Our curriculum produces independent, critical thinkers who are imbued with the virtues and social graces espoused by the classical development of humans, preparing them to be successful in any endeavor while making a positive impact on our society.
To ensure their educational success, upon enrollment, each student is given a diagnostic test before being placed in the appropriate level & individualized program. This includes Transitional Kindergarten (ages 4 years, 9 months, and older). Utilizing an interdisciplinary, project-oriented approach, we offer the following academic program:
Primary Grades (TK – 2nd Grade)
Language Arts & Arts: Teacher-guided, child-centered process of learning the rudimentary skills (phonics, reading comprehension, spelling, grammar, and vocabulary) required to read and write. We integrate classical literature with project-oriented activities in learning centers including the arts, music, and movement. This year the literature will be based on fables, fairytales, and folklore around the world as well as read-aloud classics such as Robin Hood, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and Heidi.
Math: Students work at their developmental level through learning centers and the use of manipulatives to acquire and exceed the basic math skills.
Social Science: Students engage in activities connected with the literature as well as family and community-oriented activities.
Science: Students at this level include questioning and exploration, hands-on observation, and experiments. Daily the children are often outward bound exploring nature on the school grounds, which includes a yard of chickens, ducks, and geese and expeditionary field trips.
Elementary and Middle Grades (3rd – 8th Grade)
Language Arts & Social Sciences: We continue to hone the skill sets of vocabulary, spelling, reading comprehension, and grammar while supporting the development of the higher order cognitive skills including comprehension, application, analyzation, evaluation, synthesizing, and creating. Our literature, with an emphasis on the classics, is integrated with social science in order to gain more well-rounded knowledge and depth of understanding of the culture of the times and the wonderment of life and our world. This year, the focus will be on the Middle Ages including such classic literature as Beowolf (Middle grades), Fairytales around the world (Elementary grades), King Arthur, Robin Hood, The Prince and the Pauper (Middle grades), and The Whipping Boy (Elementary grades). Students are engaged through discussion, reading, writing, and project-oriented activities that include the arts.
Math: is adapted to the learning style and interest of the students, which includes project-oriented group work along with critical development of mathematical skills while assuring State Standards are exceeded or met. We do not use Common Core methods.
Science: The science concepts are probed, skills acquired, and honed using materials that stimulate interest and inspire perseverance. Projects and experiments are student-created and directed (while being facilitated by the teacher) to best apply the acquired skills to real-world situations and challenges. This culminates with the Science Fair in the Spring.
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- This year the focus will be Environmental Science. Under the guidance of an organic farmer, Almondale will be developing a large permaculture garden which will include fruit and nut trees, and perennial and seasonal crops.
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High School– Please See Here
Electives: The following elective courses are offered: Foreign Language, the Arts, Service Learning & Interest Skills.
Foreign Language – Latin: Is taught using a pedagogical approach with immersion and creative projects. A few reasons we teach Latin are:
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- vocabulary development is Latin based.
- 80% of dictionary entries are related to Latin.
- it is foundational in many languages.
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The Arts: The following art elective courses are offered: Art Appreciation, Music, Drama, Dance, Drawing, Painting, and individual investigations & development.
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- inspire self-reflection
- promote communication
- connect with their inner creativity
- and, so, so, much more.
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Service Learning: See Here
Interest Skills: Students with specialized interests – are developed and encouraged by our teachers.
Homework: is viewed & utilized as a motivation for learning.
For more about our curriculum, student interests & other subjects please call 916-988-8611.