At IDEAL, we utilize a blend of professionally created and teacher-made curricula and materials. Each resource undergoes rigorous scrutiny to ensure it aligns with best practices in gifted education, ensuring the most suitable match for our students’ unique learning needs.
Grouping
Due to the distinctive nature of our students’ learning requirements, we forgo traditional age-based grade-level groupings. Instead, we design our courses based on students’ readiness. Our groups are named after constellations, reflecting that each group, like constellations, consists of small clusters of bright stars.
Assessments
We utilize pre-assessments, formative assessments, and project-based post-assessments to gauge student knowledge and progress.
Pre-assessments identify what a student already knows, allowing us to tailor content to their current level and avoid repetition.
Formative assessments guide the ongoing direction of the class.
Post-assessments (usually in the form of projects) reveal the cumulative knowledge and skills a student has gained.
Our assessments showcase student knowledge through various formats, including writing, images, presentations, representative problems, and projects. These diverse methods highlight the depth of students’ understanding and application of the curriculum.
Curriculum Overview:
English Language Arts
Our English Language Arts curriculum is comprehensive, covering writing, reading, and vocabulary. In writing, we use “The Complete Writer” series by Dr. Susan Wise Bauer from the College of William and Mary. For younger students, those struggling with writing, or those who don’t enjoy it, we use “Writing with Ease.” Beginners start with the D’Nealian method for handwriting, while students already using a traditional manuscript can continue with it before progressing to cursive writing. Reading is integrated into every subject, with the “All About Reading” series and trade books for beginners, while older students engage with classic children’s literature and Newbery Award winners, focusing on strategic reading, analysis, and discussion. For vocabulary, upper-level students use “Vocabulary from Classical Roots” from Educators Publishing Service.
Mathematics
Our math curriculum spans various levels and incorporates highly regarded resources to ensure a robust learning experience. For Levels 1–6, we use the Singapore Math U.S. Primary Edition, a rigorous system imported from the Singapore Ministry of Education, along with “Mathematical Reasoning” from Critical Thinking Press, designed for advanced younger students. Pre-Algebra students utilize “Understanding Pre-Algebra: Middle School Mathematics,” and those studying Algebra use “Understanding Algebra 1” to build a strong foundation in mathematical concepts. Our geometry curriculum employs “Understanding Geometry”.
Science
Our science curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive and engaging learning experiences across different scientific disciplines. In Session 1, students explore the wonders of the universe through “Real Science 4 Kids: Astronomy” texts and lab books by Dr. Rebecca Keller, available as downloadable PDFs for $5. This curriculum includes hands-on activities and experiments to deepen understanding of astronomical concepts. In Session 2, the focus shifts to Anatomy and Physiology, utilizing a variety of resources to give students a detailed understanding of the human body’s structure and functions. This approach ensures a well-rounded science education, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.
Social Studies
Our Social Studies curriculum is anchored by the acclaimed series “The Story of the World” by Dr. Susan Wise Bauer from the College of William and Mary. This series offers a comprehensive and engaging approach to learning about history, making it accessible and enjoyable for students of all ages.
The curriculum is designed to be adaptable, with the specific volume used depending on the students’ prior knowledge and grade level. This ensures that each student is challenged appropriately and can build on what they have already learned. “The Story of the World” covers a wide range of historical periods and regions, offering a global perspective on history.
In addition to the main textbook, our Social Studies program incorporates a variety of supplemental resources to enrich the learning experience. These may include primary source documents, historical fiction, biographies, and multimedia resources such as documentaries and interactive websites.
Students engage in diverse activities, such as map work, timelines, projects, and discussions, to deepen their understanding of historical events and their impacts. Critical thinking and analytical skills are emphasized as students learn to connect historical events to present-day issues.
Overall, our Social Studies curriculum aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of world history, foster a sense of curiosity about the past, and develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret historical information. This well-rounded approach prepares students to become informed and engaged global citizens.
Tech and Engineering
Our Engineering and Technology curriculum is designed to provide students with practical and theoretical knowledge, fostering innovation and technical skills. In Engineering, students will delve into the engineering process through both Mechanical and Civil Engineering disciplines, applying several physics principles. They will engage in hands-on projects that perform work, utilizing resources from “TeachEngineering” by the University of Colorado, which provides comprehensive materials for building and understanding engineering concepts.
In Technology, students primarily use code.org to learn the fundamentals of coding. As they gain proficiency, more experienced coders have the opportunity to progress to more advanced programming languages such as JavaScript or Python, tailored to their prior knowledge and experience. This curriculum ensures that students develop a solid foundation in both engineering and technology.
Ancient and Foreign Language
Our Ancient and Foreign Language curriculum offers students a rich and diverse linguistic education. For Latin, we use the “Latin for Children” series from Classical Learning Press, which provides a structured approach to learning Latin grammar and vocabulary, fostering a deep understanding of the language and its historical significance.
In Spanish, we employ a comprehensive program that combines multiple resources to ensure well-rounded language acquisition. “Spanish for Children” from Classical Learning Press focuses on grammar and structure, giving students a strong foundation in the mechanics of the language. Additionally, we incorporate QTalk’s Spanish program, which emphasizes natural speaking and conversational skills, helping students to use Spanish fluently in everyday situations. This dual approach ensures that students not only understand the rules of the language but can also communicate effectively.
Visual Art
Our Visual Art program is rooted in Victor Lowenfeld’s developmental approach, which is tailored to support and nurture the artistic growth of students at every stage of their development. This method emphasizes understanding and applying the Elements of Art—line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture—and the Principles of Design, which include balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity.
Students engage with a variety of themes that are consistent across all grade levels, ensuring a cohesive learning experience that builds on previous knowledge while introducing new concepts. Each unit is designed to be developmentally appropriate, allowing students to explore and express their creativity while mastering fundamental artistic skills.
Our teachers utilize the “Art in Action” resource, which provides a wealth of lesson plans, project ideas, and instructional strategies to enhance the learning experience. While this resource is comprehensive and valuable for instructors, students are not required to purchase it. Instead, they benefit from the curated content and structured guidance provided by their teachers, ensuring access to high-quality art education without additional cost.
Through this program, students not only develop technical skills and a deeper understanding of art concepts but also cultivate their ability to think critically and express themselves creatively. This holistic approach to visual art education aims to inspire a lifelong appreciation for the arts and foster artistic confidence in every student.