1190 Liberty Street, Springfield MA 01104
413-788-0300
SCIENCE
Beginning in the earliest grades, the Science Process Skills- observing, communicating, predicting, hypothesizing, drawing conclusions, inferring, estimating, measuring and working with variables and data are taught in developmentally appropriate increments. Each grade level investigates topics in Earth and Space Science, Life Science and Physical Science. Topics explored by our older students include Cell Biology, Energy Based Physics and Chemistry. Experiments are largely hands-on, giving the students a real feel for the craft of a scientist.
MATH
Using the Sadlier-Oxford math series as a foundation in grades K - grade 6, students work independently and at their own pace throughout the year. It is not unusual, for example, to find students in grade 2 learning math in a grade 3 classroom. First, they are pretested on the concepts being covered in a particular chapter. Then they are given instruction on those concepts that they do not know. Instruction occurs using hands-on activities, group exercises and independent work. Mastery is determined through the use of a post-test while a variety of enrichment opportunities - games, centers, projects and investigations -- extend and enrich the child’s learning. When our children are ready for pre-algebra, algebra and geometry, they use the Prentice-Hall textbook and learn the basic methods and structure of algebraic problem solving. With a solid foundation established, more advanced topics such as factoring polynomials, quadratics, rational functions and radical expressions can be investigated. In Geometry, our curriculum strikes a balance between traditional “proof” methods and quantitative analysis, requiring students to keep their Algebra skills sharp during the course.
LITERACY
Our English Language Arts/Literacy program provides our students with extraordinary opportunities in the areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing. While a child’s reading skills are being developed, opportunities for instruction in written and spoken expression, as well as exposure to a vast array of literary genres, stimulate and engage. All the skills required for success are taught and practiced in an engaging, interactive manner. Children conduct author studies, create plays and officiate at Author’s Teas, where they share their own literary accomplishments. Children begin the study of word stems in grade 4 and continue their study through grade 8. We utilize a variety of sources, including Michael Clay Thompson’s thoughtful series of grammar and vocabulary texts. Literature selections range from classic to contemporary. Some texts are taught in conjunction with the Social Studies material, while others are taught by themselves. Care is taken to provide students with some choice and to find sufficiently challenging books with age appropriate content. Students throughout the grade levels are taught how to research and present topics. A major capstone project, which includes an 8–10 page research paper, culminates eighth graders tenure at Academy Hill.
SOCIAL STUDIES
The Social Studies Curriculum for K – grade 7 focuses primarily on the study of the United States: its history, geography, economics and civics. Children receive a global perspective through our use of “teachable moment” opportunities throughout the curriculum. Our children’s journey through American history begins with the Native Americans, especially those tribes indigenous to New England. It continues through Colonial America, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and their aftermath, The Gilded Age, the two World Wars, the Great Depression and its aftermath, and it culminates with an exploration of the two major events of the twentieth century, the Cold War and the Civil Rights movement. Students in grade 7 study U.S.Civics and Economics while students in grade 8 focus on Western Civilization. Texts used for grades 5 and 6 are Joy Hakim’s engaging: A History of US, Volumes 8, 9 and 10. Glencoe’s U.S. Civics and Economics, along with primary sources, such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights are used in grade 7, while Spielvogel’s comprehensive Western Civilization is used in grade 8.
WORLD LANGUAGE
Our World Language program is designed to establish proficiency in either French or Spanish by the end of grade 8. At each level of our program, students acquire more advanced vocabulary, build on grammar concepts and improve upon oral and written proficiency. When our students enter high school, they are often advanced by several years compared with their peers. Classroom experiences are varied to provide students with as many opportunities as possible for language acquisition as well as developing an understanding of target language cultures.
ART
The Academy Hill Art program provides a positive and exciting art experience for all students through the use of a wide variety of media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, clay and crafts, to name just a few. Students learn to express themselves in creative and individual ways. Our program incorporates art history and technology integrates with material the students are learning about in other content areas. Theme related projects are designed to expose children to other cultures and artistic styles.
MUSIC
Our music program provides our students with a wide variety of musical experiences at developmentally appropriate stages. They sing, learn to read music, play instruments, improvise, compose and arrange. Whenever feasible learning is connected to what is being taught in the classroom, so that the children are exposed to a wide array of musical genres. For example, older students, learn about Gregorian chant and Renaissance and Baroque music, styles which dovetail with what they are learning in Social Studies. Although our program contains basic elements, there is plenty of flexibility to allow for making historical connections. Students in grades 5-8 have the opportunity to participate in Band.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is designed to provide our students with opportunities to develop individual competence and versatility in motor skill development and fitness. Locomotor skills, movement concepts, throwing and catching, and space awareness, are skills that are developed through demonstration, repetition and practice. Learned skills are applied and practiced during cooperative games and team sports. Social skills and good sportsmanship are emphasized.
CLASSICS
In addition to the fine contemporary literature that our children read throughout the curriculum, our Classics program is designed to ensure that they will have benefit of exposure to and knowledge of Classical literature. Children in K - grade 4 listen to and when appropriate, read selections that are inspiring and demanding Aesop’s Fables, Hans Christian Anderson and the Jungle Book, for example. These books carry powerful images, unforgettable characters and teach compelling lessons. Quite simply, they enrich our students’ minds. To prepare them for their study of Latin, as students in grades 7 and 8, our students in grades 5 and 6 concentrate on Greco-Roman culture, literature, logic, and rhetoric. Texts used include: Famous Ancient Greek Men, Famous Ancient Roman Men, Classical Rhetoric and Logic. In addition, the students add to their understanding of Greek and Roman Mythology.
LATIN
In grades 7 and 8, Academy Hill students, really enjoy learning Latin! Their study of the Classical World as well as the knowledge of word stems gained in literacy, allows them to make immediate connections. We use Ecce Romani I and II to teach the basis and structure of Latin. Wheelock’s Latin is an additional text in which students translate original sentences from ancient poets, playwrights, philosophers and historians. Students read excerpts of Latin in translation such as: Cicero’s orations, Ovid, Catullus, Marcus Aurelius, Tacitus and Seneca.
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Math
Science
Literacy
Social Studies
World Language
Latin
Classics
Art
Music
Physical Education