Academic Programs
Alpha School places high value on the importance of developing a love of learning in each child.
Our program is designed to promote growth socially, emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
We speak to the whole child.
PreKindergarten (PreK) Our prekindergarten program is child-centered, developmentally appropriate and encourages creativity. The program is academically focused but seamlessly blends work and play. Children learn math, reading, language arts, social studies, science, and religion with their homeroom teacher. The children travel to art, music, Spanish, library, and gym. Emphasis is placed on establishing a partnership with parents to ensure a nurturing, successful transition into school life.
Our program runs 5 days a week with both a full-day and half-day option. Morning care and after-school care at our APEX program is available at an additional fee. For more information on APEX, please visit the APEX Program section of our website. The days/times of both the full-day and half-day programs are as follows:
Half-Day: 5 days/week, 7:30am-11:00am
Full Day: 5 days/week, 7:30am-2:30pm
Kindergarten Our full day kindergarten program achieves a balance between academic progression and play. Students are engaged in activities and subjects that honor developmental appropriateness and whole child development. Small class sizes allow for differentiation and individualized attention enabling children to grow and thrive at their own pace. Students in this grade travel to all specials including Computer Technology and the STEM Innovations Lab.
Primary School Grades 1 through 5 continue to enjoy the benefits of close relationships small ratio classrooms and individualized attention. Curriculum is designed to honor the whole child with the goal of meeting these learner where they are academically, emotionally and developmentally. Lessons achieve balance between traditional methods and a hands on experiential focus to ensure both fun and mastery. Primary and middle grade teachers work closely together to design a trajectory which accomplishes a strong foundation of knowledge, skills,and confidence. Catholic students are prepared for First Holy Communion in the Chapel of Sisters of Divine Providence.
Middle School Students in grades 6 through 8 begin the important work of preparing for high school academically, socially, and emotionally. Academic focus deepens and skills development expands. Students engage in mathematical thinking and more complex scientific investigation including the areas of chemistry and physics. They enjoy thought provoking literature, discuss the history of our nation and master the skills they will need to succeed in high school. They are encouraged to expand themselves in a variety of academic competitions and the local and state level and within the school as Servant leaders. Catholic students are prepared for Confirmation which culminates at their home parish church.
Curriculum
Art
The Art Curriculum is designed to enable students to understand the elements of art and the principles of design. Each lesson features a specific artist and includes vocabulary, observation, art history, and a cross-curricular connection.
Computers
Alpha's Computer classes are designed to familiarize students with the latest, real-world technology and productivity tools they need to succeed in K-8 and beyond. In addition, our curriculum emphasizes the importance of proper Digital Citizenship in and outside the classroom.
Language Arts
The Language Arts Curriculum includes reading, grammar, writing, spelling, handwriting, and communication skills. The reading program includes foundational skills, vocabulary and language development, comprehension and analysis of literary material. The writing program teaches a formal process with instruction in narrative, descriptive, expository, and persuasive composition.
Library
The Library supports classroom curriculum by integrating media, research, activities, and technology into cooperative learning. Library materials and resources are updated annually, thus enhancing instruction and helping to engage students in the pleasure of reading.
The Mathematics Curriculum focuses on conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition for mathematical proficiency. This is accomplished through basic math, mental math, and advanced math that not only challenges the student, but also produces confident problem solvers.
Mathematics
Music
Alpha strives to achieve a well-balanced curriculum of music theory, appreciation, and performance. Students are taught music vocabulary, elements, and concepts. Students gain a historical and cultural understanding of music by learning about a variety of composers, musicians, and the influence of cultural traditions. They are taught to identify certain musical themes, read musical notes, and understand the differences in rhythm, melody, and tone.
Physical Education
The Physical Fitness Program is designed to promote the value of physical activity and how it instills good health, confidence, and competition. The program balances fitness, cooperative and sports activities throughout the school year. The teacher instructs students in activities that are appropriate for each grade level enhancing their mental, physical, and social well-being.
Social Studies
The Social Studies Curriculum is based on linking and generating knowledge through an understanding of geography, economics, sociology, history, and citizenship. The curriculum connects the past and present to expand a student's knowledge and perspective. The core content is taught as well as study and test-taking skills, through interactive activities, concrete examples, and skill lessons. Creative ways of teaching develops a student's understanding of their relationships with their environment. Music, art, and literature are integrated into lessons to bring history alive.
Swimming
The physical education program for students in K through 3rd grade includes a weekly swimming class. Students are taught swim strokes, breathing techniques, pool entry skills, and water safety.
Religion
As a Catholic School, religion is taught as part of the curriculum to all students. The religious program focuses on the four dimensions of catechesis, which includes the ministries of the word, community, worship, and service. The religious curriculum is also woven into the entire school day. The children start and end the day with morning and afternoon prayer. Every student in the building has the opportunity to lead the school in prayer over the announcement system. The students not only attend religion classes, they also participate in planning and leading weekly mass. Throughout the school year, various grade levels lead the school in the Stations of the Cross, Living Stations of the Cross, Rosary, or Living Rosary. Students also have the opportunity to cantor, altar serve, play an instrumental solo at mass, or lead the school during chapel time. The Alpha School community welcomes students of all faiths and the school fosters an environment in which respect, faith, and Christian values become an active part of each school day.
Spanish
The Spanish Program includes all students in pre-k through 8th grade. Our goal is to provide students with the most recent learning tools to empower them as leaders who understand, evaluate, and take action in response to challenges and opportunities in our interconnected world. Our curriculum, instruction, and assessments are aligned with the national standards for foreign languages. Our grade level expectations are connected with a series of learning competencies that are necessary to create a foundation of Spanish proficiency.
Science
The Science Curriculum is a progression of courses that establishes critical thinking skills at all grade levels. Through a hands-on approach students are exposed to the Life, Earth, and Physical Sciences in addition to engineering practices. This exposure fosters scientific inquiry and develops a student's ability to formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, analyze data, and form valid conclusions. It is a cooperative learning process utilizing lab exercises, group activities, discussion, and individual project work. Students in grades 6 to 8 are given the opportunity to participate in local area science competitions
STEM Innovations Lab
The Alpha School offers a dedicated STEM Innovations Lab course for students in grades K through 8. STEM integrates a wide variety of concepts such as mechanical and electrical engineering, computer science, technology, math, and science. Students have the opportunity to learn these concepts through hands-on experiments, and the use of their creativity and problem-solving skills in an exciting and fun environment. Engineering design challenges have included bridge and boat building, and designing and testing balloon-powered cars. Computer technology challenges have included a 3D design to create a medical device for a mission to Mars as part of the NASA’s Future Engineers Competition, experience with drag-and-drop programming to design an interactive holiday card, and experience with computer programming to solve challenges such as how to navigate through a maze.