Mathematics
Currently Garden Street Academy uses the Everyday Mathematics program for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Everyday Mathematics is a comprehensive mathematics program developed by the University of Chicago School Mathematics Project. This program is a research-based and field-tested curriculum that focuses on developing children’s understandings and skills in ways that produce life-long mathematical power. This curriculum focuses on using concrete real life examples that have meaning for the children. This allows them to understand the math concepts more completely. In this program the students are exposed to multiple methods and problem solving strategies to develop true proficiency and understanding of the math skills.
Science
“It is only by introducing the young to great literature, drama and music, and to the excitement of great science that we open to them the possibilities that lie within the human spirit — enable them to see visions and dream dreams.”
-Eric Anderson
Our science program focuses on observation skills, recording and analyzing patterns and data, as well as using the scientific process. The program is influenced by the Next Generation Science Standards as well as student interest. Facilitators combine these to create a balanced science program using a variety of human and material resources as well as our chosen published science program FOSS (Full Option Science System).
In addition, and in keeping with our goal of subject integration, scientific content provides an avenue through which many of the basic skills involved in reading, writing and mathematics can be developed and practiced in another meaningful way. Because the content of a science program is meaningful and often immediately relevant, there is a substantially increased chance that the skills practiced both scientific and otherwise, will be remembered and applied to everyday life.