What drives our curriculum?
At Harbour Pointe Preparatory Academy, our curriculum is driven by:
- Educational excellence
- Character development
- Service to our community
These priorities are guided by our Compass Values—Service, Teamwork, Achievement, and Respect—and by a leadership focus that we weave through every grade level and subject.
We are committed to equity and access. Our curriculum promotes inclusion through both content and delivery, and we uphold a strong non-discrimination stance. We work to ensure all students can access learning—including students with disabilities and English learners—through individualized supports and accommodations in alignment with IDEA, Section 504, and state and federal guidance. Details are outlined in our Accessibility & Special Programs information.
What do we want our students to learn?
We want our students to excel across all state standards–aligned subjects, grow into curious, reflective learners, and become responsible citizens at the local, national, and global levels. Our aim is to provide a strong foundation so students become confident, articulate, and knowledgeable leaders.
Key features of our curriculum
- Inclusive and multicultural: We celebrate diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, preparing students to thrive in modern American life.
- Whole-child focus: We nurture academic achievement and well-being—promoting physical and mental health, self-motivation, self-direction, and resilience.
- Leadership development: Leadership is intentional, character-forming, and civic-minded. Through projects, roles, and reflection, students practice ethical decision-making and community contribution anchored in our Compass Values.
- Personalized and challenging: Instruction is relevant to our community and responsive to student needs. With targeted supports (including MTSS tiers), all students—especially those who are emerging, accelerating, or have specific learning needs—are known, challenged, and supported.
- Reading at the core: Literacy unlocks every subject. From the earliest grades, we use a systematic, explicit approach to phonics and build strong comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency so students read widely and joyfully.
- Knowledge-rich and coherent: Our scope and sequence is broad, balanced, and cumulative—so students “know more and remember more.” Clear end-of-grade expectations are broken into teachable building blocks, with ongoing checks for understanding and meaningful feedback.
- Strong disciplinary foundations: Students learn through discrete subjects with discipline-specific knowledge and skills, while literacy practices thread through every class.
- Real-world connections: We spotlight problem-solving and authentic applications, often partnering with local organizations to make learning meaningful and memorable.
- Beyond the bell: Our enrichment program centers on five pillars—Athletics, Creativity & Design, Performing Arts, Entrepreneurship, and Service-Learning.
Early Learning (Pre-K & Kindergarten)
Our Early Learning program follows the state’s Early Learning Standards and provides individualized teaching and playful exploration. We develop the whole child across seven interconnected areas:
Prime Areas
- Personal & Emotional Development
- Communication & Language
- Physical Development
Specific Areas
- Literacy
- Mathematics
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts & Design
Learning happens through purposeful play, small-group and whole-class experiences, and a balanced mix of teacher-led and child-initiated activities. Students build ideas, practice self-regulation, learn classroom norms, and collaborate as they investigate and solve problems.
Foundational Phonics
In Early Learning and early elementary, we use a rigorous, systematic phonics approach with daily, explicit instruction, cumulative review, and frequent assessment to ensure every child gains strong decoding, spelling, and early writing skills.
Elementary & Middle Grades (Grades 1–8)
Students engage in discrete, standards-aligned classes that typically include:
- English Language Arts (with ongoing, explicit phonics and word study in early grades)
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies (History & Geography)
- Civics/Character & Leadership
- Art & Design
- Design & Technology / STEM
- Computer Science / Digital Literacy
- Music
- Health & Physical Education
- World Language (as offered)
- Personal, Social, and Emotional Learning (PSEL)
A whole-school curriculum map outlines what is taught and when for each grade, showing how knowledge and skills build coherently from year to year.
How we teach and assess
- Clear goals: Each unit defines the most important knowledge and skills, with success criteria students can understand.
- Strong instruction: Lessons balance direct instruction, guided practice, discourse, and independent work—anchored in complex text, problem solving, labs, and performance tasks.
- Ongoing assessment: We use checks for understanding, common assessments, and performance tasks to monitor progress and adjust instruction quickly.
- Targeted support & extension: Through MTSS, small-group instruction, and enrichment pathways, students get just-right challenge and help.
Enrichment & Leadership
We believe in the power of enriching experiences to deepen learning and character. Opportunities include clubs, sports, visual and performing arts, makerspace/robotics, entrepreneurship projects, and service-learning partnerships with community organizations—each designed to cultivate leadership and a sense of purpose.
Access & Support
Harbour Pointe Charter Academy ensures access for all learners, including students with disabilities (IEPs), students with 504 Plans, English learners, and advanced learners. Families can review our Accessibility & Special Programs information for details on identification, services, and communication.