Curriculum

➗ Math

The Academies of Math and Science curriculum infuses critical thinking and mathematical skills into every grade level. Beginning in kindergarten, AMS students develop skills in number sense, algebraic operations, measurement, data analysis, mathematical thinking, and geometry. Our program, Saxon Math, coupled with the math integration into our science program, teaches our students to apply math skills outside of the classroom and learn the relevance of math in today’s world.

⚗️Science

The AMS science program is thorough and challenging at all grade levels. AMS students immerse themselves in earth science, physical science, and life science studies with an emphasis on how to use the scientific method to understand, explain, replicate, question, and design their own inquiries in different scientific fields both inside and outside of the classroom. Our robotics club, science Olympiad team, and long-standing participation in the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation (SARSEF) provide students the opportunity to experience relevant real-world applications of scientific knowledge built in the classroom. 

📚 Language Arts

The AMS language arts curriculum encompasses all the necessary skills students need to become effective communicators, scholars, and helps students develop a lifelong love of learning. Our program emphasizes decoding, comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening. Students explore a range of genres including poetry, plays, autobiographies, realistic fiction, non-fiction, biographies, historical fiction, folktales, and many more. Our writing program encourages students to hone their written skill in both fiction and nonfiction. Our students often go on to become award-winning writers in local writing competitions across various genres. 

🌎 Social Studies

In the 21st century, modern students must be global thinkers. The AMS social studies program explores both historical and contemporary global events, world history and U.S. history and geography, and government and economics. Students learn about the influence of past cultures on current events and culture. AMS students study a range of cultures and history from around the globe and in the United States, and explore how a wealth of cultures have shaped our country into the nation it is today. Students build understanding of their role in their community, and learn how strong communities are built upon their own effort and partnership with others. Government studies focus on the identification, interpretation, and analysis of US and international government and economic functions. 

🎨 Art

An integral part of our curriculum, the AMS art program is structured in levels centered around the 14 elements and principles of art and design. Art projects at all grade levels introduce or reinforce critical concepts and vocabulary while offering students practice in various media and techniques. Hands-on practice encourages the mastery and retention of core concepts. The art program reinforces other curriculum areas by providing a real world connection between math, language arts, science, social studies, and the arts. For example, younger students explore patterns and symmetry through a pattern bugs project. Older students create visual models and sculptures to represent different concepts in science or social studies. 

🎸 Music

The AMS music program provides students with a broad knowledge and appreciation of music. Students attend music classes twice per week. Students in grades three and up learn how to play either the guitar or piano. Students perform in semester recitals that  demonstrate new and developing skills to the community at large. In addition to learning how to play music, students are taught the history of music from a variety of different cultural perspectives. And, students learn audiation, the ability to think in musical terms. This skill helps students understand and appreciate the core concepts at work in their favorite music. By learning the language of music, students develop a lifelong relationship with music.

💻 Technology

At AMS, we emphasize computer literacy and its applications in today’s technologically advanced world. We provide grade-appropriate instruction in a multitude of hardware and software applications ranging from Microsoft Word to programming robots. Students build technological vocabulary while applying newfound knowledge towards the creation of digital products. Our computer instruction program also facilitates the application of expanding knowledge by providing opportunities to actively and safely participate in internet research projects and related activities. These activities enable students to navigate through a wide range of reference source, further building their ability to investigate and learn in other curriculum areas. AMS provides computer instruction as a tool for lifelong learning, with the application of skills both inside and outside of the classroom. 

🏃‍♂️ Physical education

AMS understands the importance of maintaining a healthy mind and body. As such, Physical Education (PE) is a central part of our  program. All grade levels participate in PE on a weekly basis. Students in all grade levels play a variety of games that require the  use of both large and small motor functions. AMS students build cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength, and build an appreciation of physical fitness. Students learn the traditional rules of a number of sports and are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities. The ultimate goal of the AMS PE program is to foster teamwork in a safe and fun environment while building physical fitness and an appreciation for healthy living.

🗣️ Foreign Language

AMS provides students with opportunities to develop and expand their language skills through a comprehensive foreign language  program. Learning a second language is an essential part of any education as it enhances both language skills and logic abilities. Students in all grade levels are given the opportunity to take Russian or Mandarin. In addition to instruction provided by a fluent speaker, the AMS Mandarin and Russian program includes the exploration of the food, music, videos, and literature of Russian and Mandarin speaking populations.

🎓 Special Education (SPED)

The Academies of Math & Science fully comply with the requirements of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and strive to provide meaningful participation for every student with disabilities in the general education under our inclusion model. The inclusion of SPED students in our full academic program is facilitated through direct services, consultation, and support offered Special Education Teachers and Special Education support staff.