PILLAR #1: SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT INSTRUCTORS

At American Academy, we recognize the crucial role that teachers play in shaping the educational experience of students. This is a critical period in a child’s life where they are acquiring fundamental knowledge and developing foundational skills that will impact their academic and personal lives. Teacher instruction is essential in accomplishing these objectives by providing core subject, specialized instruction with an emphasis on developing critical thinking skills.

We believe that in-person teacher instruction provides students with guidance and support necessary to develop basic knowledge and skills. In the K-8 grade levels, students are expected to learn essential concepts and practical skills that will form the basis of their future academic and personal lives. A teacher’s instruction helps students to achieve their full potential while providing essential feedback to motivate and guide learners. This approach provides students with a solid foundation to build their future academic success.

The benefits of instruction by qualified teachers extend to the classroom learning environment and beyond. Teachers provide a stable structure that is conducive to learning, which helps students with developmental processes such as adapting to social environments and building appropriate relationships with their peers. Moreover, teacher instructions open up avenues for student engagement and interactions, leading to personalized learning and fostering critical thinking skills. Our teachers’ instruction can influence the fundamental knowledge, skills, and behavior that a child acquires in their academic journey. Teachers and administrators at American Academy partner with each other, our students and our families to create a learning environment where young learners can thrive and achieve academic success and valuable life skills.

PILLAR #2: GUIDED INDEPENDENT STUDY

Guided independent study is an accelerated learning approach that provides students with the opportunity to work in a technology-based curriculum for one period per day under the guidance of a teacher or advisor. Technology-based learning has the advantage of utilizing built-in algorithms to adapt to every type of learning style to meet the needs of every student. The customizable features allow students to work at their own ability level and pace. The program is flexible, yet rigorous, resulting in students that are motivated to achieve success and optimistic about their future. These classes are also aligned to the State Standards.

Another key benefit is that teachers are able to quantify and monitor students’ progress and can immediately identify areas of focus and track progress. We use this information to support students’ learning journey and make quick pivots when needed.

Guided independent study allows students to work at their own pace. This is especially important for students in grades K-8 who may have different levels of readiness and ability. Guided independent study allows each student to progress through the material at a pace that is comfortable for them, without feeling held back or rushed. This leads to greater satisfaction and motivation, and ultimately fosters a love of learning that can last a lifetime.

PILLAR #3: PROJECT BASED CLASSES

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is where things get messy – in a good way! Our students are able to create, design and explore concepts in a way that allows students to apply what they’ve learned in their subject matter classes, their guided independent study, and their real-world learning experiences in a meaningful and engaging way. American Academy’s Project Based Learning classes also develop 21st-century skills such as communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy. PBL offers numerous benefits for students, and the positive impact it has on their learning and personal development is undeniable. When students are tasked with solving real-world problems, they are more likely to stay focused and motivated, as the information they’re learning has immediate practical applications. This relevance makes education feel more important, and students are more likely to retain the information they’ve learned. Our projects provide a time for students to relax, engage with their subject in a creative manner and allow their creativity to flourish while aligning with the California State Standards.

21st-century skills are essential for success in the modern world and are highly valued by employers. PBL encourages students to work as a team, to present their ideas and find solutions to complex problems, which helps to build their interpersonal skills. These experiences also help students build confidence, as they are given the opportunity to take the lead and showcase their abilities.

In addition, American Academy’s approach to PBL prepares students for the future by fostering self-directed learning. Depending on the maturity level of the student, they are encouraged to take control of their education and to seek out the information they need to complete their projects. This independence helps to build their self-esteem and self-reliance, and equips them with the skills they need to navigate the challenges of the modern world with ease. Not only do students benefit from PBL, but they also become confident, self-directed learners who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.

PILLAR #4: REAL WORLD LEARNING

Real world learning for students is essential as it enables them to gain practical skills, knowledge, and experiences that can enhance their academic performance and personal growth. Students can acquire real-world learning through a variety of approaches that include collaborative learning, experiential learning, fieldwork, and mentorship programs. These approaches provide students with opportunities to discover their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and build confidence in themselves. At American Academy, we provide these real-world learning opportunities in a variety of ways including our STEAM electives, student-led clubs, field trips to local areas of interest such as Sherman Gardens, Tucker Wildlife Preserve, The Marine Mammal Center, San Juan Mission, Orange County Courthouse and many more. We also provide monthly Expert Workshops from community leaders in business, law, physics, safety, conservation, education, nutrition and more.

Collaborative learning is one real-world learning approach that can help students to develop social skills, teamwork, and leadership skills. It involves working with peers, sharing experiences, and learning together. Collaborative learning can offer students valuable experiences that they can use in their future academic and professional endeavors. Experiential learning is another approach that involves hands-on activities and problem-solving tasks. Through experiential learning, students can develop practical skills that can enhance their learning outcomes. This approach enables students to apply concepts, try out real-world scenarios, and learn from their mistakes. Fieldwork and mentorship programs can also provide real-world learning opportunities that can expose students to various professions, help them build professional networks, and give them insights into different industries.

Real-world learning for students is an essential component of education that can help to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications. This type of learning enables students to gain practical skills, knowledge, and experiences that can enhance their academic performance and personal growth. Collaborative learning, experiential learning, fieldwork, and mentorship programs are some approaches that can offer students valuable real-world experiences. Real-world learning can help students to become more engaged in education and better equipped to face real-world challenges.