Language Arts
The Language Arts curriculum supports young readers and writers as they develop broad literacy skills for personal satisfaction, intellectual pursuits, and social literacy. These dispositions are teamed through the use of good literature and by connecting what students are learning to real life at home, school, and in the community.

Kindergartners read and are read to everyday. At Writing Centers, creative writing flows as beginning rules of grammar and punctuation are introduced. Awareness of the many uses for print is an exciting discovery as children practice reading and writing skills across the curriculum.

For elementary grades, we use Literacy Place, a complete language arts program by Scholastic. Students enjoy their growing independence as they make the transition from learning to read, to reading to learn. The series offers a selection of engaging books that offer appropriate challenges for guided, shared, paired, and independent reading.

Intermediate school students are introduced to classic and contemporary literature utilizing the Junior Great Books program, as well as selections from drama, novels and poetry. Emphasis continues on writing skills and developing vocabulary.

Social Studies
Learning where people live and how they work and play is the first step in becoming a citizen of our community and of the world. Through literature, poetry, dance, music, and cooking, we focus on universal similarities and learn to appreciate cultural differences.

Each classroom is a society in miniature. As a community of learners, there are opportunities for problem solving and decision making that prepare students for their role in society.

Science
The focus of the science program is to bring the method of scientific inquiry into practice. Students are challenged to make predictions; collect, organize and interpret data; and draw conclusions. Observing, classifying, sequencing, measuring, and communicating our discoveries are emphasized in a hands-on setting.

Foreign Languages
Currently, conversational Spanish lessons are included in the weekly plan for each elementary class. Spanish is learned by story-telling, playing games, and singing songs. Students in grades 7 and 8 begin formal Spanish instruction in Adelante and El Camino by Holt, Rinehart, Winston.

Mathematics
Because math skills are best understood by children when they are learned “hands-on,” the kindergarten rooms are filled with manipulative materials and number games. Using what we learn about numbers to calculate, to problem solve, and to gather and record information make learning relevant. Math is presented experientially, not with dittos and workbooks. We have selected Everyday Mathematics, from The University of Chicago Mathematics Project, for Grades 1-6. This curriculum places special emphasis on applications that numbers have to our on-going daily routines. As students progress through this series, they move from concrete to abstract thinking while accommodating a variety of learning styles and skill levels. The mathematics program for grades 7 and 8 continues support the school’s philosophy of active learning. Britannica’s Mathematics in Context and Saxon Math provide a comprehensive curriculum which includes pre-algebra and pre-geometry. Supplemental algebra and geometry texts may be utilized.

Art
Students have an opportunity to use a variety of materials to express themselves including clay, drawing, painting, sculpture, papier maché, and weaving. They are motivated to pursue art activities which relate to other areas of the curriculum as well. By including exposure to great art and learning about great artists, an appreciation for the fine arts begins as students develop a broad base of general knowledge that is part of our cultural literacy. We also provide an after-school arts program for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.

Music
Although music stands on its own merit as a part of our curriculum, experiences in music can contribute to cognitive, physical, and emotional development. Music is about singing, rhythms, and beat. It is about learning to be part of a group and learning to move our bodies in time. It brings another dimension of beauty into the student’s life that will bring great pleasure in the coming years and is a wonderful bridge between cultures across the globe. An after-school band for students in 4th through 8th grades and an after-school chorus for students in 1st through 6th grades round out our music program.

Physical Education
Children in the United States are among the least fit in the world. Our playground and playing field provide a wide variety of physical challenges. Our teachers plan activities that promote agility, endurance, strength, and body awareness. Emphasis is also placed on fair play, teamwork, and personal best. Students have opportunities throughout the year to join a variety of PE related after-school clubs such as team games, golf, soccer and fitness club.

Technology
Our goal at Seneca Academy is to encourage the use of computers as an educational tool. Computers are located in classrooms and in the media center. Students may use them for word processing, information gathering, and reinforcement of basic/advanced skills in academic subject areas. Utilizing the web with adult supervision is another way computers are part of student life at the school. The school web site, SenecaAcademy.org, provides parents, students, and other interested parties the opportunity to see what is happening at our school.

Homework Policy
The purpose of homework:

• Establish habits of responsibility
• Develop independent work-study skills
• Give parents an insight to the skills and subjects being taught

Homework will usually be one of three types:

• An enrichment activity
• A reinforcement activity of a skill already taught
• If no homework is assigned, please encourage your child to read independently or share a book with you