All of our instruction is aligned with the California state academic standards and the K-12 curriculum frameworks as detailed by the California Department of Education (CDE). Our modes for instructional delivery are, group (1:12) and small group (1:6). Our group and small group instructional delivery is organized to be individual as well as holistic simultaneously, utilizing group concepts with individual levels when needed. The holistic instruction is aimed at reaching and promoting the advancement of every child in the classroom. The individual aspect caters to the student who may be a little farther behind than the rest of the class. This ensures the child also learns and advances along with the rest of the class. All children are sought to stay engaged throughout the entire learning time. We strive to ensure that no child “slips through the cracks” within our program. We do not run “stations” within the classroom. Our teachers are capable of multi-task teaching within one classroom to ensure all students are engaged at all times, thus, reaching the different learning levels of the children without leaving any student out.

English Language Arts                                                              Return to top of page
~ Available for Intersession and After-school Tutoring

Grades K-5
     The English Language Arts program consists of three major areas, each with sub- areas. The three major areas are language arts, reading and writing.

1. Language arts, consists of phonology, morphology, syntax and grammar, vocabulary and spelling, and word recognition and fluency.
2. Our reading program focuses on comprehension, context analysis, critical thinking and fluency.
3. The writing area focuses on academic writing, editing and creative writing.

Grades 6-12
      For grades 6-12, the program is designed with a focus on developing writing skills and reading comprehension. Students will be involved with the writing process including five major papers on expository, persuasive, narrative, descriptive and compare/contrast. Students will apply new language and grammar rules, writing techniques, voice, and other skills to their writing. They will learn editing and researching skills, and will constantly be revising, evaluating, and improving their work.

Mathematics                                                                                   Return to top of page
~ Available for Intersession and After-school Tutoring

Grades K-2
     Within the K-2 grade areas, we focus on number sense, basic algebra and functions, computation, measurement, geometry, statistics, data analysis and probability. All of these areas are rudimentary and broken down for the appropriate grade and learning level.

Grades 3-5
     We focus on place value, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions (and all manipulations of them), decimals, ratios and percents (and how they convert to each other), algebra and functions, measurement, geometry, statistics, data analysis and probability.

Grades 6-12
     We focus on grade specific concepts from Basic Math thru Calculus.

Science                                                                                            Return to top of page
~ Available for Intersession and After-school Tutoring Grades 2-8

     Our science classes provide enrichment through a hands on approach where learning takes place through investigation and experimentation using the Scientific Method. Topics covered can be tailored to students’ regular school day classes. Subject areas covered are:

1. Earth Science
2. Life Science
3. Physical Science
4. Biology
5. Physics

     Students in grades 6-8 will also learn the essential skills in academic essay writing. Each section covered in the science program will also require an essay from each student. In order to successfully complete these essays, students will need the rudimentary English language arts skills such as comprehension, context analysis, critical thinking, grammar, sentence structure, and essay format.

     The programs we utilize are run as intended by the authors. The instructional materials and resources we use are all state approved and meet the California Department of Education content standard requirements. Our instruction is secular, neutral and non-ideological. We utilize the Language! The Comprehensive Literacy Curriculum, California Standards Test (CST) Prep and the Kaplan K-12 Learning Services programs. Instruction comes directly from the curriculum itself. We use these particular programs because they teach and/or re-teach skills and concepts that are focus areas concerning the standards. All of our programs are geared towards helping students meet the requirements placed upon them by the schools, districts, and the state. We focus on helping them reach these goals by using the most effective, research based programs available.

     The Language! program has an accumulative style test. The skills are all linked to one another to align to the program. The CST assessment is a concept based test, according to the requirements of the state standards. Each concept on the assessment is taught within the program itself. The Kaplan assessment is a skills based test. Each concept is thoroughly taught within the program.

     Our programs are validated and proven effective by the results shown from student performance both in the classroom and on pre/post-test scores. For each program we provide, we assess the students at the beginning and upon completion of the intervention program. We collect our data from assessments that are aligned with the state standards for validity and reliability according to the Standards of Educational and Psychological Testing.

2005/2006 School Year

     In an effort to provide more opportunities for students, we have developed various enrichment classes. These classes have a focus in the “arts” and give students a chance to widen their view on education as well as enhance their creative abilities. All of our enrichment classes correspond with regular school day subject matters and themes, all while fostering individual creativity, and creating an environment more conducive to learning.

Art                                                                                                       Return to top of page

     Our art program consists of three classes, Introduction to Drawing, Introduction to Painting and Color Theory. These classes are meant to parallel with students’ regular day classes through history, culture and science.

     Introduction to Drawing- Students will learn and refine the application of different types of media and technique. Contour drawing will be the first part of the class, followed by volume drawing. The last part of the class will encompass color theory and the use of paints. Students will also be exposed to art history. This is meant to show how art reflects history and change. Volume drawing will also introduce students to the human figure. Students will learn about the human body by exploring the skeletal system and drawing a skeleton model in different positions.

     Introduction to Painting- Its foundation is in the basics of drawing. The painting class will dive deeper into content and help the student develop their own style of art. Students will engage in various in-class exercises and assignments that will help them learn about history, culture and science.

     Color Theory- This class will begin with the explanation of the primary, secondary and intermediate or tertiary colors and their effects on art. The assignments in this course are designed to help students explore areas of culture through lecture and slide shows. Students will also learn about the evolutionary process by focusing on the evolution of animals, humans and plants.

Music                                                                                                 Return to top of page

     The music program consists of two classes, Music Appreciation and Music Theory. These classes are meant to give students a better appreciation and understanding of music through culture and history.

     Music Appreciation- Student will be exposed to various genres of music including classical, jazz, and hip-hop. Through this class students will learn the importance of music in history and society. Students will explore the history of music through reading, listening, writing assignments, and research.

     Music Theory- This class lays the foundation of sight reading, key signature, intervals, rhythm, etc. Here students will learn the basic skills such as counting, listening, self-discipline and concentration.

ESL- English as a Second Language                                 Return to top of page

            ESL classes are offered for students and adults of different language levels. They teach the basics of the English language including skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Our different levels of ESL classes are as follows.

1. Beginning Literacy- Students cannot read or write English at this level, and have little speaking skills. This class will focus on the basic structure and foundation of the English language and phonics in order to better prepare students for more advanced concepts.
   
   
2. Beginning- At this beginning level, students have limited reading and writing skills and need assistance when speaking English. This class will dive more into the foundations of the English language to enable students to read, write and learn common phrases in the English language.
   
   
3. Intermediate- Students need some assistance when reading and writing, but can hold simple conversations in English. This class with focus more complicated speaking and reading/writing comprehension.
   
   
4. Advanced- Students can read and write without much assistance. They can speak with greater fluency and hold the skills necessary to prepare for the GED test if needed. This class is meant to sharpen and address any remaining complications in the English language.