Academies » Academies

Academies

Emerson’s curriculum is based on the Common Core Standards and associated Frameworks in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, visual and performing arts, technology, health, and physical education.  The curriculum meets all state and LAUSD standards, rules, and regulations.  Emerson’s instructional program includes the use of instructional methodologies such as Constructivism, Bloom’s Taxonomy, Marzano’s Instructional Strategies, Project-Based Learning, and other research based effective strategies in order to develop our students’ knowledge and 21st century skills.  Four Academies, STEM, Arts and Media, Leadership, and Sports, will help students to develop as Whole Children, and as self-motivated lifelong learners, while deepening their understanding of the core subjects. Students will have the opportunity to select which Academy they want to participate in.

Academy lessons will occur every morning during designated “Academy Time” from 7:55am-8:45am (50 minutes) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 7:55am-8:32am (37) minutes on early dismissal Tuesdays.  The remainder of the school day is regular core academic class time, nutrition, and lunch.  All District required academic instructional minutes are met with this schedule.

While each academy has a different focus, projects, activities, and field trips, all of the academies will have some commonalities.  All academies will incorporate the following knowledge and skill topics into their lessons:

  • Citizenship- lessons on character development and the encouragement of community service
  • Organizational skills- Binder Reminder checks, planning
  • Intervention, feedback, and support- tutoring, study halls, conferencing, grade monitoring
  • College, career, and future readiness knowledge and skills
  • Use of Accelerated Reader to promote literacy
  • Leadership skills
  • Collaboration skills
  • 21st Century skills
  • An attitude of self-motivated life-long learning
Purpose of Academies—To Broaden the Student Experience
 
  • Theme-based personal learning environments, primarily during first period “Academy Time” (AT), but independent from course placements
  • Communities of students that share similar interests
  • Teachers nurture, mentor & monitor students’ academic and social-emotional growth
  • Students are exposed to unique experiences and challenged to think critically
  • May choose elective from within or out of one’s Academy
 
 
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
  • Robotics
  • Gardening
  • Forensics
ESA (Emerson Sports Academy)
  • John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success
  • CAA and UCLA athletic partnerships
  • AVID strategies and Cornell notes
  • Enhanced Fitness Goals
Arts and Media Academy
  • Performing arts (drama, set construction, costume design)
  • Theatricum Botanicum
  • Graphic design
Leadership Academy
  • Student government
  • Cheer squad
  • Peer Mediation
  • Teen “Tools for Tolerance” Program