Olive Branch Learning Center
High-caliber Education. Real-world integration.
An Overview of Olive Branch
Learning Center.
The Olive Branch Learning Center is a project of Olive Branch Preparatory School, Inc. This learning center is designed to offer high-quality instructional courses in all core subjects and some enrichment courses to homeschooling students and families in K-5th grade.
Olive Branch courses are designed to be unique in their alignment with the mission and vision of the organization – promoting high-caliber, hands-on, real-world knowledge and skills. We believe that children will surprise us with how much they can thrive and excel when the right ingredients are present in the learning environment and great teachers are the backbone of the learning environment.
We believe in the infinite potential of every child in Deen and Dunia.
Details and Highlights
What we offer:
- Flexible schedule: Choose the classes that best fit your child’s needs.
- Discount: Sign up for all classes in your child’s grade level and save.
- Classes: Monday through Thursday.
- Extracurriculars: Fun activities (possibly on Fridays) off-site.
Important information:
- Homeschooling: You must be registered as a homeschooler with your county.
- Age: Kindergarteners must be 5 years old by September 3rd.
- Art and P.E.: We don’t offer specific classes, but students can use projects and extracurricular activities to show evidence of learning in these areas.
- Location in Gaithersburg, MD (details coming soon).
All modules offered will run for 12 instructional weeks. Holidays and breaks are included in the term dates. Holidays and school closings will closely follow the MCPS calendar. A full academic calendar will be published by the first day of classes.
Modules subject to change based on enrollment
English Language Arts
Select the level appropriate for your child(ren) to see a complete and detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Monday and Wednesday 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $150 / month
Our English Language arts curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theme based units of language arts instruction with the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s (IEW) writing method. Our approach emphasizes building knowledge by teaching lessons through units in history, geography, science, and arts.
To make the lessons engaging, students will work through a central project that extends each lesson and cements their understanding of the material, while engaging with texts through read-aloud, discussions, independent reading and writing.
In each term, students will cover one third of a full year’s curriculum, while carefully differentiating for each student’s level and grade.
Grades K-1
In Term 1, instruction focuses on various key areas:
- Listening and Speaking: Students actively participate in discussions, following agreed-upon rules and asking clarifying questions. They learn to express themselves clearly, using narrative language to describe experiences and retell stories. Grade 1 students engage in longer conversations and oral presentations.
- Reading: Students develop print awareness, recognizing letters, sounds, words, and sentences. They practice phonemic awareness skills, such as identifying and manipulating sounds in words. Grade 1 students learn phonics, decoding and encoding words, and read increasingly complex texts.
- Writing: Students begin by drawing pictures to represent stories and express opinions. They progress to shared writing exercises, adding details and creating titles. Grade 1 students write narrative, informative, and persuasive texts independently, using phonemic spelling.
- Language Conventions: Students learn basic spelling conventions, form letters, words, and sentences, and use capitalization and punctuation. Grade 1 students expand their knowledge of parts of speech, verb tenses, and sentence structures.
- Reading Comprehension: Students engage in read-aloud sessions, comprehending and discussing various texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They identify details, make predictions, and answer questions about the text. Grade 1 students analyze texts more deeply, comparing and contrasting, making connections, and identifying literary language.
This curriculum aims to provide a strong foundation in English Language Arts, nurturing essential literacy skills and fostering a love for reading and writing.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Monday and Wednesday 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $150 / month
Our English Language arts curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theme based units of language arts instruction with the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s (IEW) writing method. Our approach emphasizes building knowledge by teaching lessons through units in history, geography, science, and arts.
To make the lessons engaging, students will work through a central project that extends each lesson and cements their understanding of the material, while engaging with texts through read-aloud, discussions, independent reading and writing.
In each term, students will cover one third of a full year’s curriculum, while carefully differentiating for each student’s level and grade
Grades 2-3
In Term 1, instruction focuses on various key areas:
- Listening and Speaking: Students actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and give presentations. They learn to follow multi-step directions, articulate clearly, and use visual aids to enhance communication. Grade 3 students progress to preparing for discussions, building upon others’ remarks, and switching between formal and informal English.
- Reading Comprehension: Students understand and analyze diverse texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. They summarize key points, make inferences, identify literary devices, and interpret visual elements. Grade 3 students delve deeper into complex texts, analyze text structures, and evaluate arguments.
- Phonics: Students master letter-sound relationships, progressing from single-syllable to multi-syllable words. They learn to decode irregularly spelled words and expand their vocabulary with high-frequency and academic terms.
- Writing: Students craft narrative, informative, and persuasive pieces, applying appropriate grammar, punctuation, and spelling. They learn to organize information, use linking words, and follow a structured writing process. Grade 3 students conduct research, gather information from diverse sources, and synthesize findings in reports.
This curriculum aims to provide students with a strong foundation in English Language Arts, gradually increasing the complexity and rigor of instruction as they progress from Grade 2 to Grade 3.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Monday and Wednesday 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $150 / month
Our English Language arts curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theme based units of language arts instruction with the Institute for Excellence in Writing’s (IEW) writing method. Our approach emphasizes building knowledge by teaching lessons through units in history, geography, science, and arts.
To make the lessons engaging, students will work through a central project that extends each lesson and cements their understanding of the material, while engaging with texts through read-aloud, discussions, independent reading and writing.
In each term, students will cover one third of a full year’s curriculum, while carefully differentiating for each student’s level and grade
Grades 4-5
In Term 1, instruction focuses on various key areas:
- Listening and Speaking: Students actively participate in discussions, preparing in advance and fulfilling specific roles. They learn to identify key ideas, distinguish them from personal opinions, and restate information from various sources. Presentations incorporate visual aids, and students practice switching between formal and informal English. Grade 5 students focus on drawing conclusions from discussions and evaluating speaker’s claims.
- Reading: Students decode words using phonics and word analysis skills, focusing on multisyllabic words and applying knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. They practice fluent oral reading with appropriate expression and comprehension. Reading comprehension encompasses analyzing complex fiction and non-fiction texts, summarizing main points, identifying themes, evaluating arguments, and comparing texts from different perspectives.
- Writing: Students write various types of texts, incorporating planning, research, editing, and revision. They analyze literature and informational texts in writing, demonstrating a deep understanding of literary elements and author’s arguments. Short research projects involve gathering information from various sources, taking notes, and creating bibliographies. Grade 5 students additionally focus on paraphrasing, summarizing, and using advanced linking words and phrases.
- Language Conventions: Students master complex grammar rules, including various verb tenses and sentence structures. They expand their vocabulary, differentiating between literal and figurative language, and recognizing idioms and proverbs. Spelling focuses on grade-level high-frequency words and applying known patterns and rules. Grade 5 students explore nuances in word meanings and understand grade-level academic and subject-specific terminology.
This curriculum aims to further develop students’ language arts skills through a holistic and rigorous approach, preparing them for higher-level critical thinking, effective communication, and in-depth literary analysis as they transition from Grade 4 to Grade 5.
Mathematics
Select the level appropriate for your child(ren) to see a complete and detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Monday and Wednesday 10:45am-12:15pm
- Fee: $150 / month
Our Mathematics curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that is designed to keep students engaged through project-based learning while building mathematical reasoning, fluency and understanding. In each unit, students will learn new mathematical concepts, practice their skill through joint activities and independent practice, and extend their knowledge through a central project that challenges them to translate the class topic into real-world applications.
Grades K-1
Our Mathematics curriculum for Grades K-1 focuses on building a strong foundation in number sense, operations, and basic geometric concepts.
In Kindergarten, students learn to count to 100, write numbers up to 20, and understand the relationship between numbers and quantities. They explore addition and subtraction within 10 using various representations, such as objects, fingers, drawings, and equations. They also begin to develop place value understanding by working with numbers 11-19.
In Grade 1, students extend their counting sequence to 120, solve addition and subtraction problems within 20, and develop fluency with addition and subtraction within 10. They deepen their understanding of place value by working with two-digit numbers and begin to measure lengths and tell time. Throughout both grades, students engage with shapes, analyzing, comparing, creating, and composing them to build spatial reasoning skills.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Monday and Wednesday 10:45am-12:15pm
- Fee: $150 / month
Our Mathematics curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that is designed to keep students engaged through project-based learning while building mathematical reasoning, fluency and understanding. In each unit, students will learn new mathematical concepts, practice their skill through joint activities and independent practice, and extend their knowledge through a central project that challenges them to translate the class topic into real-world applications.
Grades 2-3
Our Mathematics curriculum for Grades 2-3 builds upon the foundational skills developed in earlier grades, expanding students’ understanding of operations, place value, measurement, and data.
In Grade 2, students fluently add and subtract within 20, work with equal groups of objects to gain foundations for multiplication, and explore place value with three-digit numbers. They measure and estimate lengths, tell time to the nearest five minutes, and solve word problems involving money.
In Grade 3, students multiply and divide within 100, solve two-step word problems using the four operations, and round whole numbers. They develop an understanding of fractions as numbers, measure time intervals in minutes, and represent and interpret data using scaled graphs. They also explore concepts of area and perimeter, relating them to multiplication and addition.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Monday and Wednesday 10:45am-12:15pm
- Fee: $150 / month
Our Mathematics curriculum is a comprehensive curriculum that is designed to keep students engaged through project-based learning while building mathematical reasoning, fluency and understanding. In each unit, students will learn new mathematical concepts, practice their skill through joint activities and independent practice, and extend their knowledge through a central project that challenges them to translate the class topic into real-world applications.
Grades 4-5
Our Mathematics curriculum for Grades 4-5 deepens students’ understanding of number operations, fractions, decimals, measurement, and geometry.
In Grade 4, students use the four operations to solve multi-step word problems, gain familiarity with factors and multiples, and generalize place value understanding for multi-digit whole numbers. They extend their understanding of fractions, including equivalence and ordering, and begin to work with decimal notation. They also explore concepts of angle measurement and solve problems involving measurement and conversion of units.
In Grade 5, students continue to work with fractions, adding and subtracting with unlike denominators and multiplying and dividing fractions. They expand their understanding of decimals, comparing and rounding them. They also delve into concepts of volume, graphing points on the coordinate plane, and classifying two-dimensional figures.
Science
Select the level appropriate for your child(ren) to see a complete and detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Once per week
- Times: Tuesdays 9 :00am-10:30am
- Fee: $100 / month
Our Science curriculum is a hands-on exploration of how our world works. Each term will cover a unit in life science, physical science, or earth science. Through projects, experiments, and hands-on activities, students will practice the scientific method while extending their learning. Real-world applications and correlations will be emphasized. Advanced students may have the opportunity to design their own experiments and projects. The Next Generation Science Standards will be covered for each grade level.
Grades K-1
Our Science curriculum for Grades K-1 focuses on introducing students to the fundamental concepts of physical science, life science, and earth science. Students explore pushes and pulls as forces, the needs of plants and animals, and the characteristics of different environments. They learn about weather patterns, the human body and its five senses, and the sun, moon, and stars. Through hands-on activities and observations, students develop a basic understanding of the natural world and their place within it.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Once per week
- Times: Tuesdays 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $100 / month
Our Science curriculum is a hands-on exploration of how our world works. Each term will cover a unit in life science, physical science, or earth science. Through projects, experiments, and hands-on activities, students will practice the scientific method while extending their learning. Real-world applications and correlations will be emphasized. Advanced students may have the opportunity to design their own experiments and projects. The Next Generation Science Standards will be covered for each grade level.
Grades 2-3
Our Science curriculum for Grades 2-3 builds upon the foundational knowledge from earlier grades, delving deeper into the properties of matter, life cycles, habitats, and Earth’s systems. Students explore the different states of matter, how matter changes, and the basic structure of matter. They investigate the life cycles of plants and animals, their diverse characteristics, and how they adapt to their environments. They also learn about landforms, bodies of water, weather and climate, and the forces of electricity and magnetism. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on investigations and encourages students to develop scientific inquiry skills.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Once per week
- Times: Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $100 / month
Our Science curriculum is a hands-on exploration of how our world works. Each term will cover a unit in life science, physical science, or earth science. Through projects, experiments, and hands-on activities, students will practice the scientific method while extending their learning. Real-world applications and correlations will be emphasized. Advanced students may have the opportunity to design their own experiments and projects. The Next Generation Science Standards will be covered for each grade level.
Grades 4-5
Our Science curriculum for Grades 4-5 expands students’ understanding of scientific concepts, focusing on energy transfer, waves, Earth’s processes, and the human body. Students explore different forms of energy, how energy is transferred and transformed, and the properties of waves, including sound and light. They investigate Earth’s layers, the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and natural hazards. They also learn about the use of natural resources for energy, the importance of environmental protection, and the human endocrine and reproductive systems. The curriculum encourages students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems and develop a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of Earth’s systems.
Social Studies
Select the level appropriate for your child(ren) to see a complete and detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Once per week
- Times: Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $100 / month
Grades K-1
Our Social Studies curriculum for Grades K-1 introduces students to basic geographical concepts, such as maps, globes, continents, and the location of their community and state. They learn about Native American peoples, their ways of life, and their interactions with the environment. Students also explore early exploration and settlement of America, focusing on Columbus and the Pilgrims. They are introduced to key figures in American history, such as presidents and symbols like the American flag and Statue of Liberty. The curriculum aims to spark curiosity about the world and different cultures, fostering a sense of community and national identity.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Once per week
- Times: Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $100 / month
Grades 2-3
Our Social Studies curriculum for Grades 2-3 delves deeper into world history and geography, exploring early civilizations in Asia, the Americas, and ancient Greece and Rome. Students learn about the geography, culture, and significant contributions of these civilizations. In American history, they study the Constitution, the War of 1812, westward expansion, the Civil War, and the concepts of immigration and citizenship. They are also introduced to key figures who fought for various causes, such as Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King, Jr. The curriculum aims to expand students’ understanding of diverse cultures and historical events, fostering critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of human societies.
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Once per week
- Times: Tuesdays 9:00am-10:30am
- Fee: $100 / month
Grades 4-5
Our Social Studies curriculum for Grades 4-5 covers a wide range of topics in world and American history. Students explore medieval Europe, the spread of Islam, early African kingdoms, and imperial China. They delve into the Renaissance and Reformation, examining the cultural, scientific, and religious changes of the time. In American history, they study the American Revolution, the Constitution, westward expansion, the Civil War, and Native American cultures and conflicts. They also learn about the geography of the Americas and the world, including major landforms and bodies of water. The curriculum aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of historical events and their impact on societies, fostering critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a global perspective.
Islamic Studies and Qur’an
- Class duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Frequency: Twice per week
- Times: Tuesday and Thursday 10:45am-12:15pm
- Fee: $150 / month
A portion of the class will be dedicated to instructing topics in Islamic Studies. Class instruction will cover five areas:
- Aqeedah
- Acts of worship and their fiqh (Ibadaat)
- Seerah (Life of the Prophet SAW) and Islamic History
- Morals and manners (Akhlaaq)
- Quranic vocabulary
Teachers will instruct the children in these topics and students will engage in discussions, activities and assignments related to the class topic. Students will be grouped according to their ages for these exercises and will be given age-appropriate extensions.
A second portion of the class will be dedicated to Quran reading and memorization. At the beginning of the term, students will be assessed for their Qur’an level. The text of Al Qadiah al Nooraniah will be used for students learning to read Arabic. These students will also learn short surahs, building on their current knowledge. Students who have attained mastery in reading fluency and accuracy will focus on memorization according to their individual levels.
Social Activities
Select Unified to see a complete and detailed breakdown of what you can expect.
- Class duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Frequency: Four times per week
- Class Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 12:15pm-2:00pm
Give your child a chance to let out some steam and enjoy socializing with friends and exercising their muscles. This module is for kids who thrive with their peers or who need some extra social time away from home.
Students will be given time to engage in supervised play and socializing while enjoying our provided play equipment. THey will have the opportunity to eat a home packed lunch or snack, as well as participate in structured group activities led by our staff.
Refundable Until Day 1
Tuition
- 1
No hidden fees: no technology fees, no sports fees, no field trip fees, no book fees.
- 2
Enroll in the entire program (6 modules) and pay a reduced cost of $550/month.
- 3
Pick individual modules that fit your needs; prices range between $100-$150 for each.
- 4
$50 pre-registration reserves a spot for your child and goes directly towards your tuition.
- 5
You have the freedom to update your enrollment at the start of every trimester.