Van Houston Academy Educational Programs
Educational Programs
At Van Houston Academy, we offer academic classes that encompass all levels of education, from early childhood to high school, and it is designed to provide a holistic and effective educational experience for students.
We understand our crucial role in a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Our teaching program aims to provide a well-rounded and meaningful educational experience that empowers students to reach their full potential, become lifelong learners, and contribute positively to society. It embraces a student-centered approach, fosters a love of learning, and prepares students for success in their future endeavors.
Elementary Program
At Van Houston Academy, we provide a supportive and enriching learning environment for students, fostering their intellectual, social, and emotional development. Here are some key factors that contribute to a great elementary school program:
- High-Quality Teachers: Great elementary schools have dedicated and well-qualified teachers who are passionate about education and skilled in working with young learners. They create engaging lessons, adapt to students’ needs, and provide individualized support when necessary.
- Effective Curriculum: The curriculum should be well-designed, age-appropriate, and aligned with educational standards. It should cover a range of subjects, including mathematics, science, language arts, social studies, and the arts, while allowing for hands-on and experiential learning.
- Small Class Sizes: Smaller class sizes enable teachers to provide more individualized attention to students, identify learning gaps early, and create a more personalized learning experience.
Middle School Program
We recognize the unique developmental needs of adolescents and provide a supportive and engaging learning environment. Middle school is a critical transitional period in a student’s education, and an effective program should address academic, social, and emotional growth. Here are some key factors that contribute to a great middle school teaching program:
- Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: The curriculum should be tailored to the cognitive and emotional development of middle school students. It should provide a challenging yet developmentally appropriate learning experience, gradually increasing in complexity as students progress through the grades.
- Project-Based Learning: Engaging teaching methods, such as project-based learning, can make lessons more relevant and meaningful for middle school students. Hands-on projects and collaborative activities encourage critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Student-Centered Learning: Middle school programs should empower students to take ownership of their learning. Teachers facilitate a student-centered approach where students have a say in their learning, set goals, and engage in self-assessment.
High School Program
A great high school teaching program is one that prepares students for success in their academic pursuits, career aspirations, and personal lives. It should offer a comprehensive education that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and personal growth. A great high school teaching program prepares students academically, socially, and emotionally for the challenges they will face after graduation. It should equip them with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success in higher education, careers, and civic life.
- Challenging Curriculum: Our school provides a rigorous curriculum that aligns with educational standards and prepares students for college, career, and life. Advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) are available for motivated students.
- College and Career Guidance: Our school has dedicated teachers and resources to guide students through the college application process, scholarship opportunities, and career exploration. This includes SAT/ACT test prep and financial aid assistance.
- Extracurricular Activities: We offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, arts programs, and community service opportunities, allowing students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and build a sense of community.
- International and Cultural Education: We promote global awareness and cultural understanding through international exchange programs and multicultural education can broaden students’ horizons and prepare them for a globalized world.
- Assessment and Feedback: Effective assessment practices, including formative and summative assessments, help track student progress and inform instruction.
- Community Engagement: We encourage high-schoolers to actively engage with the local community, fostering partnerships with businesses, organizations, and community leaders to provide students with real-world experiences and opportunities.
- Character Education: Teaching values, character traits, and social-emotional skills is important in high school. Our teachers are dedicated to teaching these skills to help students develop into responsible, empathetic, and ethical individuals.
Unique Classes
VIETNAMESE LANGUAGE – We offer Vietnamese as one of our classes for students from kindergarten through Middle School. We have received a lot of positive feedback from our parents who are very happy that their children can speak their native language.
SPANISH LANGUAGE – Our high school students have Spanish as their language class.
LION DANCE – We are very excited to offer our students the Lion Dance class starting this year, 2023! Our students are over the moon with such dynamic activity and have been enjoying participating in our lion dance team!