Teaching & Learning

The School Day

The school day begins at 09:00 and ends at 15:45. Students are supervised on the playground from 08:30 to 09:00. We ask that all students arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the school day so that they can be ready to learn at 09:00 sharp! 

How We Assess Learning

Students are also involved in the learning process by giving critical feedback to their peers and themselves. Assessment can occur from written tests, lab reports, presentations, performances, observations, research papers, projects, etc. Report cards are used to provide feedback on students’ level of mastery and to provide important anecdotal observations about a student’s progress and social development. Students take a standardized, norm-referenced test (MAP) twice every year in grades 3 – 5.  Once a year, students lead their own conferences and communicate their learning to their parents using a portfolio of their work during the Student-Led Conferences.

Curriculum Resources

Textbooks supplement, rather than direct, the curriculum at ACS Athens. Students learn beyond typical textbook requirements and strengthen higher level thinking skills. In addition to the texts listed, teachers frequently draw upon primary sources (including guest speakers or performers), library/media, online resources, computer software, trade books and literature to enhance the curriculum. 

Resources are provided to all students by their classroom teachers and are accessible through Moodle, the school's learning management system (see below for details). All books loaned to students will be returned to the teacher at the conclusion of each course. Students who withdraw from school should return all resources before their records can be cleared. If a student fails to return books or damages them, there will be a fee to replace the resource. 


Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten


Conscious Cub

The ACS Athens Early Childhood mascot serves as a role model who will help our youngest students grasp the complex concepts of the ACS Athens school philosophy in a child-relatable manner. In his fun-loving approach, he will communicate ACS’s three R’s (Respect, Responsible, and Ready) and define the profile traits of an ACS Athens graduate. Conscious Cub is a large friendly bear who will help our students develop conscious citizen's traits from the early years.

Dogs in Learning (DIL)

All NEW Early Childhood Dogs in Learning Program 

Never too little to make a difference!

The Early Childhood Dogs in Learning Program entails both indoor as well as outdoor sessions once per week for PJ-2nd grade. The program focuses on developing Conscious Citizenship, reading, and writing skills. 

This program blends to meet both the social and emotional needs of our students as well as encourage literacy with dogs inspiring children to take risks in their reading and being the muse in their writing.  Research indicates that working with a dog improves students’ self-esteem as they see their dog respond to their requests, thus providing a tangible experience in leadership and empowering students to become accountable decision-makers in all areas of life. Enabling students to care for, work with, and train a dog, helps them realize that every action has a consequence regardless of who they are or how old they are. This approach aligns with our holistic education and our aim to further develop conscious citizens.

Having the opportunity to work with professionally trained dogs under the supervision of canine behaviorists and faculty here at ACS Athens helps focus, channel, and connect positive energy and memories for the school year and beyond. Early Childhood students are becoming architects of their own learning, becoming self-aware, conscious citizens already on their way to improving life and living on our planet.

The Junior Kindergarten Program

For ages 3 and 4

The Junior Kindergarten Program is a two-year program available to children who turn three years old by December 31st of the current school year. The school day begins at 09:00 and ends at 13:00.

A Day Care program from 13:00 until 15:45 is offered to parents who wish to extend their child’s schedule. A hot lunch is provided during Day Care.

English is the language of instruction, and each classroom has a teacher and an aide.

The primary goal of Junior Kindergarten is to recognize and meet the developmental needs of each child and to assist them in developing to their full potential. Teachers work with all levels of English proficiency from non-speakers to native speakers. Progress is made on a timetable that is unique to each child. At any given time, children in this class are at a variety of developmental levels. The classroom teacher and the classroom aide collaborate to create developmentally appropriate activities via flexible grouping. Teachers serve as facilitators while they create a learning environment that enables children to make choices which enhance their learning process. Most importantly, we want to make the experience of school a positive one by ensuring a smooth transition from home to school, building social skills and good work habits.

The Kindergarten Program

For ages 5 and 6

Kindergarten is a full day (09:00 to 15:45) program serving children who turn five years old by December 31st of the current academic year. The program offers Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Math, Science, Social Studies, Greek or Arabic, Music, Art, Technology, Library, and PE. Class sizes are small, usually with a maximum of 20 students per class with an assistant.

Activities vary throughout the day and include listening to and reading unit related stories and information books, discussions, writing stories, cooking, performing science experiments, making graphs, creating artwork, exploring many different media, dramatization, singing, music, and movement.

In Kindergarten, students learn to read and write all letters of the alphabet and develop reading and writing skills. Students learn math in a conceptual and constructive way. Math concepts include numeration, sorting, making patterns and measurement, math vocabulary, graphing, addition and subtraction, world problems, shapes, and greater/less than.

An essential learning element in Early Childhood is play. Our guiding belief is that play is every child’s right and intrinsic need. Children do not play to learn, but rather learn through play. Play serves an important function in the cognitive, creative, language, social, and physical development of young children (Saracho, 1986). Furthermore, while engaging in some form of play, children learn about problem-solving, taking turns, responsibility and caring for materials, negotiating roles, role-playing, sharing, and developing concentration.

Learning Stations

The classroom is set up with different centers.

Reading Center

Students have the opportunity to use all classroom materials mentioned in the Writing Center. Big books, poems, hanging word picture charts, graphics, chants, and songs (all in enlarged print) are easily accessible. Students understand that words are made up of sounds, sounds are represented by letters and each letter has a sound (phonetic awareness). Students learn to sound out and blend letters to make words (c-a-t ＝cat). Children are also introduced to high frequency words through activities that help them learn to recognize, read, and write these words.

Math Center

 Some of the items found at this center include pattern blocks, cuisenaire rods, unifix cubes, geoboards, counters, math games, puzzles, ten frames, dice, and number lines.

We build a strong foundation of basic mathematical concepts with manipulatives and real-life contexts in the classroom (calendar, play and math games). Students’ natural ability to learn through play is harnessed and supported.

Students work with math manipulatives. The following topics are covered: sorting, patterns, number sense, basic addition and subtraction, measurement, introduction to place value, and an introduction to geometry according to their developmental level. We emphasize understanding the basic concepts with concrete objects first and only then move on to using the mathematical symbols. Much learning in math occurs hands-on and, as a result, worksheets are secondary. The teacher keeps anecdotal records of student progress in math.

Writing Center     

Students are assigned activities where they develop their writing abilities. This center is equipped with writing folders, journals, magnetic boards, dry-erase boards, blank and lined paper, pencils, Play-Doh and magnetics, wooden and plastic letters. At the beginning of the school year, teachers work with students to scribe their stories. As students begin to understand phonetic awareness and phonics they begin writing on their own. Students draw pictures and “write” (from scribble to random letters and inventive spelling to whole sentences) according to their developmental level. Through our Language Art curriculum, students are introduced to informational and narrative writing. Students are called writers during workshops and are encouraged to write and draw as many details as they can. Students go back to their writing to add words and picture details. Writing pieces are shared and published when made into classroom books.

Students need to learn the letter sounds and letter names to ‘crack’ the reading/writing code. Teachers provide daily opportunities for them to ‘have a go’ at writing themselves. In this way, they actively think through how to encode their own message in writing and with continual practice get better at it. Copying takes initiative away from the child and is just passive handwriting practice.

Art Center

The Art Center is both an important and fun center for students. Students are encouraged to dabble in a variety of media. Some of the media found at this center include tempera paints, glue, crayons, markers, pastels, scissors, chalk, finger paint, plasticine, paper and fabric. This is one of our most popular centers and students are given the opportunity to express themselves through a variety of materials and processes throughout the day.

Students are encouraged to look carefully at real objects and notice patterns and shapes to help them draw for themselves. Different media and techniques are introduced over the year. Students are taught to care for materials themselves. At this age the process of making something is often more important than the final product. Experimentation is encouraged. Kindergarten students additionally attend art class twice a week with an art specialist. 

Cooking Center

We also have a Cooking Center! At this center, students have the opportunity to explore concepts in Math and Science and to develop their oral language, fine motor skills, and to indulge the senses, naturally.

Students learn about nutrition, measurement and sequencing while following a step-by-step process and developing independence. Emergent reading skills are practiced by reading through recipes and students practice math skills by counting and recognizing numerals.

Dramatic Play Center

This center includes a housekeeping area, dolls and dollhouse, puppets, and dress-up clothes. This area is used for role playing, cooperative learning, and dramatic play. This center is periodically changed throughout the year transforming into a doctor’s office, a house, a flower shop, etc.

Supplies Needed for JK and Kindergarten

 

       and ESAS.

 

Appropriate Clothing for JK & Kindergarten

Getting Ready for the Big Day - JK and Kindergarten Readiness

Starting school is an exciting time for both child and parent as it marks the beginning of a very important stage in a child’s life.  Before your child starts school, make sure he/she can:

In order to to ease any frustration or anxiety before school starts, we also strongly urge parents to: 

Sample Schedule for Grades 1 - 5

Foreign Language Classes 1-5

Greek Language Arts

The Greek Language Arts program is addressed to native or near native speakers of the Greek language, who have adequate and age-appropriate skills in reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. The instruction is solely in Greek. Emphasis is given in grammar, age-appropriate writing activities and selected topics of Greek Mythology, History, Literature and Culture.

Greek Language and Culture

1. Beginners 

The Greek Language and Culture Beginners program is addressed to non-native speakers of the Greek language who wish to develop their communicative skills. At the Beginners' level students build their basic vocabulary while developing reading and writing skills appropriate to their age.  Instructions are mainly delivered in Greek but English is used to facilitate understanding.

2. Intermediate

The Greek Language and Culture Intermediate program is addressed to non-native/near native speakers of the Greek language.  Students enrich their vocabulary and are encouraged to use it in various everyday situations while they are further developing their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Students are also introduced to age-appropriate topics of Greek Mythology, History and Culture. Instructions are mainly delivered in Greek, but English is sometimes used to facilitate understanding.

General Notes

Students are given a placement test to determine class designation.

Arabic

Designed for native speakers of Arabic, there is a different curriculum for each grade level. A course description is on file with the Foreign Language Coordinator written in Arabic for your review.

Specials Classes 1-5

Art, Music, Technology, Library Media Center, Science Lab, Physical Education

Art

Students learn and practice the elements of art through exploration, play, and creative discovery with a variety of 2D and 3D artistic mediums. They are also introduced to a wide range of historical and contemporary artists covering many movements and styles. Students become responsible artists by practicing organizational skills, clean-up habits, and learning how to view and discuss art. Art classes meet twice a week.

Music

Students are guided through the prime ideas of music. They listen to, learn, compose, and perform music from different parts of the world and of different styles and are encouraged to use several tuned and untuned instruments. Beginning in 1st grade, students learn how to read music. Third and fourth-grade students need to have their own recorder. Music classes meet twice a week.

Technology

The elementary computer literacy program introduces students to the computer’s main function as a tool for research, writing, and other primary applications. The applications are incorporated into units of study and are integrated into the elementary school curriculum, so students become responsible and independent digital citizens.

Library Media Center

Students visit the library for lessons that integrate with homeroom content and to check out books. Weekly lessons include opportunities to develop research skills, build vocabulary, appreciate literature, and learn how to select appropriate reading material. Students are encouraged to select one book at their independent reading level and one book of free choice for their weekly reading. 

Science Lab

Students from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade conduct hands-on experiments and begin to build an understanding of basic crosscutting concepts, practices, and disciplinary core ideas to discover how each of these connects and applies to the world in which they live. The curriculum follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) aligned with AERO standards and emphasizes design thinking and highlights scientific inquiry skills. Students visit the Science Lab once a week or once every two weeks.

Physical Education

The physical education program at ACS Athens is a vital part of the holistic schooling experience that provides all students with an opportunity to develop a positive lifestyle. We strive to empower all students towards maintaining regular, lifelong physical activity for a healthy and productive life. Activities are designed to improve strength, endurance, social skills, and overall general health. Physical Education classes meet twice a week.

Learning Management System

Moodle and Seesaw

Moodle is our password-protected Learning Management System (LMS) that gives students access to learning activities and resources as well as information about class subjects. Students can also retrieve their daily homework and class announcements from their class Moodle shell. Furthermore, students are acquainted with the use of their personal ACS emails, the use of Google Suite, Seesaw (digital portfolio) and other digital tools and resources.  Parents can follow student learning through the Learning Journey tab on Moodle.

In 4th and 5th Grades, specifically, students further develop their Moodle skills that help them build their pre-blended learning confidence so that they are ready for a smooth transition to fully blended learning as they enter 6th Grade. Through Moodle, students can access sites and content at home while building their independence as learners.

Approval for Online Learning

Approval Process for Online Learning and Expectations of Students

 ACS Athens aims to have all students on campus while maintaining the safest of circumstances for everyone. ACS Athens is not an online school and the goal is to conduct learning on campus as much as possible for all students. Online learning may be offered for situations related to short-term emergency circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the request to be approved, the request must be accompanied by a specific short-term timeline for return to face-to-face instruction.

Approval for online learning will be considered only in the following circumstances:

High-risk medical factors related to the pandemic and validated by a certified physician;

Requests for online learning must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.

Students who are not feeling well (such as light flu and/or cold symptoms) must stay home, rest, and return to school after their symptoms have improved. If the   symptoms persist, the family may request short-term online learning, providing medical documentation.

 Requests in the Elementary School must be submitted via email to the Principal, Director of Early Childhood, Citizenship Coordinator, and School Nurse.

 Parents and Guardians of students approved for online learning must realize the courses are offered in real-time and students are obligated to join the classes, with their cameras and microphones fully functioning, through Moodle and Zoom during the scheduled classroom time. Online students will follow the synchronous schedule. Only homeroom and Foreign Language/ESL will be available for synchronous lessons while Specials (including music, art, P.E., and technology) will remain asynchronous.

Attendance will be taken based on student presence in the virtual sessions and excessive absences and/or disruptions will result in a discontinuation of the approval for virtual learning.

 Expectations for Students Approved for Online Learning

 It should be noted that instruction is designed for the face-to-face classroom. Students who attend classes virtually must be very focused and able to learn with limited interaction and contact with their peers and teachers.