Instruction at Ryan Academy is delivered in small multi-grade classrooms. Within each classroom students learn through one-on-one, small group, partner work and differentiated instruction. In a multi-grade classroom, there is authentic learning, built in peer teaching within the multi-grade class and between classes, increased student perspective to interact with students of varying ages and increased engagement (self-directed).
We follow a Houghton-Mifflin curriculum that is focused on developing the core skills students will need to succeed in school and in life.
Language Arts: Journeys is the most widely-used reading program in the country. Journeys is a research-based, comprehensive English Language Arts program designed to provide solid instruction that is clear and focused.
Science: ScienceFusion is a state-of-the-art science program. The digital curriculum, virtual labs, hands-on activities, and write-in science textbook develop important critical-thinking skills that prepare students for success in future science courses and in the workplace.
Social Studies: Harcourt Social Studies is a comprehensive curriculum solution designed to engage and motivate every student. The program’s research-proven content provides rigor and depth in an easy-to-read, highly visual format that instantly connects with all types of learners.
Math: Math Expressions is a proven curriculum that helps children make sense of math by exploring, discussing, and demonstrating their understanding of key concepts. It teaches students to look beyond numbers to understand how and why they work, and learn to ask the questions that lead to a thoughtful, informed approach to solving problems.
Foreign Language: This program is designed to accommodate varying levels of language learners as they progress through the stages of the National Foreign Language Curriculum with Readiness. The goal of this curriculum is to develop positive attitudes and excitement toward learning a foreign language. Through the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, students are able to broaden their awareness, acceptance and understanding of a different culture.
Art: Instruction is based on the Basic Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Children are exposed to creative opportunities in various mediums and areas of self-expression, which are enriched further with art history and the works of accomplished artists. The art program is an integral part of the elementary interdisciplinary curriculum.
Physical Education: Students learn a variety of important life skills which include movement skills, knowledge, and behavior/social skills, over the course of each school year. Some of these include: loco-motor, non-loco motor, and manipulative skills, team-building, social interaction skills, and cognitive concepts linked to fitness, wellness, skill development, and social skills appropriate to each grade/developmental level.
Technology: Students learn how to create multimedia presentations and how to use the Internet as a tool for basic research. They engage in a variety of interesting computer projects, including databases, computer animation, movies, audio and music compositions, and other technology topics.
Testing:
Each spring students take the nationally accredited ITBS. The Iowa Tests offer a diagnostic look at how students are progressing in key academic areas. What that means is that you can compare your child’s scores to children across the country in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.
We follow a Houghton-Mifflin curriculum that is focused on developing the core skills students will need to succeed in school and in life.
Language Arts: Journeys is the most widely-used reading program in the country. Journeys is a research-based, comprehensive English Language Arts program designed to provide solid instruction that is clear and focused.
Science: ScienceFusion is a state-of-the-art science program. The digital curriculum, virtual labs, hands-on activities, and write-in science textbook develop important critical-thinking skills that prepare students for success in future science courses and in the workplace.
Social Studies: Harcourt Social Studies is a comprehensive curriculum solution designed to engage and motivate every student. The program’s research-proven content provides rigor and depth in an easy-to-read, highly visual format that instantly connects with all types of learners.
Math: Math Expressions is a proven curriculum that helps children make sense of math by exploring, discussing, and demonstrating their understanding of key concepts. It teaches students to look beyond numbers to understand how and why they work, and learn to ask the questions that lead to a thoughtful, informed approach to solving problems.
Foreign Language: This program is designed to accommodate varying levels of language learners as they progress through the stages of the National Foreign Language Curriculum with Readiness. The goal of this curriculum is to develop positive attitudes and excitement toward learning a foreign language. Through the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, students are able to broaden their awareness, acceptance and understanding of a different culture.
Art: Instruction is based on the Basic Elements of Art and Principles of Design. Children are exposed to creative opportunities in various mediums and areas of self-expression, which are enriched further with art history and the works of accomplished artists. The art program is an integral part of the elementary interdisciplinary curriculum.
Physical Education: Students learn a variety of important life skills which include movement skills, knowledge, and behavior/social skills, over the course of each school year. Some of these include: loco-motor, non-loco motor, and manipulative skills, team-building, social interaction skills, and cognitive concepts linked to fitness, wellness, skill development, and social skills appropriate to each grade/developmental level.
Technology: Students learn how to create multimedia presentations and how to use the Internet as a tool for basic research. They engage in a variety of interesting computer projects, including databases, computer animation, movies, audio and music compositions, and other technology topics.
Testing:
Each spring students take the nationally accredited ITBS. The Iowa Tests offer a diagnostic look at how students are progressing in key academic areas. What that means is that you can compare your child’s scores to children across the country in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science.
