Academic Program
Curriculum
Alma del Mar provides a content-rich curriculum that serves to build foundational skills while providing our scholars with critical background knowledge on a variety of topics.
Literacy
Alma del Mar provides a content-rich curriculum that serves to build foundational skills while providing our scholars with critical background knowledge on a variety of topics.
We believe strong literacy instruction provides the foundation necessary to put our scholars on the path to college. Scholars receive more than 90 minutes of reading and writing instruction each day. Alma del Mar provides targeted literacy interventions to ensure that all of our scholars are achieving their full potential.
Singapore Math
Alma del Mar employs a Singapore Math approach and curriculum. Singapore Math emphasizes conceptual understanding, skill development and problem-solving strategies rather than rote memorization of formulas.
Our teachers have observed the following benefits of using the Singaporean math techniques and strategies:
- Scholars are energized and excited about the content.
- Scholars gain deep comprehension of the content.
- Scholars learn to utilize a variety of problem-solving strategies while simultaneously increasing their academic achievement.
Science & Social Studies
We teach Science and Social Studies primarily through Learning Expeditions, 6-12 week investigations into key topics. Every fall, scholars embark on a three month social studies Expedition; every spring, they immerse themselves in a three month science Expedition. Expeditions integrate content knowledge and service-learning opportunities. Scholars gain a rich understanding of a subject and leverage this knowledge to strengthen their community.
Watch this video of a Learning Expedition conducted by Alma del Mar first grade scholars: