Etymology

Students from middle-class households start first grade knowing nearly double the vocabulary words than their lower-income peers, with the gap worsening over time. By grade three, middle-class students know 5,000 more words than students from low-income households.

Harlem Academy overcomes these early disadvantages with a strong focus on vocabulary development. While all Harlem Academy students build their vocabularies through reading, explicit instruction prepares students to speak more intelligently, explore more challenging texts, and write with greater precision. Etymology lessons ensure that students gain familiarity with essential words and learn how to approach unfamiliar words in all subject areas. Students engage in focused vocabulary study, including classical roots, homonyms, and essential usage.

Students use Wordly Wise and the Elements of Reading programs to apply word meanings, discover word relationships, and develop deep word understanding. Middle school students also use the Vocabulary from Classical Roots program to learn advanced vocabulary based on Greek and Latin roots as part of a dedicated etymology class.