ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (PK-5TH Grade)

  Junior Kindergarten: The formative year spent in the Junior Kindergarten supplements and extends early home experiences by planning the child's development through living and learning in a group. The program provides a stimulating variety of developmental and social growth activities. Emphasis is given to language acquisition for non-English as well as native English-speaking children. Auditory and visual skills are stressed as well as basic number and letter concepts. The child's development of social relationships, independence and self-confidence are an integral part of the program.

Kindergarten: The kindergarten program encourages further development as the child explores and learns about the world around him/her. Experiential learning provides the student with the foundation to make connections in subjects such as science, social studies and math. The language arts portion of the program provides a rich background through the use of real literature as well as a phonetic approach. The child's development of social relationships, independence and self-confidence continues to be important.

Grades One to Five: The curriculum in grade one through five is designed to lay a firm foundation for future academic study and also to develop a spirit of independence and self-reliance. The emphasis is on developing skills and concepts in the fundamental areas of reading, language and mathematics. Textbooks are primarily from the United States, with many other international resources utilized as well. Students study reading, language, spelling, social studies, mathematics and science. Additionally they have Spanish and Panamanian social studies and participate in computer, library, music, art and P. E. classes. English as a Second Language (ESL) and Spanish as a Second

Language (SSL) sessions are available to those students whose English or Spanish is limited. Hands-on learning and active student participation provide a motivating atmosphere. Field trips, cultural and musical activities as well as a designated time to read silently are an important part of the curriculum.

 

Grading System

            Grades in the elementary school are awarded on the percentage system.  Highest grade is 100, with 60 considered the minimum passing grade.

            100-90  (5.0 – 4.5)  A+, A, A-                    Excellent

              89-80 (4.4 – 4.0)   B+, B, B-                     Proficient

              79-70 (3.9 – 3.5)   C+, C, C-                     Basic

              69-60 (3.4 – 3.0)   D+, D, D-                   Unsatisfactory

              59-40 (2.9 or less) F                                  Failing

 

The elementary school report card reflects each student’s progress throughout the bimester based on standardized criteria.  Teachers show and give credit to the effort that the student puts into their work, reflecting how a child is working at school.  Effort will be evaluated in a range from 1 to 4.  Also the level of performance is indicated by an O, S or N underneath the reading, writing and math grades.  To treat each student as a unique individual within the context of his or her academic background, teachers design different activities and ways of assessing students.  The report card shows the modifications of   the program to allow children to perform at a level where they can learn and succeed.

 

The elementary school report card reflects each student’s progress throughout the bimester based on standardized criteria.  Teachers show and give credit to the effort that the student puts into their work, reflecting how a child is working at school.  Effort will be evaluated in a range from 1 to 4.  Also the level of performance is indicated by an O, S or N underneath the reading, writing and math grades.  To treat each student as a unique individual within the context of his or her academic background, teachers design different activities and ways of assessing students.  The report card shows the modifications of   the program to allow children to perform at a level where they can learn and succeed.

 

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Last Updated10/08/04