Core Knowledge Sequence

All AQS schools utilize the Core Knowledge Sequence, which is aligned with state standards for each grade level in the areas of Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Science, Physical Development and Health, Fine Arts, and Foreign Language. The Core Knowledge Sequence goes beyond state standards by allowing students to be challenged by a rigorous, sequentially structured curriculum, which simultaneously enhances skill development and critical thinking, as well as content mastery. Core Knowledge serves as the foundation for college preparatory work.

Paideia Method

Pronounced pie-day-uh, represents a philosophy and strategy for structuring the school organization and utilizing various teaching strategies and methodologies. 

Junior Great Books

The Junior Great Books Program allows our students to be exposed to the best children’s literature in the world. The works are carefully selected from around the world to give children a global and multicultural perspective. In many ways, this program ties the Core Knowledge Sequence and Paideia methodology together.

Character Education

Today’s children face a complex and troubling world sometimes filled with uncertainties.  The traits that we hope to instill are neither readily apparent nor easy to grasp and put into practice.  Therefore, our challenge is to provide young people with the self-esteem, energy, and knowledge necessary to survive, be successful and develop into strong, competent, caring, and responsible citizens.

Reading 

AQS believes that teaching elementary school students to be successful readers is our most fundamental and highest priority. Each day in all AQS managed schools every teacher and teacher aide becomes a reading teacher/aide for 1.5 hours. Students are taught using the Open Court Reading Series in grades K-6 and the McDougal Littell reading program in grades 7 & 8. In addition, where appropriate, the Direct Instruction method is employed.

Math 

Also fundamental to the AQS curriculum is the math program. We use the Saxon Mathematics Series which is supplemented by AQS teacher developed materials.