Academic Support

Reading Support is offered to any child who is identified by their teacher and through the results of the Star testing. Children who receive reading support meet either individually or in small groups 2-3 times per week. The focus on reading support in the elementary grades is on a systematic approach to teaching reading skills. At St. Ann's, reading support uses the Reading Assist program of instruction. This program is research based, systemic and multi-sensory. Students are taught skills for reading, writing, and spelling. As kids progress through grades, the focus of reading support shifts to academic support in reading heavy subjects. Students meet for pre-reading and re-reading Science/Social Studies, to prepare them for instruction in the classroom and to reinforce learning. 

Accelerated Reader is a computer based program used by our teachers to monitor, manage, and promote independent reading practice. Students are encouraged to choose a book on their own, within a their designated reading level. Reading levels are determined through the results of our Star testing. Students can take comprehension and vocabulary quizzes on their books. Feed back is immediate. Individual  reading goals are set for every student at school. Students are motivated to read by reaching their personal goals and gathering "points" for books finished and quizzes passed. We have found that the students who are engaged in this reading program show more steady improvement on their Star testing. 

St. Ann School added the concept of a MathLab to expand the time that the middle school students are exposed to Math on a weekly basis. Content for MathLab is mainly delivered through the Freckle Math program, which is self paced, but which still requires hands-on involvement from the teacher to ensure that the right concepts are being practiced and understood by the students.

The Advanced Math track at St. Ann School begins in 4th grade with an acceleration of the pace at  which the grade level curriculum is taught. Extra work is often assigned, and self motivation and discipline is expected from the students in this track. Successful completion of this enhanced, accelerated curriculum puts the students on track to complete Algebra 1 in 8th grade by skipping a grade-level book where appropriate in the ensuing years in this track.

Not all students are ready for this more challenging class assignment at the same time, which is why all students have a chance to move into the Advanced track during any year up to and including 8th grade. Readiness is usually determined through, but is not limited to, performance in Standardized tests, grades in the previous school year, and teacher recommendations.