Curriculum
Big Pine Academy provides a special early childhood program. Classes begin for students who are three years old and toilet trained. Four year olds can take part in the public VPK program (Voluntary Pre-K) and then stay on the afternoon for an enriched pre-k4 curriculum.
Kindergarten , First, Second Third, Fourth and Fifth grades, taught by talented and highly qualified teachers, create the sort of learning environment that most adults can only remember with fondness. Our classrooms are never larger than 20 students and the amount of learning that goes on reflects this.
At Big Pine, our children have brains and spirit and that is how we like it.
Math:
Our math program is both rigorous and very hands-on, as benefits young learners. We use Harcourt Math, a solid curriculum and augment it with outside resources. Math is also taught in centers where children can "play" with materials that reinforce what they have learned and give them the opportunity to investigate mathematical concepts in the real world.
Reading:
Harcourt is a research-based, scientifically defensible, developmental reading/language arts program. Explicit phonics instruction; direct reading instruction; guided reading strategies; phonemic awareness instruction; systematic, intervention strategies; integrated language arts components; and state-of-the-art assessment tools ensure every student successfully learns to read.
Science:
The Eco-science program at Big Pine Academy is one of a kind. The Big Pine area is the protected habitat for both key deer and the bald eagle and all of this natural wonder is incorporated into a meaningful program that is immediately relatable. The program also satisfies the Sunshine State standards and major FCAT topics. We fill out the program with material from Harcourt Science.
Other Areas of study include:
Holistic Health and Physical Education: A program of physical activity, good sportsmanship and good health practices
Spanish: Every Friday the children end their week learning Spanish.
Art Appreciation: This class offers a range of activities from wild finger painting parties to appreciation of the great works of art, the artists and their techniques.
Music Appreciation: During this class, the students will participate in activities ranging from banging on a drum to recognizing a piece by Mozart. The children are exposed to the great music and composers of the Western tradition. Music appreciation also gives them a chance to feel the power and enjoyment of our great musical history and make some music on their own.
Enrichment: Each Monday, the children participate in a Whole Class Enrichment Class. Students are challenged to think at higher levels in supplementing the traditional curriculum