Core Knowledge Foundation – Building Shared Knowledge for Equity & Excellence (Preschool–Grade 8)

Introduction

Core Knowledge Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing excellence and equity through a content-rich, knowledge-based curriculum for preschool through eighth grade. By providing clear, specific, and cumulative content across subjects—much of it freely available—it ensures every child has access to the rich knowledge essential for lifelong learning and civic engagement.

What Is Core Knowledge Foundation?

Core Knowledge Foundation offers the Core Knowledge Sequence, a detailed, grade-by-grade blueprint outlining key facts, stories, and concepts students should know in subjects like language arts, history, science, music, math, and visual arts. Designed to promote coherence and avoid redundancy, it supports knowledge-building that empowers all learners.

Key Features

Specific, Cumulative, and Coherent Curriculum

• The Sequence specifies exactly what students learn in each grade—no guesswork or gaps.
• Builds knowledge year after year, helping students deepen understanding and connect across subjects.

Content-Rich & Knowledge-Based Schooling

• Curriculum includes engaging, vital subject matter—civics, literature, science, geography, mathematics, and the arts.
• Reinforces literacy, critical thinking, and civic awareness through substantive learning.

Equity through Shared Knowledge

• Freely accessible materials—including teacher guides, student readers, and activity books—support schools and homeschoolers alike.
• Helps close achievement gaps by ensuring all students access foundational knowledge regardless of background.

Comprehensive Curriculum Materials

• Covers Language Arts, History & Geography, Science, and even fine arts and music—many of which can be downloaded at no cost.
• Includes Spanish-language materials and supplemental resources like “What Your ___ Grader Needs to Know” series.

Strong Community and School Network

• Used by thousands of schools worldwide, including Schools of Distinction that model effective implementation.
• Offers professional development, podcasts, and teacher communities to support faithful execution.

Why Choose Core Knowledge?

• Clarity & Structure — Teachers follow a precise, well-designed sequence, reducing planning stress.
• Academic Depth — Students build a deep knowledge base that supports reasoning, literacy, and cultural literacy.
• Open Access — Many high-quality materials are free, enabling broad implementation.
• Proven Model — Schools using the model demonstrate improved coherence and student readiness.
• Equity Focus — Designed to elevate all learners by equipping them with shared foundational knowledge.

Conclusion

Core Knowledge Foundation empowers learners through clear, content-rich, and equitable education. Whether you're a school teacher or homeschooling parent, its curated Sequence and materials provide a reliable framework for fostering academic excellence and civic understanding—grade by grade.

Ready to explore? Start with the Core Knowledge Sequence and download free curriculum materials to begin building true knowledge-based learning.