What Makes The Aptos Academy Special

Conventional teaching addresses the class as a group, and not as individuals. As a result, brighter students or students with a particular aptitude in a subject become bored. Also, addressing the class as a group may not detect and immediately remedy an individual student's non comprehension that may cause him or her to become "parked", unable to fully comprehend the balance of the subject matter, and lose interest in the subject or learning as a whole.

At the Aptos Academy, students work toward specific goals at a pace consistent with their abilities. Individual progress and comprehension are closely monitored by the teacher while programs are tailored to ensure each student is being challenged. Any earlier gaps in their understanding of a subject are remedied.

Regular exams are given in all subject areas to ensure that students fully understand their subject matter and that they can use what they've learned in practical applications. If a student is experiencing difficulty, attention is given to finding the source of the confusion and clearing it up, so that the student can once again move forward easily on his or her program.

A simple point system is employed so that students can chart and easily monitor their own daily and weekly progress. These graphs are posted in each classroom. Each week, students are recognized for their achievements , whether it be academic, artistic, or due to good citizenship.

Students are tested yearly on the CAT 5 in grades 3 through 8. The results of these, when compared to national norms and grade performance levels, put the classes themselves on an average of 1 to 2 grade levels higher.

The staff at The Aptos Academy apply energy and creativity in building a varied and interesting curriculum, which makes frequent reference to everyday life. Because learning is achieved in so many ways - individual effort, team projects, classroom drills, field trips, contests, student presentations - school is a stimulating and enjoyable experience.

We invite you to see for yourself. The best proof is a look inside the classrooms where students are happily engaged in their studies.

Early Education for the Whole Child

Our program provides for physical, social, and intellectual growth, in a cheerful environment that is geared towards development of the whole child. Good communication, parental involvement, and flexibility are featured, and a low ratio of children to staff is maintained.

Children develop their motor skills with a variety of games, puzzles, art lessons and craft projects. Phonics, reading and math concepts are reinforced with music, story telling, cooking, gardening, animal care and simple science experiments. Their day includes outside games and a quiet time.

As children gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, learning is enhanced and becomes a wonderful adventure that opens the door to the larger world. Learning to express themselves and communicate in a safe environment leads to a fuller understanding and an increased ability to interact and communicate constructively with others. Respect is gained for themselves, for others, and for the environment as each child is treated as a unique individual who is worthy of respect.

The children also participate in the activities of the rest of the school, including plays, field trips & assemblies, while also having its own special events such as the annual Thanksgiving dinner. Close coordination with the first grade teacher occurs with respect to curriculum and activities, to ensure a smooth transition for each child upon Kindergarten graduation.

It is our desire that each child will gain a life-long love of learning and that each day is an enriching and memorable experience full of wonder for each child and his or her family.