The vast majority of classrooms in the Pikes Peak Region have curriculum that is targeted for common developmental stages for a particular age, and schools have special educational support for students who have some catching up to do. Some teachers also try to find ways to challenge students who are ready to advance much faster with more complexity and creativity, and schools are trying to develop more gifted/talented services. Research has demonstrated that there is still much work to be done in this area, particularly during a time of budget cuts.
At the Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning, we recognize that material that is too easy is frustrating, too. Students will have the opportunity to dig into advanced and challenging content based on their unique needs. They will work in smaller multi-age divisions rather than single-grade classes to investigate and tackle in-depth projects, to reflect and set goals for personal and standards-based excellence, to explore with hands-on lessons, and to lead and encourage others. They will use critical, logical, and creative thinking skills in every subject with integrated projects. Furthermore, they will receive continual support for the unique social-emotional needs of advanced, creative, and gifted learners, such as how to manage perfectionism, develop positive self-advocacy, and utilize skills in leadership, empathy, and confidence.
Children are amazing combinations of their own interests, skills, strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Many of them experience similar developmental stages at the same age, some need to spend more time at each level, and some advance through stages much faster; each of them is precious, and each of them deserves to learn in his/her ‘zone’- that special place where they must stretch to master new material that is just beyond their current reach. The satisfaction of a job well done is something every child should experience.
The Academy is currently in development as an open enrollment charter school scheduled to open in 2010-11. It will supplement the work that other schools and districts are doing to raise achievement for all students and serve as a resource and training center for other programs. Initial enrollment will be approximately 160 students in grades K-8, with a full enrollment of 300 students in subsequent years.
"A mind that does not wish to seek knowledge is a mind that is lost."
Kenyon, age 10
Kenyon, age 10
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