Health Education

Elementary health education introduces students to foundational concepts and skills that support healthy development.

Middle school health education helps students understand the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during adolescence.

High school health education prepares students to make informed decisions that support their well-being during high school and beyond.

NTPS begins comprehensive sexual health education in 5th grade, which focuses on growth and development. During the 5th-grade growth and development lessons, students participate in separate instructional groups based on male and female anatomy to support age-appropriate discussion and questions. 

Families receive advance notice before instruction occurs and may review the lesson materials, presentations, videos, handouts, and curriculum resources.

5th Grade Lesson Summaries

• Growth and Development
  • Students learn about the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with puberty and adolescence. Instruction includes human growth and development, personal hygiene, healthy relationships, communication, personal boundaries, and the identification of trusted adults and sources of support.
• HIV Prevention Education
  • Students learn about the immune system, disease prevention, and basic facts about HIV and AIDS, including how HIV is and is not transmitted. Instruction emphasizes healthy choices, prevention, and respect for individuals living with HIV.

Parents/guardians may view the instructional materials in their student's school office.

Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Students learn about human reproduction, pregnancy, and the responsibilities associated with parenting and family planning.

Learning objectives include:

• Understand the basic functions of the reproductive systems.
• Describe how pregnancy occurs and the stages of human development.
• Recognize the responsibilities associated with parenting and family planning.

Healthy Relationships and Sexual Violence Prevention

Students learn about healthy relationships, communication, consent, personal boundaries, and strategies for preventing sexual violence and maintaining personal safety.

Learning objectives include:

• Identify characteristics of healthy and respectful relationships.
• Understand the importance of consent and personal boundaries.
• Recognize warning signs of unhealthy or unsafe relationships.
• Identify trusted adults and resources for support and assistance.

Decision-Making and Consent

Students learn skills that help them make healthy decisions, build respectful relationships, communicate effectively, understand personal boundaries and consent, and know when to seek help from a trusted adult.

Learning objectives include:

• Understand the meaning and importance of consent.
• Recognize healthy personal boundaries and respectful communication.
• Practice decision-making skills in everyday situations.
• Identify trusted adults and resources for help and support.
• Recognize safe ways to respond as a bystander when someone needs assistance.

Puberty

Students learn about the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during puberty.

Learning objectives include:

• Understand the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with puberty.
• Recognize that puberty is a normal part of adolescent development.
• Understand that growth and development occur at different times and rates for everyone.
• Identify healthy habits that support physical and emotional well-being during adolescence.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention and Birth Control Methods

Students learn medically accurate information about sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention, and methods used to prevent pregnancy and reduce health risks.

Learning objectives include:

• Understand how sexually transmitted infections are transmitted and prevented.
• Identify methods used to prevent pregnancy.
• Compare the effectiveness of various prevention methods.
• Identify reliable sources of health information and services.

Parents/guardians may view the instructional materials in their student's school office.
 

Reproductive System and Pregnancy

Students learn about human reproduction, pregnancy, fetal development, and the responsibilities associated with parenting and family planning.

Learning objectives include:

• Understand the functions of the reproductive systems.
• Describe how pregnancy occurs and the stages of fetal development.
• Recognize responsibilities associated with parenting and family planning.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Students learn accurate information about sexual orientation and gender identity while developing understanding, respect, and empathy for others.

Learning objectives include:

• Define key terms related to sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Demonstrate respect for diverse identities and experiences.
• Identify ways to create inclusive and supportive communities.

Undoing Gender Stereotypes

Students examine how stereotypes and social expectations can influence opportunities, relationships, and decision-making.

Learning objectives include:

• Recognize examples of gender stereotypes.
• Analyze how stereotypes can affect individuals and relationships.
• Promote respect and equity for all individuals.

Online Safety and Sexual Violence Prevention

Students learn strategies for maintaining personal safety online, recognizing unhealthy behaviors, and preventing sexual violence and exploitation.

Learning objectives include:

• Identify safe and responsible online behaviors.
• Recognize signs of coercion, exploitation, and unhealthy relationships.
• Identify trusted adults and resources for support.

Abstinence

Students learn that abstinence is the only method that completely prevents pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Learning objectives include:

• Understand abstinence as a prevention option.
• Recognize personal values and decision-making strategies.
• Practice communication skills related to personal boundaries.

Birth Control Methods

Students receive medically accurate information about methods used to prevent pregnancy and reduce health risks.

Learning objectives include:

• Identify commonly used pregnancy prevention methods.
• Compare the effectiveness and use of prevention methods.
• Access reliable health information and resources.

Parents/guardians may view the instructional materials in their student's school office.

Parents and guardians have the right under Washington law to excuse their student from any or all comprehensive sexual health instruction. Families interested in this option should contact their student's school to obtain the opt-out form.