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 the i-Ready Classroom Mathematics program to help all students become confident, capable problem solvers. This Common Core-aligned curriculum is designed to meet students at their individual learning levels while promoting a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.
i-Ready emphasizes real-world problem solving and encourages students to actively engage in their learning through hands-on activities, math discussions, and collaborative thinking. Lessons are carefully designed to build on students’ prior knowledge, make meaningful connections across grade levels, and focus on the key concepts for each grade.
The program supports the development of strong reasoning skills, mathematical habits of mind, and a true understanding of how math applies beyond the classroom. Our goal is to create lifelong mathematical thinkers who are prepared for the challenges of middle school 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.
Spanish
Our Spanish curriculum utilizes the VAMOS program for our upper elementary grades. We supplement this with engaging cultural lessons for holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Las Posadas, as well as other materials.. We're also excited to use Garbanzo, a reading platform that is integrated into our lessons. Garbanzo will be used for both independent assignments and teacher-led activities, allowing students to explore the platform's library and curated learning paths. Garbanzo is used with our kindergarten, first, and second-grade students as well.
