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In a general sense, Mountainville Academy follows a classical approach, recognizing that young minds require a solid foundation of knowledge to support higher learning, reasoning and critical thinking skills. Given the importance of reading, writing, and mathematics as the basis for all learning, we place special emphasis on developing high proficiency in these subjects.
Mountainville Academy upholds high standards for our curriculum choices to ensure a challenging, content-rich educational approach. Before adoption and incorporation into the academic program, all curriculum choices are scrutinized and researched extensively for content and alignment, and specifically chosen for their ability to meet the following standards:
♦ Skills-based to ensure solid foundations in basic skills
♦ Research-based to ensure effectiveness and time-proven results
♦ Explicit and sequential to ensure clear, concise and teacher-directed instruction
♦ Multi-sensory to address different learning styles
♦ Accommodate children with learning difficulties and English Language Learners, to minimize the need for remediation
♦ Complement each other both in methods and pace
♦ Meet and exceed state standards
Mountainville Academy offers a sound educational base through the use of a planned and progressive curriculum called the Core Knowledge Sequence. The Core Knowledge Sequence is a guide to specific content in the areas of Language Arts, History, Geography, Math, Science, Music and Art, and places a strong emphasis on mastering fundamental skills and concepts as well as ensuring a common knowledge of the history, contributions, traditions and perspectives of other cultures in society. This exposure is intended not only to develop cultural literacy but also to establish a broad and deep foundation in which to build upon. The sequence takes a building-blocks approach by identifying and teaching essential facts, skills, and concepts in each grade, then building upon them from one year to the next. This approach allows students to advance progressively to greater knowledge and deeper understanding of subject matter, and prevents gaps and repetitions that can occur with more generalized outlines of instruction.
The Core Knowledge Sequence is an education reform model based on the work of E.D. Hirsch, Jr. and is the result of extensive research and collaborative efforts of parents, educators, scientists, professionals, and experts of diverse backgrounds and interests. Mountainville Academy is pleased to count itself among the many schools nationwide utilizing this model.
The Core Knowledge Foundation provides a grade by grade overview of the sequence. Although alignment with Utah State Standards may modify the order in which topics are taught, this overview gives parents a good indication of the topics their children will learn. The Core Knowledge Sequence is in alignment with the Utah State Standards*.
Inquiry, international understanding, appreciation for the fine arts, physical fitness, technology, and respect for self and others are all fostered through a rich and rigorous academic program with high expectations that challenges students to maximize their abilities. The goal is for students to leave Mountainville Academy well prepared for further education, strong in character, determined to fully develop their own gifts, and ready to share those gifts generously with the wider community.
*As a public school, Mountainville Academy is obligated to place priority on meeting the Utah State Core above other curricular offerings. While an alignment between Utah State Standards and the Core Knowledge Sequence is helpful, there may be some Core Knowledge subjects where lessons cannot be adapted to meet the state’s standards. In those subjects, Mountainville Academy will implement the Core Knowledge Sequence to the fullest extent possible but reserves the right to shift the curriculum between grades or omit as necessary to ensure alignment with the Utah State Core. |
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