Placement
New students at Star Acdemy are given a thorough educational assessment to determine appropriate service levels and class placement.
Student Educational Assessments
Educational testing is a key component of Star Academy's comprehensive, effective program.
Prior to the start of the school year, all new incoming Star Academy students undergo hours of testing by our in-house specialists so that we may develop an appropriate education plan for each student. This assessement helps Star Academy determine the type and intensity of specialist services needed, if any. It also helps determine the appropriate math and reading groups for the student as well as homeroom class placement, among others. Learn More>
Educational testing is repeated again at the end of the first year for all new students. After the first year, all students continue to be tested annually at the end of every school year. In this way, we are able to track, measure and assess each student's progress and refine their individual education program for maximum impact.
Classrooms
Star Academy has seven multi-age classrooms. Class sizes are small, with up to 12 students per class. Classroom teachers use multi-sensory, hands-on teaching techniques and follow a curriculum based on California state content guidelines.
Homeroom Classrooms (2011-2012)
Grades 1-5 with Gayle & Linda
Grades 3-5 with Mariette & Nic
Grade 6 & 7 with Ryan, Christian & Julia
Grade 6 & 7 Laney & Michelle
Grades 7 & 8 with Marisa & Jimmy
High School with Sara & Kevin
High School with Lynn & Kelly
Curriculum
Our classroom curriculum includes all subjects typically found in traditional schools. Unlike traditional schools, this curriculum is individualized for the students’ needs and closely coordinated and integrated with the work specialists do one-on-one and in small groups with each student. In addition, a specialized skill-building curriculum is integrated into the classroom curriculum to address special areas of need, such as study skills, organizational skills, self-management, and social communication skills.
Classroom curriculum includes:
- Language arts
- Math (Making Math Real)
- Science
- History
- Geography
- Social Studies
- Journalism and other high school electives
- Internet research, keyboarding, and MSOffice
- Physical education and cross training
- Music
- Drama
- Art
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Study skills
- Social skills
Values
The values students learn at Star include:
- Respect for self and others
- Understanding and enjoying diversity
- Friendship: creating a sense of community, inclusion and belonging
- Service to others and community
- Productive habits
- Self-discipline and self-awareness
- Goal setting, planning, taking action
- Facing challenges and learning to move through frustration, disappointment and stress
- Taking responsibility and keeping agreements
- Communication: reaching out to others, sharing feelings, being supportive, and resolving conflicts
- Empathy and compassion
- Knowledge
- Integrity
