Curriculum Instruction Program
The Sussex Academy Board of Directors selected a New American Schools design for comprehensive educational reform as part of its charter school initiative. Expeditionary Learning (EL) was chosen as the instructional framework.
Founded by business leaders interested in "break-the-mold" models to improve schools, the New American Schools is a nonpartisan, nonprofit leader in the growing comprehensive school reform movement. New American Schools is dedicated to assisting and supporting innovative, successful schools by implementing research-based, comprehensive school designs.
Students at Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences follow an accelerated curriculum that meets or exceeds state standards. Throughout the school year, students and teachers are involved in both school-wide and team learning expeditions to promote self-discovery and construct knowledge. To support learning expeditions, teachers, students, and school leaders build a culture of respect and high expectations. The school schedule is built around large flexible blocks of time. Incoming sixth grade students are placed on a team and remain with the set of teachers for at least two years. All students keep portfolios of their work and assessment is ongoing.
Each teacher of the Sussex Academy possesses unique talents in working with adolescents and has training and expertise in the particular learning styles of middle school students. The team of teachers is responsible for teaching the content standards and skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. Other subjects such as physical education, art, music, computer, and other co-curricular classes are taught outside the core academic areas. These subjects are referred to as Specials.
The Sussex Academy of Arts & Sciences provides a unique accelerated educational opportunity for students and their parents. The expectation is that students come to school with a positive attitude to learn and to take part in academic, social, and service activities and that their parents and the school support these endeavors.