The Academic Program

ClearWater Academy embraces a philosophy of utilizing the most advanced methods of teaching and learning. These methods include thematic instruction where educational experiences are tied into designated “themes” that help students form connections more readily. In addition, an integrated curriculum approach is utilized. Activities in reading, social studies, science, writing, math and technology are related to these themes and to one another. As an example, if the theme is “Discovery,” a student may read about a famous explorer, use math to plan for the amount of provisions needed, construct a map in art to illustrate a route and new plants and animals encountered along the way; physically go on an expedition in a wooded area and make measurements of trees for both math and science and prepare a written log that will be converted to a PowerPoint presentation. ClearWater also utilizes authentic assessment so that there are varying ways a student can show mastery of material including presentations, portfolios, drama as well as more traditional assessments. The concept of multiple intelligences is also a guiding force in teaching and learning for our students. This concept recognizes that there are many ways of being “smart,” that we all have individual best ways of learning and best ways of showing what we know. The focus is on enhancing strengths while building areas that need strengthening.

ClearWater Academy provides targeted, specialized instruction in particular areas of academic weakness for students. For example, ClearWater Academy utilizes research-proven techniques for helping students struggling with initial decoding in reading and for improving reading comprehension. We also utilize a highly-researched approach to helping students who struggle with math to assure that students master necessary skills before proceeding to later concepts. This specially designed approach targets the way students who have difficulty with math best need to learn.

ClearWater Academy has adopted the concept of Strategic Learning Coaching to meet the needs of individual students. This concept recognizes that it is just as important-and often more important-to teach students "how" to learn rather than just "what" to learn. By recognizing the most recent advances in neuroscience, students are guided to build neural connections as they approach repeatable academic "tasks" in school. They are taught to continuously approach tasks in terms of personal goal setting, planning and organization, strategy use and reflection. Students and teachers develop specific strategies for repeated use, matched to the student’s particular learning characteristics, so that the process becomes more automatic and, therefore, more durable. The use of Strategic Learning Coaching is embedded continuously into the curriculum, teaching methods and the school day for our students.