Curriculum

Academic Curriculum

Our curriculum is intellectually challenging, and emphasizes analysis, research, experiential learning, and advanced subject matter relating to the students’ specific interests and talents (i.e., exploring related topics within academic disciplines).

Content focuses on advanced skill sets to include creative problem solving, critical thinking, research and presentation skills, as well as the ability to create diverse projects both alone and in collaboration with others. Instruction encompasses unique components: teachers utilize lecture, debate, small groups, individualized learning, community resources, and field trips.

Field trips expose children to the wealth of knowledge contained in the local community, demonstrate the many ways to collect data, and broaden and deepen the skills and interests of each child. Hands-on learning is an integral part of the curriculum, and field trips expose students to real-world examples of how learning is applied.

Because children may excel in either language/reading or mathematics in the elementary years, placement in specialized skill groups allows self-pacing and acceleration. The child’s social and emotional level of development determines which classroom they will join, while ability determines the child’s placement in mathematics and reading groups.

Teaching strategies that encompass the diverse learning modalities of our students make it possible for each one to progress in all disciplines to the limit of his/her ability. In certain areas of the curriculum, students are required to produce work from each of the learning components, the goal being that students can consciously identify the learning style that is most effective for them, and re-format material accordingly.
 

Renaissance Academy models a “spiral” and interdisciplinary curriculum. A spiral curriculum maintains consistent content throughout the divisions, but increases in depth, detail, and critical thinking as each child progresses through each division. There is a fluid continuity in the spiral curriculum that enables the students’ understanding of relationships. An interdisciplinary curriculum integrates many different subjects into one lesson, reinforcing these relationships.

Language Arts and Reading - This curriculum centers on the integration and "whole" process of reading from a variety of genres, vocabulary expansion, the proper application of grammar,  spelling through introduction, practice, use of words and developing writing skills (when applicable, proofreading, editing, rewriting, and publishing).

Our instructors are responsible for creating a learning environment where their students gain information from the local community, resource people, other students, and textbooks. Students then have the opportunity to analyze, strategize, and apply the knowledge they have acquired. Students must have higher level thinking skills to achieve in these subject areas.

Math- A “back to basics” approach is used to teach fundamental math. A solid computational background is gained through math manipulatives, textbooks, and creative instructional methodologies. Ability groupings are a part of every division. Students progress as far and as fast as they are capable of going. As they move into more advanced math, there is a strong focus on problem solving skills.
 

Science and Social Studies- Renaissance Academy provides meaningful investigations of Social Studies through the rotational study of U.S. History, World Cultures, and Early Civilizations. In Science, the Academy rotates through Earth Science, Life, and Physical Science.

The curriculum sets up real life connections for students. They study topics through a series of events designed to investigate newly acquired knowledge and use higher level thought processes that lead to understanding larger generalizations. Through hands on experiences, students predict, infer, test, make generalizations, and transfer the knowledge gained in these subject areas.
 

Resource Classes- In addition to the core classes, Renaissance requires students to take classes in Art, Drama, Spanish, Physical Education and Computers. In Art/Drama, children participate in experiences that nurture their creativity, imagination, and performance skills. Students engage in improvisation, voice projection, pantomime, color mixing, oil painting, line drawing, and Art History, to mention just a few. Spanish is taken by all divisions, with a focus on Hispanic culture and conversational Spanish. PE introduces children to various sports where they learn proper sportsmanship. Our goal is that students understand the benefit of establishing life long habits of healthful nutrition and exercise. Computer classes teach our students word processing skills, technology as a research tool, and basic programming.
 

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Last modified: 03/10/06