Physical Education (PE)
At Explorer, PE focuses on developing motor skills, promoting lifelong fitness, and fostering positive social-emotional behaviors in a fun, safe environment. We blend skill progression, knowledge enrichment, social interaction, active participation, and inclusivity. The goal is to help students build competence, confidence, and an understanding of why physical activity matters.
Extracurricular activities are also offered at Explorer. Please check out our Student Life page for club and activity details.
Art
In the Art classroom, students show their creativity, confidence, and curiosity. Their imagination is celebrated, and every child feels like an artist through hands-on exploration with paint, clay, collage, and mixed media. Students learn about famous artists, broadening their cultural awareness and discovering their own artistic voice. They are in a supportive environment where creativity builds self-expression, resilience, and joy in learning.
Music
Students explore music through singing, playing unpitched and pitched percussion, various drumming experiences, recorder, and ukulele, as well as creative movement and folk dancing. Learning throughout the year culminates in student performances that showcase growth, creativity, and collaboration.
In the primary grades, music instruction is guided by First Steps in Music, a research-based curriculum designed specifically for young children. This approach helps students become:
- Tuneful: able to sing in tune
- Beatful: able to feel and maintain a steady beat
- Artful: able to respond to and express music creatively
Beginning in the upper elementary grades, music instruction is primarily based on the Orff Schulwerk approach, which emphasizes active music-making through speech, movement, singing, and instrument play. Through inquiry, collaboration, and reflection, students learn to create, perform, and respond to music in meaningful ways.
The music program supports the Colorado Academic Standards for music and provides a positive, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to try new things, build skills, and develop an appreciation for culturally diverse musical styles and composers.
Extracurricular opportunities include:
- 4th/5th Grade Choir
- 4th/5th Grade Percussion Ensemble
Spanish
All students in grades K-5 participate in our Spanish program, which enhances brain function and prepares them for Colorado State World Language requirements in middle and high school. The program also fosters cultural connections and empathy. We emphasize the 4 C’s: Communication, Cultures, Connections, and Comparisons, using songs, games, Total Physical Response (TPR), and authentic conversations.
By exploring diverse Spanish-speaking cultures, students improve their speaking, listening, reading, writing, and math skills. Spanish is also offered at Timberview Middle School and Liberty High School, alongside Latin and French.