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ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

Our Maine private school is “recognized by the Department as providing equivalent instruction.”  We are NOT a public school, nor do we operate as such. We do follow the state guidelines required of us:
  1.     We submit the proper paperwork showing your child/children are attending an educational program and are not truant.
  2.     We set our school year to provide a minimum 875 hours of instruction.
  3.     We follow the required subjects to be taught (for some subjects– not necessarily every year to every student) which include:
      • English (reading, writing, spelling, grammar), 
      • Arithmetic, 
      • Science, 
      • American history, Maine history and geography, civil government (including the rights, privilege, and responsibility of citizenship), 
      • Health education
      • Fine Arts
      • Bible *(not required by the state)
  4. No annual assessment is required by state guidelines, however, each private school can set their own rules regarding assessments. We will do assessments at different times and grades to make sure all our students are continuing to grow and move forward in their academic subjects.

 

Literacy

We use two different reading programs that follow the SCIENCE of reading.  Based on the Orton-Gillingham approach, these programs teach through a logical sequence that leaves no gaps in the learning process. Best of all, these methods benefit all types of learners—not just those who struggle. There are five key components of reading—and the programs we use teach all of them thoroughly. 

These five components are:

  1. Phonological Awareness
  2. Phonics and Decoding
  3. Fluency
  4. Vocabulary
  5. Comprehension

These approaches to reading focus on enabling students to become confident, fluent readers who can absorb and retain new information.


Barton Reading and Spelling Scope & Sequence

All About Reading Scope & Sequence

English Grammar and Writing

Once a child is ready to move towards instructional grammar, we will introduce it with a program that fits their needs.  One is the Easy Grammar program. We have the ability to use different materials and methods for any area a child is struggling, or if a child excels. Easy Grammar texts use the prepositional approach combined with effective strategies that mix well after working with an Orton-Gillingham reading and spelling program. 

 

When students are ready, we may also choose to use curriculum from the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), or Jump In:  A Workbook for Reluctant and Eager Writers.  We also use Essentials in Writing (EIW) for certain students as well.

 

Easy Grammar Scope & Sequence

Science

We are very excited to begin exploring our world together.   K- 3rd grade students will learn foundational Life, Earth, and Physical Science concepts through different unit topics throughout the year.  

 

4rd - 6th grade students use the Abeka 

Curriculum as a guide.  Some years we also use units to work on skills, including organization, note taking and study techniques.

 

 

Mathematics

We have several options to choose from when it comes to math.  In the younger grades, we begin with Abeka or Touch Math.  Our goal is to use many hands on, teacher directed lessons each day.    As the children progress, many students enjoy using the computer and a program called Teaching Textbooks for a more independent study.  This allows a teacher to be there to help when needed as well as to oversee that they are understanding concepts before moving forward.  We have other options available to discuss as needed, but our goal is to find a program that uses methods that work best for your individual child.

History

U.S. History and Geography will be taught throughout the grades.  We use many different projects and activities, along with some curriculum books to make learning more meaningful.  Our students enjoy learning by watching meaningful videos about real places in history as well.

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Handwriting

We are thrilled that we were able to do workshops for both printing and cursive using the Handwriting Without Tears program.  

The program writes:  "Children who master handwriting are better, more creative writers. The earlier we teach children to master handwriting, the more likely they are to succeed in school, and write with speed and ease in all subjects. We use fun, engaging, and developmentally appropriate instructional methods to enable children to master handwriting as an automatic and comfortable skill."

We offer SUMMER TUTORING in handwriting in Carmel, Maine.

Bible

We are excited to offer Bible as a class, giving the students a chance to consider the Word of God.  Students do not have to be a Christian to look into joining our environment, however, we are Christian believers that will share His Word daily.  We are praying for all our students to grow in understanding  of who they are,  how they were designed, and to understand how wonderfully unique and amazing they will continue to grow to be.  Our desire is for them to explore and follow a Godly path that leads to lifelong learning and wisdom for their future.  We are excited to see all that they will discover about themselves as they investigate this relationship with Jesus on a personal level.

 

We do use the POSITIVE ACTION curriculum and other non-denominational study materials.

 

We have more curriculum information we can share when requested.  


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