Core curriculum
The Georgia Standards for Excellence are followed across all grade levels at ADS. Teachers deliver these standards using a variety of instructional methods including projects, direct instruction, field trips, guest speakers, and computer software technology.
Language Arts
Students in Kindergarten through Second grades use the Zaner-Bloser SuperKids series for reading, writing, spelling, conventions, and phonics instruction. This Orton-Gillingham- based series provides a sequential, diagnostic and research-based approach to the teaching of language arts.
Students in Third through Fifth grades use the McGraw-Hill Wonders anthology and support materials. This program seamlessly incorporates grammar, writing, spelling, and reading comprehension. Teachers also include novels and non-fiction books to enrich this reading program.
Growing Vocabulary is used in grades four through six and Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots is used for grades seven and eight to enrich the development of vocabulary.
All teachers in Kindergarten through Fourth grade have been trained in and use Handwriting Without Tears methods and materials for the instruction of handwriting.
Middle School students use a variety of materials when mastering content for English and Language Arts. Materials include Pearson’s myPerspectives consumable workbook, as well as novels and non-fiction books to enrich the curriculum.
Daily Grammar Practice (DGP) is being used in grades One through Eight for grammar instruction.
All students in Kindergarten through eighth grade are screened and supported in reading through the use of STAR testing. Students also use online programs in Accelerated Reading assessments and Freckle ELA.
Math
Math is taught using hands-on manipulatives as much as possible in the lower grades. Hands-on experiences lead to greater number sense which is a building block for higher and more abstract mathematical concepts used in algebra. Students experience instruction in numbers, operations, geometry, patterns, measurement, data analysis, and algebraic thinking.
Students in kindergarten through eighth use Sadlier Progress in Math as well as Freckle Math software to support math instruction. Students in middle school are instructed in Algebraic concepts based on their developmental readiness.
Social Studies
Social Studies is taught across all grade levels using a variety of materials. Students in first through fifth use Studies Weekly materials, grades six and seven use Clairmont Press World Studies, and students in grade eight use Clairmont Press Georgia Studies. Students learn first about life in their own community and then move on to learning about cultures, economies, and historical events in Georgia, the United States, and countries on all continents of the world. Projects and presentations are core elements in the assessment of social studies.
Science
Using the scientific method to explore the world around us is a key element in the teaching of science. Students use hands-on experiments, observations, and critical thinking when learning about biological, physical, and earth sciences. Teachers use a variety of materials including HMH’s Georgia Science, trade books, and online resources to support the instruction of science. Each year students participate in a STEAM Day filled with activities incorporating science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
Type to Learn
Students in third grade use the program Type to Learn to help them master basic keyboarding skills. This is a self-paced typing program that students work through throughout the year.
WIDER CURRICULUM
Executive Functioning
Our 4th-6th grade students have weekly executive functioning lessons.
Our teachers use the SMARTS Executive Function (EF) strategies – goal setting, cognitive flexibility, organizing and prioritizing, memorizing, self-checking and monitoring – to help their students learn first HOW to learn, and then apply those tools to their specific academic challenges.
SMARTS empowers students by helping them understand their strengths and weaknesses and teaching them critically important executive function strategies.
Careers
Our 8th-grade students have focused, career information throughout our career month every January. We use the career readiness program, Essaris, which teaches the students about different types of jobs and careers and the routes to them. The idea is not to focus on a single area but to widen students’ perspectives before High School and College.
Outdoor Pursuits
Our 6th to 8th grade students take part in an annual sleep away camp as part of our outdoor pursuits program. This is a wonderful time for the students to bond, develop their teamwork and leadership skills, as well as grow in independence. Last year our whole middle school went to Camp Rock Eagle near Eatonton. Activities included rock climbing, hiking, canoeing, abseiling, lake assessments and animal interactions.
Social and Emotional Learning
Social and Emotional Learning is at the forefront of our student’s development. Apart from being embedded as part of everyday school life, each grade level has a weekly dedicated Second Step lesson. This program equips the student with skills for life as they navigate an ever changing and more complicated world. This area of the curriculum is led by the school counselor.
Student Voice
We are keen for our students to feel that every voice is heard and that they can have a positive impact on their school. We have several leadership opportunities for students.
Student council is elected by the students and consists of students from the Middle School to represent students across all grades. They meet bi-weekly and every year have a legacy project that they fundraise towards and focus on as a cohort. They meet with the Head of School every month. Successful projects have included changes to the school uniform, improvements to the playground, new sports equipment and additional storage space for students.
Student government supports the student council with elected officials in each grade representing the views of their peers.
House Leadership is open to our 5th-8th grade students. Each student is in one of four Houses with children across all grades in the school. We have monthly House days which are led by our House Captains, Vice-Captains, Sports Captains and other representatives.
School safety patrols are led by 5th-8th grade students. They apply, and if successful, are given a position on our safety team, assisting with morning and afternoon carpool.
Administration lunch takes place every month with two students from across the school invited to have lunch and present ideas for development to the school administration.
Specials
Greek & Spanish
Students in preschool through fifth grade participate in Greek lessons. These lessons include discussions and activities surrounding Greek culture, the alphabet, days of the week, months of the year, simple conversation, morphology, and writing. Beginning in sixth grade students may choose to continue the study of the Greek language or begin Spanish.
Spanish
Students can opt to take Spanish from 6th-8th grade at the school. Spanish is taught by our language specialist Ms Amanda who is from Valencia, Spain. Students learn the basics of the Spanish so that they can establish a good foundation in the language before High School. The curriculum goes beyond the basics of phases and numbers by giving students an appreciation of Spanish culture and its influence in the world.
Art
Experiencing and creating art is the key to art classes at ADS. Students work with different media such as paint, clay, paper and fiber and study various artists and create unique pieces individually as well as in groups while attending weekly art classes.
Physical Education
Twice weekly students attend P.E. During this time students play games and practice sport skills addressing gross motor movement including basic skills of running, jumping, throwing, catching and striking.
In lower grades lead up games promote skill development. As students mature, more complex skills requiring a higher level of coordination are experienced in traditional game settings.
Music
Music instruction includes the basic elements of music including rhythm, dynamics, melody, harmony, tone, and texture. Music history, types of music and annual school performances are all part of weekly music lessons.
Religion
Religion curriculum is taught in accordance with the Orthodox Christian faith. Students learn about Bible stories as well as lessons on prayer, saints, the Christian themes of love, forgiveness and kindness, major Church holidays, Church history, books of the Old and New Testament, and Church etiquette.