Arbor Academy

Curriculum Overview

Welcome to our school’s curriculum page, where we highlight the engaging and rigorous academic programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects. Our curriculum is carefully crafted to support students at every stage of their educational journey, from Kindergarten through 8th grade. We utilize research-backed, high-quality resources to ensure all students develop the skills they need to succeed.


Reading

  • Grades K-2: Heggerty & Engaging Readers by Deanna Jump and DeeDee Willis
    In the early grades, we use Heggerty to build phonemic awareness and enhance early literacy skills. This program focuses on essential skills like rhyming, blending, and segmenting sounds, laying the groundwork for fluent reading. Additionally, Engaging Readers by Deanna Jump and DeeDee Willis provides a rich, hands-on approach to reading instruction. Through interactive lessons, students develop their reading phonics, comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills with a focus on engaging, age-appropriate texts. We also incorporate the Geodes curriculum from Great Minds, which features decodable readers that support literacy development by integrating rich, diverse texts that engage students with real-world concepts. These decodable books help reinforce phonics skills and promote fluent reading, while enhancing comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills across a variety of topics.

  • Grades 3-5: Wit and Wisdom
    Wit and Wisdom offers a comprehensive and challenging approach to reading. Students in grades 3-5 engage with rich, thought-provoking literature and a variety of texts. The program emphasizes reading comprehension, analytical thinking, and the development of written expression through projects and discussions.

  • Grades 6-8: CommonLit
    CommonLit provides middle school students with an extensive library of texts that span diverse genres and topics. The curriculum emphasizes critical reading, analysis, and the development of writing skills. It encourages students to engage deeply with texts and practice interpreting, analyzing, and discussing literature.


Science

  • Grades K-5: Mystery Science
    Mystery Science brings science to life for elementary students with hands-on, inquiry-based lessons. The curriculum sparks curiosity and fosters scientific thinking as students explore a range of topics, from life sciences to physical science, through real-world connections and engaging experiments.

  • Grades 6-8: Nitty Gritty Science
    Nitty Gritty Science challenges middle school students with engaging, hands-on experiments and real-world problem solving. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and collaboration, allowing students to dive deep into topics such as earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics. Through interactive lessons and explorations, students develop a strong understanding of key scientific concepts while applying them in practical contexts.


Math

  • Grades K-8: i-Ready
    i-Ready is an adaptive math program designed to meet the individual needs of each student. With personalized lessons that target specific skill gaps, students in grades K-8 are supported in developing a strong mathematical foundation. The program covers all key areas of math, including number sense, algebra, geometry, and data analysis, helping students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.

Social Studies

  • Grades K-8: State Standards-Based Curriculum
    In Social Studies, we follow state standards and have carefully selected a variety of resources to provide hands-on learning experiences for all students. The curriculum spans history, geography, civics, and economics, allowing students to make connections between historical events, current issues, and the world around them. We incorporate interactive activities, projects, and simulations to engage students and deepen their understanding of both past and present societies.

Assessments

To ensure that each student’s learning is on track and to tailor instruction to their needs, we utilize a variety of assessments throughout the school year.

  • NWEA Math & Reading (Grades K-8)
    The NWEA assessments provide valuable insights into students’ academic progress in math and reading. These assessments are given periodically to help measure growth and inform instruction, allowing teachers to adjust lessons and resources to meet each student’s individual learning needs.

  • i-Ready Math (Grades K-8)
    In addition to its role as a core instructional tool, i-Ready is also used for ongoing assessment. The i-Ready diagnostic assessments help pinpoint students’ strengths and areas for growth, enabling personalized learning paths and supporting targeted skill development.