The AACPS elementary literacy curriculum is a knowledge building curriculum intentionally designed to build a deep and wide knowledge based in the various fields of science, history, literature, and the arts, starting in kindergarten. It includes sound reading instruction grounded in the science of reading, teaching students to read through systematic foundational skills instruction until word recognition is automatic and students are fully fluent. A knowledge building curriculum affords every student access to focused, close communal reading of content-rich complex texts to empower students to become capable, effective, and motivated readers and writers.

The AACPS literacy curriculum is aligned to the Maryland College and Career Readiness standards. The standards ask students to read complex stories and literature, as well as information texts that provide facts and background knowledge in areas such as science and social studies.  They require students to refer to the text when responding to questions.  This stresses critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills required for success in college, career, and life.