Academics
English Language Arts
Sussex Academy Elementary uses the Benchmark Advance curriculum for grades K–5. This comprehensive, research-based English Language Arts program is aligned with state standards and designed to build strong reading, writing and critical thinking skills. Benchmark Advance provides a consistent and rigorous approach across all grade levels while allowing teachers to differentiate instruction and support the individual needs of every student.
The curriculum is built around rich, grade-level themes that spark curiosity and promote deep understanding across content areas. A strong emphasis on foundational skills, especially phonics in the early grades, ensures that students develop the decoding and fluency skills needed for lifelong reading success. Through this program, we are building a school-wide culture of literacy—where students are not only learning to read, but reading to learn, explore and grow.
Math
We use Bridges in Mathematics to help students develop a strong understanding of mathematical concepts and become confident, capable problem solvers. The curriculum provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore mathematics, develop computational fluency, and apply their learning in a variety of contexts.
Bridges emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem solving, and mathematical reasoning through hands-on learning, visual models, games, discussions, and collaborative thinking. Lessons build on students’ prior knowledge and encourage them to explain their thinking, make connections between mathematical ideas, and develop multiple strategies for solving problems.
The curriculum balances the development of strong foundational skills with opportunities for students to think critically and apply mathematics in meaningful ways. Through daily instruction, practice, and problem solving, students develop the mathematical habits and confidence necessary for continued success.
Our goal is to develop strong mathematical thinkers who understand not only how to solve problems, but also why mathematical concepts and strategies work, preparing students for success throughout their K–12 experience and beyond.
Science
Our science instruction is guided by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which offer a modern and engaging approach to science education. The NGSS are built on three key dimensions that work together to help students build a deep, connected understanding of the world around them.
These three dimensions—Science and Engineering Practices, Crosscutting Concepts and Disciplinary Core Ideas—are integrated into each lesson and standard. Together, they help students think and work like scientists by asking questions, making connections across different areas of science and applying what they learn to real-world situations.
Through this approach, students don’t just learn facts—they explore, experiment and discover. Our goal is to inspire curiosity, build problem-solving skills and develop a lifelong interest in science.
Social Studies
Our ELA program, Benchmark Advanced, is designed to integrate with social studies. This approach allows students to build critical literacy skills while exploring core topics in civics, economics, geography and history. By combining these subjects, we create a more cohesive and engaging learning experience. Students learn to analyze each discipline's unique perspective and discover how these subjects can be used together for critical thinking and problem-solving, following guidance from the Delaware Department of Education.
