria building, all new play structures, landscape improvements, outdoor science garden, and updated telecommunications abilities for teaching and learning.

Our students learn the value of giving back to their communities.

English Language Development (ELD) Standards are used in tandem with the Common Core State Standards to give our English Learners (ELs) what they need to acquire language and gain access to grade-level standards. The California Department of Education requires that ELs receive explicit ELD instruction (Designated/Dedicated ELD Instruction), grouped by proficiency level. ELs also need access to grade-level standards. CUSD teachers use research-based instructional strategies proven to be effective in helping ELs meet grade-level content.

Even in elementary school, we’re preparing students to succeed in high school, college and beyond. Research shows that involvement by parents and family members makes a big difference in a child’s success at school. You Make the Difference!

Located at the back of the campus, the garden provides students an opportunity to put their life science education into action. The garden was built by a partnership between Campbell Union School District and various community volunteer teams who believed in the importance of education outside the four classroom walls. Students and staff grow everything from tomatoes and zucchinis to basil and sunflowers, watching plants take root in the raised beds.

New ideas. New concepts. New skills.

Elementary school is where students begin to explore core subjects and discover new interests and skills that they may develop later in middle school. Our teachers provide strong core academic instruction through their broad knowledge of the subject matter, standards-based curriculum, and creative lesson design. 

Kindergarten is for children who will be five years old on or before September 1. Instruction in kindergarten is focused on developing foundational skills that prepare students for success in all content areas and sets the foundation for building skills that lead to success throughout the child’s school years. Students build skills in literacy and oral language comprehension, vocabulary, alphabet knowledge, phonological awareness, and print knowledge.

A world of information is at your fingertips in the Sherman Oaks Library! To support the Sherman Oaks mission of bilingual and biliterate students, our Library offers fiction and non-fiction books in Spanish and English. Students can find support for their research needs, with books and online resources, and discover the joy of reading for pleasure.

This room is a hub of activity for the school and the community. By day it is where students gather for lunch, activities, educational assemblies and more. After school hours, it is a-buzz with school and community activities such as recreational and team sports, community meetings and school drama productions.  

Music energizes and enlivens learning.

Students spend a lot of time in classrooms at school but getting outside and being active is just as important. Physical Education is mandated by the State of California. Students in elementary school are required to have 200 minutes of Physical Education every 10 days. Physical education is a combination of structured activities and lessons on nutrition and healthy living. Depending on the teacher or the provider, students participate in a variety of sports, dancing, calisthenics, and other activities to get them up and moving. 

Our high-quality preschool program prepares students for successful educational journeys. We provide positive learning experiences that are engaging and enjoyable, allowing children to make choices and explore as they build confidence and competence that prepares them for Kindergarten and beyond. Both fee-based and subsidized programs are available, year round, with part-time or full-time options.

Enrichment opportunities at develop the whole student, providing knowledge and context for the world around them. Students will participate in various programs during their time. They’re also encouraged to participate in a variety of after-school activities.

NOTE: For the 2021-22 school year, our school is following the district's Safe School Opening Plan, which is based on the California Dept of Public Health's "COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools in California, 2021-22 School Year." For more details, please contact the school office.

Our school has a number of programs and staff dedicated to providing support to all students, including Resource Specialist Programs (RSP) and Special Education aides to support students in small groups.

We are committed to providing the resources and tools to make sure every student achieves at the highest levels. These specialized instruction programs ensure that all students are guaranteed an education that's truly beyond the expected.

Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, & Mathematics—is more than just the subjects in its name. It’s about blending those disciplines in ways that promote collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creative problem solving. Through STEAM students discover meaningful, creative and innovative ways to expand and connect interdisciplinary learning through experimentation and imagination. This will help them apply their learning to succeed in real world settings.

Campbell Union School District is committed to providing our students an education that is beyond the expected. We have transformed a traditional classroom into a STEAM space that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts and math into cohesive instructional units that complement core curriculum. STEAM spaces can include anything from 3D printers to carts of computers and tablets, and all provide open spaces for student work and collaboration.

Technology continues to be a priority for CUSD. With the implementation of online assessments and the goal of creating 21st Century learners, students are getting more and more exposure to technology in their classrooms. Technology can come in the form of tablets, laptops, and access to presentation systems. In the last 2 years, CUSD has doubled the number of devices available to students and continues to add more.

Our school boasts an impressive number of mobile technology labs and equipment. Teachers and students have access to class-sized carts of technology, including iPads, Macbook Airs and Chromebooks. These carts move between classrooms during breaks and passing periods, saving valuable instructional minutes and providing students a comfortable atmosphere for collaborative work.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first of a two-year, specially designed Kindergarten program. 

The curriculum bridges preschool and kindergarten, and includes specific strategies for supporting the unique social–emotional development and educational preparation for this group of young learners.

As part of the STEAM curriculum, Visual Arts provides students with planned, success-oriented art experiences using a variety of materials and techniques. Students will produce artwork in two and three-dimensional forms, and become familiar with drawing tools, techniques, art history, color theory, painting, printmaking, collage, and either papier mache or clay. The students will study each element (line, shape, value, texture, color, space and form) of art as a unit.  Several formative assignments, in addition to a larger project, are given for each unit.