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Reading

English Language Arts

City Academy teachers employ strategies derived from the research of the Science of Reading to build background knowledge, phonemic and phonological awareness, and a genuine interest in reading. Starting with our youngest learners, teachers focus on letter and sound identification, while using the Heggerty approach to build phonemic awareness skills as a strong baseline for future literacy work.

Our students continue to learn phonics skills with the Fundations program through 3rd grade, when the focus then shifts to vocabulary using base words, root words, prefixes, and suffixes. All language arts classes integrate reading and writing into daily lessons, using the Wit & Wisdom curriculum as our guide and expanding upon it based on individual student needs and interests.

Research projects and book studies begin in 2nd grade, but all grade levels use literature as the foundation for building knowledge and incorporating multiple subjects into a lesson. Independent reading is critical to improving students’ comprehension and love for reading. Each grade assigns independent reading as a daily homework assignment.

Social Studies

Social Studies

Understanding the world around you, at a global, national and local level is paramount to student success, both academically and beyond. Typically, our social studies units correlate with the content taught in our language arts classes, allowing students to deepen their understanding and apply what they have learned. Topics range from communities around the world, to the Civil Rights movement, to Ancient civilizations, and everywhere in between.

In social studies classes, you will find our students building replicas of national landmarks, debating historical events, and researching the evolution of the American West. Students learn geography and map skills, economic principles, civics, and various other lessons through cross-curricular conversations, projects, and activities.

Math

Mathematics

Students at City Academy learn mathematical reasoning and skills through the Singapore Math model. Our 3- and 4-year-olds, JK, and Kindergarten teachers incorporate literacy into numeracy to help math come to life. Through investigation, intentional play, direct instruction, and group work, students build a strong foundation in place value and number sense. This foundation serves them well as they progress into the Primary Mathematics curriculum in 1st through 5th grades.

A well-rounded approach, filled with critical thinking and problem solving, our mathematics curriculum spirals outward year after year to expose students to a variety of mathematical concepts. In 6th grade, students round out their mathematical experience at City Academy with pre-algebra and instruction to prepare them for success in secondary school. 

Science

Science

City Academy’s science program sets the standard for elementary science education in the St. Louis region. Using the Next Generation Science Standards as the foundation, our teachers create a curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, art, math, robotics, and countless other topics into cohesive and engaging lessons.

Science instruction is hands-on in every grade level, beginning with nature exploration and observation in our youngest grades and culminating with traditional tests and research projects in our oldest grades. Students make observations, collect and analyze data, make predictions, and more. Our scientists are well-rounded, critical thinkers who create meaning through exploration and discovery.

Art

Specials

City Academy is lucky to have a plethora of specialists who enhance the academic program. Starting with our 3- and 4-year-olds and continuing through 6th grade, students participate in PE daily and Spanish instruction at least twice a week. Our two PE teachers emphasize cooperation and teamwork while also teaching the fundamentals of many popular sports and coordinated movements. City Academy employs two native-speaking Spanish teachers who build a love for the language and Hispanic culture around the world. All students engage in art and music classes weekly to build fine motor skills, an appreciation for the fine arts, and a love for performing arts. Starting in 1st grade, all students also participate in violin twice a week, learning through the Suzuki method.

Two students reading a book

Social-Emotional Learning

Teachers at City Academy utilize the Responsive Classroom Approach to guide students through social-emotional development. Daily morning meetings, team-building routines, and interactive techniques empower students to learn about and respond to their own emotions and responses. Responsive Classroom says it best: “In order to be successful in and out of school, students need to learn a set of social and emotional competencies—cooperation, assertiveness, responsibility, empathy, and self-control—and a set of academic competencies—academic mindset, perseverance, learning strategies, and academic behaviors.”

Additionally, City Academy partners with Common Sense Media and The Social Institute to provide an education in digital citizenship that connects to academic instruction and supports personal device usage at home.

Learning Specialist

Learning Specialists

Like at all schools, we at City Academy are committed to meeting the needs of our students to the best of our ability. What sets us apart from other independent schools in St. Louis, however, is our team of Learning Specialists. We employ two full-time Learning Specialists and one part-time Learning Specialist to help students fill in gaps, push students beyond grade level norms, and support teachers in enhancing their craft.

Our part-time Speech & Language Pathologist has proved especially effective coming out of the pandemic, when a period of mask-wearing impeded speech and language development. Additionally, our full-time School Counselor supports students’ social and emotional needs and works with teachers and families to identify any additional academic struggles a child may have. With the hard work of this team of specialists, our amazing teachers, and our incredible families, our students are set up for success.