Mission Statement and Founding Principles

Mission Statement: To provide each child with a content-rich, academically rigorous education using a well-defined, sequential curriculum in a safe, orderly, and caring environment.

Founding Principals

Academic Standards:

Academic rigor and achievement are our top priorities.
High academic standards are maintained with goals for continuous improvement.
Students are challenged at all levels.
Mastery of curriculum and standardized tests, among other assessments, shall be used to measure achievement and to assist in maintaining high academic standards.

Curriculum:

Littleton Academy uses Core Knowledge. The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts. As the core of a school’s curriculum, it is intended to provide a coherent, content specific foundation of learning, while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.

The curriculum is based on an expanded Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence.
The curriculum is sequential from grade to grade.
Reading and mathematics are emphasized, especially in the lower grades.
Reading and spelling are based on phonics.
Social sciences are taught from a traditional perspective.
Free debate is encouraged without regard to political correctness.
Music, art technology, physical education, and foreign language are important parts of the school.
A traditional, factual presentation of American heritage is presented.

Instructional Methods:

Frequent and substantive homework is assigned and graded.
Instruction is textbook-driven, with available digital or print resources going home in all practical subjects.
Time spent on non-academic subjects is minimized.
Ability grouping is used for math and reading.
Academic time on task is emphasized.
Correct spelling is emphasized at all grade levels; inventive spelling is not permitted.
Factual knowledge, memorization, and drills are important and used to achieve mastery.
Content and basic skills are emphasized.
Subjects are taught to mastery, not just exposure.
Corrective programs are implemented for students with gaps.

Assessments:

Traditional letter grades are used at all grade levels.
Frequent assessments are designed around the curriculum.
There is frequent communication with parents about student performance.
Students who do not meet minimum standards are retained in grade.
State, standardized, and benchmark tests shall be administered in grades K-8 throughout the year. Individual student results shall be provided to parent/guardian. This testing data will also drive decisions regarding ability groups.

Environment:

Teachers are presented and supported as authority figures.
The learning environment is structured and supervised.
Discipline is enforced in the classroom and throughout the school.
A dress code is enforced throughout the school.

Operations:

Meaningful parent/guardian participation is truly encouraged.
Instructional minutes will be more than Littleton Public Schools.
The number of in-service days is reduced during the school year.
Staff is employed “at will.” Ineffective teachers are not retained.
Parent/Guardian(s) are customers and, as such, provide input to staff evaluations.
Fiscal responsibility and appropriate planning shall be utilized both in the school’s governance and administration.

Littleton Academy Charter School