Our mission is to offer a differentiated curriculum that supports education equity through consistent learning and growth; to enliven a love of learning and educational discovery through the exploration of Children’s Literature, and to provide all students a foundation for excellence in education upon which to build success in future learning.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to be the Charter School of choice in Washoe County by creating a unique learning environment using Children’s Literature and other proven learning techniques as the primary approach to teaching content, encouraging critical thinking, and developing leadership.
Educational Philosophy:
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’t, the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me… Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”- Shel Silverstein Give all students access to material and instruction at their developmental level. Differentiation is the primary approach to instruction. Students are engaged in a balanced and skills-based approach to literacy instruction.
“Tell me I’m clever, Tell me I’m kind, Tell me I’m talented, Tell me I’m cute, Tell me I’m sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I’m perfect– But tell me the truth.” — Shel Silverstein
Students are provided the opportunity to interact with experts, empowering students to take a position as literacy experts. Students will be asked to think critically and develop and critical consciousness.
“I’m right and you’re wrong, I’m big and you’re small, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” — Roald Dahl (Matilda)
A school where teachers, administration, staff, and parents work to lessen the teacher/student power dynamic. Teaching and learning are student-centered, and students are encouraged to interact with each other to construct meaning.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr. Seuss
Give students access to a variety of contemporary, diverse literature to motivate and engage students across the curriculum. Students go beyond learning to read and develop an understanding of the importance of reading to learn.
“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” — Dr. Seuss
Focus on interactive, hands-on, experiential learning. Students’ interests are valued and incorporated into a high-interest curriculum.
Our 2012-2013 primary students wrote a collective poem about the school and we think it is pretty fantastic!
Here it is:
The important thing about The Honors Academy of Literature
is that it is a place to learn and have fun.
We help each other,
We read many books together,
We work together on projects,
We get to switch classes, and
it feels like home.
But, the important thing about The Honors Academy of Literature
is that it is a place to learn and have fun.
