Academics

Elementary School

Our elementary students are educated, nurtured and taught to think logically, independently and creatively and to work collaboratively with their peers. We value holistic education and offer activities for students to explore varying interests and develop skills in a wide range of disciplines.


Subject
Description
Reading/Literature

Our Grade 1-3 phonics and reading program is based on Reading A-Z, which provides both a systematic phonics program plus leveled readers. Children are expected to read daily at home, using the Raz-Kids program from Kindergarten up to third grade.

Each grade participates in at least four literature units each year. For example, some of the books studied in Grade 3 are: Freckle Juice and Charlotte’s Web; Grade 4: Because of Winn-Dixie and Dear Mr. Henshaw; Grade 5 and 6: The Art of Keeping Cool, Hatchet, Tuck Everlasting.
Spelling

Language Arts The Houghton-Mifflin English program is used in all grades and supports the goals of the US Common Core Standards. It provides grammar, writing, and communication instruction, plus practice and real-world application. It also complements our reading and literature program.
Mathematics The HSP Math, a Harcourt program, is used in K-sixth grades. It focuses on effective learning and teaching processes, that include instructional strategies, that meet the needs of diverse learners. The program also includes assessment, intervention, conceptual understanding, and problem solving.
Science “Science Fusion” is a Houghton Mifflin program that uses hands on activities and a write-in science textbook that helps develop important critical-thinking skills for learning science concepts and vocabulary.
Social Studies Our social studies program focuses on understanding the world around us such as: communities, environment, society, economics and cultures.
Character Curriculum Students are taught values such as honesty, compassion, sensitivity, and determination with the purpose of educating the whole person towards adulthood and maturity.
Chinese Language Chinese lessons are taught Monday-Thursday. Pre-K through Grade 2 focus on listening and speaking in an enjoyable, fun atmosphere, based on the Monkey King series along with music, games, food, etc. Grade 3-12 study listening, speaking, reading, writing, and Chinese culture. Classes include activities like stories, games, singing, videos, and cooking. The curriculum is based on Easy Steps to Chinese books 1-5, followed by Integrated Chinese and Barron’s AP books for our AP (Advanced Placement) classes. The AP classes are for students who wish to take the AP exam for college credit.
Art, Music, Computer,
Physical Education		 These elective classes are provided one day per week throughout the semester.
English Language (ELL) XIA’s ELL program targets key academic language acquisition goals. Students, who are not proficient in or are not at grade-level academic English, participate in specialized classes in the afternoon. Students are assessed at the beginning of the fall semester and are then grouped by language level into an ELL class.