Early Childhood Education (PreK3-K)
Early childhood teachers at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ are often the first touchpoint to a student’s school career and work hard to develop a desire for joyful learning in our youngest learners. Ï㽶ÊÓƵ gives its early childhood students a strong foundation in the core academic subjects through play-based learning instruction and an emphasis on developing the social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in school and life.
Our Classrooms
In each classroom, we strive to create a fun, safe, nurturing, and inviting environment for all students. Our state-of-the-art classrooms allow students to engage in learning and play. Class sizes range from 19-22 students and each has 3 teachers (1 lead teacher, 1 assistant teacher, and 1 teaching resident).
Our Preschool Curriculum
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ’s early childhood schools use the Tools of the Mind curriculum for PreK, which focuses on developing self-regulation by allowing children to learn and play alongside one another in a structured and supportive environment. Kindergarten teachers use Reader’s Workshop and My Math curricula to deliver effective, high-quality, and engaging instruction that promotes a love for hands-on learning with an emphasis on student growth. Literacy, math, and science lessons are integrated into this approach through ‘intentional make-believe play’ to keep students engaged and teach them valuable academic and social skills.
Student Support Services
We foster the whole child’s development with holistic student support services. We create safe and structured learning environments with social-emotional learning and mental health support for all learners.
Extracurriculars
Strong academics are complemented by robust activities to give our students a well-rounded education. Past extracurriculars and partnerships have included: donuts with dad, literacy nights, sports, ballet performances, chat & chew academic presentations, and many more!
Our Schools
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Arts & Technology Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Connect Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Discover Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Grow Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ LEAP Academy (PreK3, PreK4 only)
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Pride Academy
Elementary Schools (1st -4th grade)
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ elementary schools are dedicated to creating joyful, rigorous classrooms that prepare students for middle school and beyond. The focus is on fostering a love of learning, building confidence, and encouraging self-advocacy by recognizing students’ talents and passions. Teachers ensure that all students receive meaningful support and interventions..
Our Classrooms
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ elementary classrooms provide a space for all students to feel loved and a sense of belonging. Teachers work alongside families to support students as they learn the social-emotional skills and strategies to navigate the classroom, school, and the world around us. Class sizes range from 22-26 students, and some have 2 teachers in each class.
Our Curriculum
English Language Arts: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ elementary schools take a balanced approach to literacy. Our elementary schools use Fishtank Learning and Really Great Reading Curricula to develop strong early phonemic awareness and phonics foundational skills and to foster a love of reading and writing in students at every level. Classrooms have libraries aligned to students’ reading levels, giving students choices in the books they read. Literacy instruction is strengthened over time by building early literacy skills, close reading, intervention, and use Playgrounds Blended Learning programs throughout the day.
Mathematics: Our elementary schools develop a love of math in students using a combination of Eureka Squared Mathematics for the core math curriculum to advance equity in the math classroom by helping students build enduring math knowledge. Students also use STMath and Zearn Blended Learning programs to support continued growth in math.
Social-Emotional Learning
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ elementary schools use several research-based social and emotional curricula. PATHs facilitate emotional literacy, self-control, social competence, positive peer relations, and interpersonal problem-solving skills. Toolbox teaches students strategies that promote resilience, self-management, and decision-making skills. Each Ï㽶ÊÓƵ elementary school has at least two full-time mental health practitioners on-site, and teachers receive extensive training in restorative practices and trauma-informed teaching.
Ï㽶ÊÓƵ’s elementary schools also partner with organizations like Turnaround for Children to implement and train teachers on best practices, ensuring all children feel a sense of belonging in our schools.
Extracurriculars
At each Ï㽶ÊÓƵ school, we foster a sense of community through robust learning, partnerships, and activities. Past extracurriculars and partnerships have included: art, videography, cooking club, guitar club, Girls on the Run, Pretty Brown Girls, DC Scores Poetry and Soccer, literacy circles, dance teams, theater, music, Books & Basketball, and many more.
Our Schools
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Heights Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Inspire Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Lead Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Promise Academy (Kindergarten – 4th grade)
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Quest Academy
- Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Spring Academy
Middle Schools (5th – 8th Grade)
At Ï㽶ÊÓƵ middle schools we thrive to have inclusive, identity-affirming, and learning-rich spaces where student’s voice is elevated and student growth is emphasized. In addition to core academic courses, middle school students participate in a variety of elective classes including physical education, dance, orchestra, media, and art. Middle schools use a positive behavior intervention system to support students in becoming independent in a positive learning environment.
Our Curriculum
English Language Arts & Social Studies: Ï㽶ÊÓƵ middle schools use the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop curriculum. This balanced literacy model builds authentic literacy skills through mini-lessons and ample independent reading and writing time. Our Discovery Education social studies curriculum builds off literacy skills and introduces students to a global perspective while building their civic and technology skills. Our Culturally Responsive Curriculum Committee, comprised of teachers and leaders, ensures that the texts, resources, and curriculum enrich learning through BIPOC history and stories.
Mathematics & Science: Through inquiry-based lessons, the STEM team creates classrooms that lean into productive struggle. Ï㽶ÊÓƵ uses the Open Up Resources curriculum for math, with independent practices, exit tickets, and other supplemental materials created by instructional coaches—differentiating and tailoring the curriculum for students. FOSS kits are used alongside our science curriculum to engage students through experiential learning.
Extracurriculars & Family Partnerships
Strong academics are complemented by engaging in extracurricular activities and a commitment to partnering with families, giving our students a well-rounded education. Past extracurriculars and partnerships have included: student council, boys and girls basketball, coding club, cheerleading, choir, investment club, Pretty Brown Girl, KIPP Parent Organizations, and many more!