Lower Division
In the Lower Division, our goal is to develop successful, self-confident, happy children through a program that supports their natural curiosity and love of learning. Our program nurtures the children’s development by meeting their cognitive, creative, social, and physical needs while providing numerous educational experiences for students to think critically, communicate, work collaboratively, create, build character, demonstrate citizenship, and challenge themselves. We recognize and respect the unique personality and learning style of each child. Education is not a race; it is a joyful journey through a life of learning.
Early Childhood Curriculum
- offers a blend of traditional and creative methods
- provides a print-rich environment
- employs a multi-sensory program geared to the developmental needs of all children
- encourages independent and creative thinking skills as well as creative self-expression
- teaches respect and an understanding of the differences of others
- incorporates play to teach children how to share, cooperate, take turns, and work together in a respectful manner
- fosters exploration and discovery
- utilizes phonics and whole language approach
- provides frequent opportunities for writing and drawing as expressions of concepts or experiences
- strengthens fine motor skills and encourages proper pencil grip utilizing “Handwriting without Tears” philosophy and activities
- lays the foundation for character education
Grades 1-4 Curriculum
- provides a challenging academic program and differentiated instruction designed to meet each student’s needs
- emphasizes character education and developmentally appropriate service opportunities
- establishes habits for lifelong learning
- focuses on real world application of critical thinking and problem solving skills
- helps students develop an appreciation and tolerance for the cultural, ethnic, racial and religious diversity in today’s world
- engenders a love of literature and writing
- develops readers, writers, speakers, collaborators, and thinkers
- integrates technology both in the classroom, as well as the computer lab
Experiences
Academy Book Club Reading is the key to children’s success at school. At Academy at the Lakes, we strive to foster a lifelong love of reading within each child. To motivate and encourage our students’ love of reading, we created the Academy Book Club.
To become an Academy Book Club member, children read a certain number of pages (developmentally appropriate for each grade level). Academy Book Club members are recognized during Morning Assembly. When they reach their goal, the children receive a Book Club T-shirt and participate in the Book Club Disco.
Multiplication Olympics Our annual 3rd Grade Multiplication Olympics is a unique and exciting way for the children to learn their multiplication facts. As the children master their multipication facts, they are individually recognized and earn the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award.
Fall Production Each fall, Academy’s youngest students in grades PK3 – 4th grade participate in their own production. Children entertain us with their singing, dancing, and drama performance. These opportuntities promote creativity, collaboration, and communication.
Fun Run Our annual “Fun Run” is an exhilarating event that allows Lower Division children to demonstrate their fitness skills. The students are athletes who set goals and use a variety of training strategies to increase speed, strength and endurance. Students in PK3- 4th Grade participated in the event. Teachers, staff and administrators also ran along with Academy students. As each child crosses the finish line, they receive their “House” bracelet for finishing. The top 3 girls and boys from each age group are awarded a medal for their remarkable achievements.
Giraffe Club The Giraffe Club provides opportunities for young students to understand the importance of serving others in our community and the world. All Lower Division students are members of the Club. Giraffes are the mascots of the Giraffe Club, aptly named because it is comprised of students who “stick their necks out” for others. The Giraffe Club is an excellent way for students to find their voice, to say who they are and who they want to become, as well as to experience the joys of giving to others. It is one of the many ways that students at Academy at the Lakes come to know the good, do the good, and love the good.
Day of Manners Part of doing the good includes conducting one’s self in a gracious manner. On the Day of Manners, students wear their dress uniform and practice life skills related to the virtue of the month. In September, for example, the month of respect and responsibility, practice includes introducing ourselves to one another, shaking hands appropriately, and saying please and thank you.
Day of Achievement The Day of Achievement is a time of reflection on a year’s worth of growth and accomplishment. Parents are invited to view their children’s accomplishments, which encompass all aspects of their curriculum. The Day of Achievement is truly a rich tapestry of the school year and reflects a moment in time during each student’s journey.
