Program Highlights and Curriculum Overview

Smaller class sizes
Two teachers lead each class, and class size does not exceed eighteen students.  With smaller classes, teachers are able to differentiate instruction for each student and develop stronger partnerships with families.

Longer school days
The school incorporates a daily schedule with programming from 7:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Extended hours give students more time to focus on the school's extensive goals for learning and overall development while also supporting the needs of working parents

Looping cycle
Teachers work with the same students for two years, providing greater continuity in their education.  As an example, this year's first grade teachers will move up at the end of the year to teach the same students in second grade and then loop back down to first grade to start with a new class in the following year.  

Literacy Curriculum
Our literacy program (140 minutes daily) builds reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Using a direct, systematic approach, students learn phonetics and whole language reading skills, prepare for a weekly assessment of spelling and vocabulary lists, and discuss books in a variety of genres.  Students read independently for at least 40 minutes a day, charting progress and testing comprehension through a web-based program.  Formal writing instruction takes place in a workshop model as well as in opportunities interwoven throughout the day.  Spanish instruction is incorporated at all grade levels.

Mathematics Curriculum
In our mathematics program (60 minutes daily), students develop a broad understanding of mathematical concepts and an in-depth knowledge of mathematical operations and procedures.  Concepts are taught using the Everyday Mathematics curriculum and a variety of supplementary materials, including physical and real-world examples, arithmetic drill, and technology.

Sciences Curriculum
Our sciences curriculum (60 minutes most days) focuses on four disciplines: Earth, Life, Physical, and Social Science. Students develop skills for inquiry, research, and investigation as well as full conceptual understanding through eight-week units.  Much of the program incorporates the FOSS Curriculum and all four units include hands-on activities, field trips, cooperative projects, and other experiential learning opportunities.


                                    

Choice Curriculum      
During choice (60 minutes most days), students choose from a range of fun and challenging learning activities, including chess, mancala, painting, performance arts, and construction. These supplemental learning opportunities build cooperative skills, reasoning, and creativity while promoting a sense of personal empowerment.

Arts Curriculum
Harlem Academy has developed its arts program (twice weekly) in partnership with the Children’s Arts Carnival (CAC).  Students receive instruction in two components- visual arts and performing arts- from CAC’s professional teaching artists, who also works with classroom teachers to integrate arts and other curricular areas.  In the Elementary Division, visual arts components include drawing, painting, mask-making, and modeling the techniques of outstanding artists from various cultures; performing arts components include singing, dance, percussion, and a unit on learning to play traditional African instruments built by the students.

Athletics Curriculum
The athletics curriculum (45 minutes most days) is divided into three seasons.  The fall season is split between a cooperative games unit and a lacrosse unit.  The winter season is divided between a cross-country running program and our Explorations program, where students get introductions to a variety of sport and physical activity opportunities.  Harlem Academy weaves a Fitness Challenge (HAFC) into the athletics curriculum, wherein each student taught and tested in four fitness areas: push-ups, sit-ups, shuttle (sprint) run and endurance (distance) run, with everyone working to demonstrate improvement during the school year.

In the Elementary Division (1-4), the athletics program focuses on three goals: Value and develop aspects of good character- responsibility, self-improvement, sportsmanship, teamwork, perseverance.Develop small and large muscle groups, motor skills, and knowledge of rules and strategies through a variety of activities and with some focus on soccer and lacrosse, the sports played by Harlem Academy Middle Division students.  Develop life-long enthusiasm for healthy living with physical activity, sport, and good nutrition as central components.