Elementary
Elementary School Curriculum
Gig Harbor Academy is committed to providing the highest quality education to all students. One way to provide a quality education is with an effective curriculum that reflects high standards and expectations. Thus, GHA has developed rigorous content standards aligned with national guidelines. These expectations are aligned with the curriculum that is used by the classroom teacher for daily instruction. GHA believes in educating the whole-child, therefore these expectations are the foundation upon which teachers build an individualized educational experience for each student. Because of learning styles and differences, we recognize that not all children reach the same expectations at the same time. GHA teachers value ongoing, open communication with families to monitor and support each child’s development.
Literacy
Beginning in the lower grades, there is a deliberate focus on explicitly teaching early literacy skills. Following the Science of Reading, teachers use the program Really Great Reading as their basis. In tandem, Gig Harbor Academy draws from the ELA curriculum Wit & Wisdom to promote reading and writing acquisition through the upper grades. Literacy instruction includes teaching phonics, spelling, grammar, writing, comprehension, fluency, and oral presentations. To the latter, GHA students are given myriad opportunities to publicly speak and showcase their learning, including weekly assemblies. Students receive literacy instruction through modeled, shared, guided and independent reading and writing experiences. Over time, students build background knowledge and develop autonomy in the complex process of becoming readers, writers, and orators.
Mathematics
Students at GHA gain deep mathematical insights with an emphasis on problem-based, hands-on, and visual learning deepened through discussion. While teachers are empowered to purposefully weave math into other content areas and integrate supplemental resources to meet the individual needs of each student, GHA uses EnVision Math as its primary math curriculum. Aligned through 5th grade, students actively explore mathematical ideas to develop understanding and fluency. They collaborate and investigate to develop deep conceptual understandings. An intentional use of whole-class, small group, and individual conferencing experiences enable teachers to guide each student toward demonstrating their fullest potential in math. An emphasis is placed on discovering that there is often more than one way to arrive at an understanding and equipping students with the mathematical and linguistic tools to justify their reasoning.
Social Studies
Social Studies at Gig Harbor Academy has inquiry at the heart of instruction. Teachers and students alike use questions to spark curiosity, guide instruction, and deepen understanding of topics being investigated. Using the curriculum Inquiry Journeys as a guide, each unit takes root in a series of compelling questions that draws from one or more of the social studies disciplines of civics, economics, geography, and history. Embracing an inquiry-based approach, students are drawn into collaborative, sustained investigation, and their thinking culminates in informed action.
