5. Curriculum                                                 print this section

 

 Year Round School Program - Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring  Section 5

Cougar Mountain Academy has been on the leading edge of innovation in elementary education for over four decades.  The latest Academy innovation and breakthrough in Elementary Education introduced in 2004, is the 12 month school year comprised of four quarters.

The First or Summer Quarter is free and focuses on social development, enrichment, friendship, leadership opportunities, summer adventure and academic preparation for the following Academic Quarters of the School Year.  The following Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters represent the nine month Academic part of the School Year held September through June. 

The Summer Quarter is offered free of charge to Cougar Mountain Academy students ages 5 and older who are registered for the three academic quarters (September through June) following the Summer Quarter.

To satisfy its broad appeal, the Summer Quarter is also open to students attending other private or public schools and home study programs.


 Individualized Learning                                                                Section 5

The curriculum is individualized to best serve each student thus enabling the child to progress at an optimum individual rate in a non-competitive and non-graded learning environment.  Class placement does not govern or limit the degree of academic challenge.  A special emphasis is placed on intellectual growth, academic achievement, self-motivation, character development and high expectations.

Cougar Mountain Academy has maintained an exceptional academic record throughout the years.  Much of this achievement is the result of the unique combination of traditional and open concept values and the expertise of placing each student in a setting that develops maximum potential in the most important areas of endeavor.

 

 Curriculum Components                                                                                             Section 5

The high caliber individualized, diverse and achievement oriented curriculum is based on international standards and is comprised of two parts.

The Prescribed Curriculum is defined by Cougar Mountain Academy and is based on the traditional academic areas of Language Arts, Communications, Reading, Mathematics, Geometry, Science and Social Studies. 

Additional prescribed curriculum areas emphasized are Foreign Language, Computer Literacy, Music, Art, Health and Physical Education. 

The Elective Curriculum is comprised of high caliber concentrated instructional programs representing the part of the curriculum to be selected by the Parent.  One Elective is required for each student between the ages of 4 and 12.  The objective of these curriculum electives is to provide an opportunity for each student to further develop special talents and/or to specialize in areas which are usually not part of a regular school curriculum.

The Electives are held daily during the afternoon hours.  Students attending other schools may also participate in the Elective Curriculum.  Electives offered:  Computers for Academics, Piano, Zoology, Arts and Crafts, Science Exploration, Manners and Etiquette, Creative Writing, World Geography, Magic of Math, Music Appreciation and individual tutoring.

 

 Academy Grade Standards                                                                                        Section 5

Cougar Mountain Academy follows an individualized, non-graded and non-competitive approach to learning.  To assure a truly long lasting foundation, social promotion is not practiced.  Students are expected to earn each promotion.  To be promoted to a higher grade a student must fulfill or surpass appropriate Cougar Mountain Academy Minimum Grade Standards in the traditional areas of Language Arts/Communications and Mathematics/Geometry.

Traditionally, students in all levels excel in achieving and surpassing minimum Grade Standards set forth by the Academy.  The Cougar Mountain Academy Minimum Grade Standards reflect high expectations and are considered of superior caliber by international standards.

 

 National Standard Test Scores                                                                               Section 5

The Academy’s individual and overall National Standard Test scores for over three decades have been exceptional and rank in the top 5% on a national level.  All Kindergarten through Upper Elementary students are required to take the Metropolitan Achievement Test each year in May.

For year by year test scores refer to Section 3.

 

 Departmentalized Multi-Teacher Concept                                 Section 5

The Kindergarten, Lower and Upper Elementary Programs offer a departmentalized multi-teacher concept with its inherent advantages of superior multi input, compatibility and specialization.  Each Teacher specializes in a particular field or subject matter and classes rotate between the various classrooms.

The Pre-Kindergarten levels function in self contained classrooms with primarily one teacher who serves the needs present at the earlier stages of development.
Pre-Kindergarten students may also follow a multi-teacher approach depending on
age, maturity and teacher recommendation.


 Daily Homework Assignments                                                     Section 5

The purpose of homework is multi-phased. Homework fosters a child’s sense of responsibility, develops study habits, gives parents the opportunity to work with their child and reinforces concepts already introduced in the classroom. The most difficult challenging tasks are always pursued during class time under the close attention of the appropriate teacher.  Homework is given at all grade
levels at Cougar Mountain Academy.  It is introduced in
a gradual, developmentally appropriate manner at the
Pre-Kindergarten level and increases in importance in the Kindergarten, Lower and Upper Elementary Programs.  All homework is based on individual student ability.