Academics at AEF Elementary School

AEF’s elementary school program focuses on establishing a solid foundation of skills from which the students can build upon. The elementary unit is comprised of our Primary Learning Center (PLC) where students are grouped by ability and grade.

A robust curriculum consists of core subjects such as Language Arts and Math supplemented by Art, Science, Social Studies, PE, Dance, Computers, IT, Social Skills, and Library.

AEF offers a rigorous academic program for students who learn differently. Children thrive through our focus on skill based learning, executive function training, and organizational skill building. Students with specific academic deficits including dyslexia or dysgraphia , are given the additional phonological instruction needed to finally "break the code". However, there are no reduced expectations.. Our students are presented with the same textbooks and materials as students in other schools, but in a manner that more closely matches their individual learning styles. Supplemental materials are carefully researched and then incorporated to enhance student learning.
Elementary School

A full curriculum emphasizing both group and individualized instruction

Grades 1-3: The Primary Learning Center (PLC)

• Students are given work on their level where they can be successful. This establishes daily opportunities for success in academic areas
• An emphasis is placed on making friends, treating friends, keeping friends, and functioning independently and within a group
• Building good learning habits - appropriate posture when sitting and writing, correct pencil grip, and strengthening muscle tone in fingers and hands
• Strong concentration on Reading, Language Arts, and Mathematics
• Supplemental materials and multi modal instructional approaches are incorporated to address a variety of learning styles
• Electives include: Social Skills, PE, Art, Dance and Movement, and Library
• Technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based research is integrated into the curriculum
• Standardized Testing is administered in the Spring. Testing does NOT determine whether child moves to the next grade. It is solely used for evaluation purposes and to ensure the students are progressing at an acceptable rate as compared to the national average.

Grades 4-5:

• Students are working on grade level and preparing themselves for Middle School Strong emphasis on organization skills, executive functioning, task analysis, focus, attention, and working within a time frame
• Supplemental materials and multi modal instructional approaches are incorporated to address a variety of learning styles
• Core classes include: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
• Electives include: Social Skills, PE, Art, Dance and Movement, Informational Technology and Library
• Technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, and web-based research is integrated into the curriculum
• Exams are administered once a quarter
• Standardized Testing is administered in the Spring. Testing does NOT determine whether child moves to the next grade. It is solely used for evaluation purposes and to ensure the students are progressing at an acceptable rate as compared to the national average.