Academic Program Academic Program

The academic curriculum is comprehensive and is based on the assumption that students need skills as well as specific content. All courses teach the study skills that are necessary to master a subject. Technologies including computers, video, and distant learning are utilized, but not at the expense of traditional teaching methods. The tutorial is at the heart of a student's academic program. Meeting individually with the teacher for regular instruction and help sessions reinforces classroom instruction. Tutorial sessions are scheduled and based on need.

Cooperative and experiential learning themes are regular components of the academic program. Students need the opportunity to study a topic in depth outside the traditional classroom environment. This allows for the students and faculty to collaborate for a period of time and work toward one common goal. In-depth study of topics may include field trips, interviews and projects. In the past, the presidential elections, earth day and the school newspaper were examples of these type of programs. English Expository Writing Creative Writing English Literature American Literature Math Basic Skills Pre-Algebra Algebra I and II Pre-Calculus Calculus AP Calculus Probability and Statistics     Science Life Science Earth Science Biology Chemistry Physics Social Studies Geography World Studies US History Economics Law Arts Painting Sculpture Drawing Pottery Computer Graphics Music Individual Lessons Small Ensembles World Languages Spanish French Latin Computers Word Processing Data Base Spreadsheet Keyboarding Web Page Design Power Point Health Nutrition and Healthy Living

Assessment
During orientation, a student's skills, attitudes and past performances are assessed through formal and informal measurement. This can include report cards, educational testing, examples of work and discussion. Working with their advisors, students address their strengths and needs to establish a means of reaching short and long term goals. Very specific guidelines are outlined and include academic, community service, family, artistic, musical, social, recreational and service objectives. Scheduling time to meet these objectives is essential and is presented in written form and approved by the principal and the parents.

Evaluation
Students are evaluated daily and are required to commit to a portfolio form of assessment. Weekly performance records are documented, discussed with the student and e-mailed to the parents. During quarterly portfolio sessions, students address faculty, parents and advisors and explain their gains and outline their objectives for the future. Classroom performance, tests scores, homework, attitude and service are discussed during these portfolio sessions.

Grades are given quarterly in percentages and are figured according to portfolio objectives. Modifications that are documented in the IEP allow for alternative forms of evaluation to include extended time, oral presentations, interactive testing, and projects. The goal is to encourage active learning and the acquisition of knowledge and facts, but recognizes learning style differences.