Educational Program
The academic department of Discovery Academy is based on the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model. As such, the educators are focused on student learning and academic growth. The Discovery Academy educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that we will base all decisions on what is in the best interest of the student. The small class size allows us the opportunity to focus on building relationships and trust with all of our students. With this firm foundation in place, the school staff can focus on helping the student experience success in school. Experiencing success in school leads to an increased in academic self-esteem. This increase in self-esteem leads to the student experiencing more success in school. Our students are able to experience academic growth as well as personal growth on many levels.
What:
The academic program at Discovery Academy is competency based educational program which focuses on outcomes of learning. The academic program is adapted to the needs of each student and emphasizes student mastery of standard curriculum with a minimum proficiency of 80 percent.
Why:
The educational model at Discovery Academy offers many advantages compared to a traditional model.
| A Traditional School | Discovery Academy | |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Student/Teacher ratios are approximated 36 to 1 | 1) Student/Teacher ratios are approximately 12 to 1 | |
| 2) Pace of instruction is based on teacher’s schedule | 2) Pace of instruction is based on student needs | |
| 3) Instruction is presented in traditional format including lectures and worksheets | 3) Instruction is varied and includes many experiential learning activities, field trips, and other relationship building activities | |
| 4) Student learning time is based on teacher’s schedule | 4) Student learning time is based on the amount of time the student needs to demonstrate mastery | |
| 5) Assessments are based on teacher preference | 5) Assessments are based on the needs of the student and often include alternative assessments | |
| 6) Feedback on assessments is based on teacher’s schedule with little or no time for remediation | 6) Feedback on assessments is immediate allowing immediate remediation if needed by the student | |
| 7) Progress Reports are issued quarterly | 7) Continuous reports of academic progress via web | |
| 8) Teacher “invites” the student to learn | 8) Student is “directed” by the teacher rather than being invited to learn | |
| 9) Interventions are made if the teacher has time | 9) Interventions are made in a timely manner | |
| 10) Interventions may be applied inconsistently | 10) Interventions are applied with increasing levels of support from least restrictive to most restrictive |
When:
Discovery Academy teachers are licensed professional educators, many with Master degrees, who have an average of 15 years teaching experience. The learning process for the student begins immediately because we are not restricted by a semester schedule. A personal education plan is built for each student based on the student’s individual needs. School hours are from 3:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., which many educators believe to be optimal time for student learning. Daily Assisted Studies classes are offered to meet the needs of the student’s individual education plan.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:45 - 8:00 | School | School | School | School | 4:00 - 5:00 Experiential |
| 8:00 - 8:45 | Engl. Asst. Study Hist. Asst. Study |
Math Asst. Study Sci. Asst. Study |
Engl. Asst. Study Hist. Asst. Study |
Math Asst. Study Sci. Asst. Study |
For more information about the Discovery Academy academic program, Fill out our Assessment or contact our admissions department at (801) 374-2121.