Curriculum

William A. Kirlew Junior Academy follows the curriculum set forth by the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Office of Education aligned with the North American Division and Florida State standards. This is delivered through effective instructional and assessment strategies in a Christian and technology-rich environment. Our goal is the balanced development of each student spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. We, therefore, utilize instructional activities that address students’ interests, mode of learning, experience, and unique abilities.

Our programs will challenge students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and be innovative. This will be accomplished through the growth of our STEM initiative.

Bible

Encounter Bible seeks to help students establish a close relationship with God and adopt a service worldview. Students are encouraged to think deeply about real-life topics and make Christ-like choices. We endeavor to integrate Bible in all subject areas.

Science

By Design is the engaging science curriculum that provides an opportunity for students to question, collaborate, and explore science concepts.

Math

We follow the Big Ideas curriculum. This is a comprehensive program that challenges students to master common core standards.

DreamBox is an individualized K-8 technology-based program that supplements and enhances math learning.

Social Studies

We use the McGraw-Hill Social Studies Curriculum. “It provides the platform for students to engage in rigorous learning experiences that help them better understand the world.”

Language Arts

Wit & Wisdom's curated texts, meaningful tasks, and thoughtful learning design help students develop the knowledge and skills they need to be successful readers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators.

Fundations is a K-3 program that instructs students in Phonics and Word Study which will lead them to improve in fluency, vocabulary development, and the skills needed to have an understanding of what they are reading.

Reading A – Z is designed for K through 5th grade and is an effective differentiated, online instructional resource. It produces great results when methodically followed.

Lexia Core 5 is a technology-based personalized reading program that helps students to develop skills in phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

Reading Plus is an online literacy intervention program that helps students from 6th grade onward to develop better fluency and comprehension, achieving mastery in reading.

Technology

The following is available to enhance our instructional and assessment offers:

  • Keyboarding
  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Coding
  • Schoology
  • Canvas
  • One-to-one laptops for grade 8
  • One-to-one tablets for grades 6 and 7
  • Fully functional computer lab
  • Classroom interactive boards

Physical Education

We believe that this is a vital part of our school program. According to Child Guidance, p. 342, “Students should not be permitted to take so many studies that they will have no time for physical training. The health cannot be preserved unless some portion of each day is given to muscular exertion in the open air. Equalize the taxation of the mental and the physical powers, and the mind of the student will be refreshed.”

Students have daily recess and formal P.E. classes.

Spiritual Foundation

We embrace the philosophy that “education and redemption are one.” Every effort is made to integrate Biblical principles in all subject teaching, with the goal of leading students to a saving relationship with Jesus. In addition, we have:

  • Chapel services every Monday morning
  • In class morning devotion
  • Two weeks of prayer
  • Pastoral visits and prayer in the classroom
  • Special baptismal classes

External Assessments

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a standardized test that assesses students’ growth in Reading, Math, and Language Arts. It is administered three times each school year to students in grades 3 through 8.

Writing Assessment Program (WrAP) tests students’ skills where they demonstrate mastery in narrative, opinion, or informative writing using stimulus or non-stimulus prompts.

Electives

Music
Students are introduced to basic music theory and practice in all grades. Playing instruments and choral singing are integral parts of the program. Students get to share their musical talents at local churches and special school programs.

Art
Basic elements of various types of art, including drawing, painting, and craft are offered.

Spanish
Students have the opportunity from second grade to begin learning Spanish.