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Commitments | Old Town Academy

At Old Town Academy, we strive to help students reach their full potential and become future leaders. Our curriculum is more rigorous than standard elementary schools and requires a strong commitment from our students.

However, we also make a reciprocal commitment to students and their families.

Old Town Academy’s 16 commitments are listed below.

Learn about enrollment and waitlists. We are taking lottery applications for the 2024-2025 School Year - Sign Up for Consideration Now.

1. Equity and Excellence for All Students

We maintain high expectations for all students and ensure they have the learning skills and coaching they need to reach those expectations.

 

2. Balanced Curriculum

There are many different ways to reach academic success, and we believe that this should be reflected in the curriculum. Our Core Learning Strands include:

  • History & Geography
  • Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Art & Art History
  • Music
  • Physical Education

All Core Learning Strands are taught with an emphasis on project-based learning and digital literacy.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and Robotics are also major components of our curriculum.

 

3. Core Knowledge Curriculum

The Core Knowledge Curriculum allows students to explore or specialize in specific fields of study while also developing stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Core Knowledge is not the same as the Common Core Curriculum, but the educational standards do align with:

  • Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
  • Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
  • Visual and Performing Arts Standards (VAPA)
  • The Social Studies Framework
  • The Physical Education Framework
 

4. Clear Learning Goals

Every grade and learning strand will have clear learning goals that are well-understood by students, parents/guardians, and the community.

 

5. Measuring Our Own Progress

While it’s important to measure the progress of each student, it’s equally important to measure our own progress in helping students meet their learning goals. To do this, we employ:

  • An in-house quality assurance system
  • The MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Test
  • Project rubrics
  • Authentic assessments
 

6. Hands-On Learning

We maximize hands-on learning opportunities for students so they can better understand how theoretical concepts are applied in real life.

 

7. Quality Assessments

We want our students to submit quality work and adequately prove their learning skills, so we use an achievement-based “try again” grading process. This process ensures that students don’t move on to a new topic until they can demonstrate that they’ve gained a strong understanding of the current topic.

 

8. Small-Group Learning

We maximize one-on-one and small-group teaching opportunities so students get more attention and responsiveness from their teachers.

 

9. Students Choice

We believe that students should have some choice in how they navigate their learning experience, so we provide them with options for paths they can take to reach academic success.

 

10. Real-Time Feedback

We provide students with feedback as they work to complete assignments and projects, which ensures that students understand their learning goals and helps them produce high-quality work.

 

11. Meaningful Lessons

We want students to draw meaningful lessons from the material they’re learning. Clear learning targets, access to prior knowledge, and technological implementation help students apply what they’ve learned, which empowers them to change their environment.

 

12. Technology-Enhanced Learning

We believe that quality teachers are the most important factor in student learning. However, the use of technology can enhance learning in all content areas, so we provide a variety of technology for students that includes:

  • Desktop computers
  • iPads
  • Chromebooks
  • Mobile devices
  • Laptops
 

13. Safe Learning Environment

We foster a learning environment where it’s “cool to be smart,” and we maintain a strong anti-bullying policy.

 

14. Low Student-Teacher Ratio

During all learning periods, we strive to maintain a low student-teacher ratio so your student can receive more individualized instruction from their teacher.

 

15. Strong Students

Through our virtues and learning methods, we develop students who are self-motivated, self-disciplined, and socially responsible.

 

16. Community Service

We encourage students to use their knowledge and abilities to give back to their community. At Old Town Academy, we promote community service both within the school and through outside projects.

OTA Faculty Posing for Photo in Office

Testimonials

“Old Town Academy's commitment to high standards and personalized education has made a tremendous difference for my child. The school's dedication to equity and excellence ensures that every student receives the support they need to succeed. The rigorous curriculum and emphasis on core values have helped my child grow academically and personally” - Parent
 
“I really appreciate the commitments Old Town Academy has made to our education. The small class sizes and the supportive teachers make learning easier and more enjoyable. The focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications has made school exciting and relevant.” - Student
 

Learn More About OTA Admissions

Want to learn more about enrolling in Old Town Academy? Visit our Admissions page below.

Learn about enrollment and waitlists. We are taking lottery applications for the 2024-2025 School Year - Sign Up for Consideration Now.