Welcome to Academy at the Lakes

The Junior and Senior Kindergarten programs at the Academy are designed for young children between 4-6 years of age. A typical day develops reading and math readiness through stories, songs, finger plays, journaling, and developmentally appropriate activities woven throughout the day. A thematic approach allows children to make connections to related ideas and concepts. Weekly visits from special area teachers provide enriched experiences and instruction in physical education, art, music, and drama. The curriculum is designed to provide youngsters with opportunities to grow in the following areas:

Language Development: This dimension refers to a young child’s ability to communicate thoughts through spoken language (expressive language) as well as to understand thoughts through this learning medium (receptive language). In order to developmentally acquire the readiness to read, the young child must possess a large vocabulary. Each word is a concept.

Logical Thinking: This dimension refers to a child’s ability to express quantity or mathematical thinking. Comparing, contrasting, charting, sorting, grouping, etc. are mathematical concepts which must be experienced in order for the young child to learn to match symbols to quantities. Learning to find the answers to questions using an orderly, predictable series of steps (the scientific method, for example) brings focus to a child’s natural curiosity.

Symbolic Orientation: This dimension is often referred to as “reading readiness”. In this realm the child is exposed to symbolic language (alphabet and numerals) and begins to give meaning to groups of symbols (words and numbers). Students completing the Junior Kindergarten program are expected to recognize letters and their sounds and numerals to 10.

Concepts of Print: Within this dimension the young learner advances to give meaning to the world of printed materials (books, charts) and manipulates these materials effectively. Recognizing that print carries meaning, that symbols create words and numbers, and that those words and numbers can be recreated are beginning reading and writing skills.

Imaginative Play: During play which encourages the use of imagination young children interpret the world. Role playing, creating works of art, and using available toys and materials allows for thinking and decision making to occur.

Group Play: Play at school happens individually, in a parallel manner, or as part of a group. The social dynamics of group play allow for cooperation, leadership, sharing, and group relations to emerge as learned behaviors.

Social Development: Within this dimension friendships and relationships are formed. Young children develop awareness for school schedules and the requirements of groups for productively working together.

Individual Exploration: The overall school experience also allows for individual interests and strengths to be shared.

Primary Education

First and Second Grade at Academy at the Lakes is a continuation of the journey from early childhood into early elementary. More time is spent in structured academics and establishing life long learning habits. Class time is divided into three components: whole classroom or teacher-directed activities, small or paired group activities, and independent work. However, don’t think that it is all work and no play in the primary grades; we still explore social growth and develop motor skills with plenty of movement, games, recess. The “joy in the journey” is still highly evident. The primary curriculum is broken into the following areas:

Language Arts: Our students join us in first grade as emergent and early fluent readers and leave second grade as strong fluent readers enjoying chapter books. Our reading is enhanced and broadened by word work through a phonics approach to spelling and sight words. Writing is a focus every day and encompasses all areas of the curriculum. Other activities such as field trips, cooking experiences, and crafts enhance the language arts program.

Math: The math program focuses strongly on the real world application of critical thinking. Students begin first grade emphasizing basic subtraction and addition facts and leave second grade with the foundation for multiplication and division. Themes such as Data Collection and Analysis, Whole Numbers and Decimals I, Geometry, Whole Numbers and Decimals II, Measurement, Fractions, and Probability form the basis of the math curriculum.

Science: The science units studied in first and second grade are Weather, Organisms, Liquids and Solids, Comparing and Measuring, Life Cycle of a Butterfly, Soils, Changes, and Balancing and Weighing. Each of these units allows the students to observe, experiment, and record their findings using the scientific method.

Of course, our program is rounded out with current events, school spirited events and themes, as well as Academy’s special area of focus, the Virtues Program. The virtues are incorporated into all areas of the day reinforcing the good moral character we expect in our students.

Through the myriad of activities that we provide, we hope the school experience brings to our families a love of learning and life. We want our children to enjoy the journey.

Intermediate Program

The third and fourth grade curriculum expands upon the foundation established in the primary grades. The Virtues program continues to be a focus at this level. Specific virtues are supported by literature choices, quotes, class discussions, and daily practice. Proper etiquette and manners are taught and practiced regularly. Targeted manners include: how to perform introductions and specific table manners. Designated days throughout the school year allow the students to practice manners in a structured setting.

The core curriculum is broken into the following areas:

Reading: Students are taught about reading elements, spelling, and grammar. Literature is based on genres that often relate to science and social studies themes.

Writing: Students incorporate the writing process in various types of writing: personal narratives, story writing, explanations, informative essays, writing directions, research reports, opinions, persuasive essays, and poetry. Grammar instruction is taught as a part of the process, not in isolation.

Math: Seven units are studied at each grade level. Each topic is drawn from two or more content strands: Number Sense, Concept, and Operations; Data Analysis and Probability; Geometry and Spatial Sense; Measurement; and Patterning, Reasoning, and Algebraic Thinking. Concepts are introduced using specific vocabulary and hands-on activities. Skills are practiced, and there is an emphasis on problem solving.

Science: Science units are designed to include life, earth, and physical sciences, as well as technology. Concepts are taught through a hands-on science approach which helps students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. The “Focus-Explore-Reflect-Apply” learning cycle is incorporated into each unit.

Social Studies: Students are exposed to current events and geography. Map skills are reinforced as the students learn to read and interpret different types of maps. Additionally, fourth graders study the regions of the United States.