Kindergarten
Kindergarten is the perfect beginning to the academic experience at High Point Academy. Students develop their sense of community throughout the year. In-house field trips, as well as kindergarten-specific events, play a huge role in the kindergarten experience. The year rounds out with a theatrical performance which provides a confidence-building experience that prepares students for first grade.
Reading and Phonics
Reading is taught in flexible guided reading groups through an individualized, multi-sensory curriculum. The content focuses on daily Orton Gillingham phonics instruction along with learning to read sight words. A literature-rich environment provides students with exposure to different text styles and perspectives. Guided reading leveled books are used for both instruction and independent reading. Assessments in reading fluency and comprehension guide instructional choices. Through storytelling, whole-group read alouds, and guided reading, students develop a love for reading—one of the many milestones of the kindergarten curriculum.
Writing and Grammar
With strong reading ability comes strong writing skills. Writing in kindergarten consists of two parts: handwriting and composition.Through specific phonics instruction, students focus on listening, speaking, and writing letters and numbers. Later in the year, Writer’s Workshop is introduced through narrative, informational, and opinion writing. By the year’s end, the students have the skills necessary to complete multi-sentence personal narratives, creative stories and an informational piece on animals.
Mathematics
Math is taught using a variety of methods in kindergarten. The skills and concepts taught focus on math strategy and accuracy. Students learn numeral literacy, or the understanding of the relationship between amount and number. Manipulatives are used in a center format to meet the needs of each individual student. Students thrive in an environment where math is present in each part of the day. The curriculum moves from number sense within numbers 0-120, to basic addition and subtraction sentences. Concepts that are taught throughout the year include measurement skills, calendar literacy, and much more. In addition to knowing basic facts, we value a students’ ability to verbally reason or explain their thinking. This helps to promote a true conceptual understanding of how math relates to daily life.
Science
The science curriculum for kindergarten is based on what students observe in their daily life. This enables our youngest students to better understand and communicate about their environment. Students examine their own world through a scientific lens by exploring the weather, plant life cycles and marine biomes. Hands-on inquiry-based investigations through the Mystery Science program provide a foundation for scientific exploration. Students also engage in both whole-group and small-group instruction along with hands-on activities, which create an exciting and engaging introduction to science.
Social Studies
The social studies curriculum is the most integrated and cross-curricular part of the kindergarten program. Social studies content includes character building by showing Eagle P.R.I.D.E. (Personal Best, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy), exposure to many languages and cultural celebrations, a study of “Amazing Americans,” and a deeper look at the many types of homes and families around the world. This theme-based program focuses on concepts and is studied and integrated into the reading, writing, and math curriculum on a consistent basis. This allows the students to understand how the information they are learning is directly related to their lives.