Learning Environment Info

Small groups, classes and special programs are a hallmark of the creative teaching approach at the Academy. Small class sizes enable our faculty to take a creative approach to core curriculum subjects, without the restrictions experienced by grade level only teaching practices. For instance, while our homerooms are organized around age ranges, social dynamics are strongly considered as well. Subjects such as math and language arts are further broken down into very small groups (i.e. 3-4 students), allowing teachers to focus on individual abilities. For instance, a child in an age 7-8 year old homeroom, while still enjoying a game of Tag at recess, is also enjoying their introduction to pre-algebra during his math group.

Additionally, small groups allow for increased interaction between and among group members and the teacher. In a group of 3-4 students, teachers can be more responsive and creative - both individually with students and in terms of the approach taken when presenting material. During the learning process, more student-driven, in-depth exploration is possible. This stimulating learning environment results in students who are more actively engaged - as opposed to a more passive, primarily listening- based learning environment.