Educational Model
Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence’s educational program is based on the Core Knowledge Sequence, emphasizing content mastery and cultural literacy. This sequence aligns with state standards, ensuring all students receive fundamental knowledge for higher-level learning. Research supports the effectiveness of this approach in closing achievement gaps and enhancing student success.
To further enrich the educational experience, the school also incorporates Extended Learning Time, offering longer instructional hours and extracurricular activities. This extended time allows students to delve deeper into their studies and engage in various extracurricular activities to enhance their holistic education.
The Core Knowledge Sequence promotes interdisciplinary learning, connecting subjects like history, literature, and science. It also integrates the arts to deepen content understanding. The program provides clear expectations for what students should know, aiding parents’ understanding of their child’s education.
In addition to Core Knowledge, the school utilizes curriculum materials like Core Knowledge Reading, Amplify ELA, intoMath, Singapore Math, and Amplify Science. These programs align with Core Knowledge and enhance students’ literacy, math, and science skills.
Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence offers a comprehensive world language curriculum, starting in kindergarten and progressing through 8th grade. This program aims to develop proficiency in a chosen world language, aligning with state standards and promoting global readiness.
The school values Project-Based Learning and holds Curriculum Nights to showcase student projects, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and engagement.
The school’s “Engaging STEM for ALL Learners” program offers students in grades K-8 opportunities to explore STEM and media arts through applied technology and project-based learning in SmartLab. This fosters next-generation skills like communication, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and information literacy, preparing students for the modern workplace. They engage in hands-on learning, create portfolios, and explore diverse STEM disciplines.
The “Flipped Classroom” model, where direct instruction becomes homework, encourages active learning and inquiry-based skills.
For English Language Learners (ELLs), the school implements content-based ESL programs that align with Pennsylvania State Standards, ensuring ELLs develop academic skills while learning English.