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Academics & Co-Curricular Instruction

A group of scholars smiling.

ECS is committed to providing each scholar the keys to open any door they choose for their future. From the earliest grades, our curriculum focuses on mastery of foundational skills, exposure to common knowledge, and participation in rich tasks that ask scholars to apply what they’ve learned. ELA, Math, Social Studies/Science are taught daily in K-8, along with co-curricular experiences such as dance, art, music, and PE. Our scholars read award-winning novels, write to persuade, study the scientific method, and debate the impact of historical events. Pre-AP classes are offered to middle school scholars.​ To ensure equity of instruction across the network, our scholars are asked to engage in various assessments throughout the year which are closely reviewed by principals and network leaders. We do this because we are dedicated to offering only the best, research-based practices for the scholars in our schools. 

The Big Picture

Our academics and specials follow key elements of the Excellence Model, including:

High Academic Standards

Teachers design lessons, projects, and personalized work based on informed data and observation of each scholar’s progress in order for them to reach their full potential. Teachers also plan flexibly so that the interests of their class can evolve throughout the school year. We are fully aligned to New York State & Connecticut standards.

Liberal Arts Curriculum

ECS prides itself on preparing scholars in the core subjects of science and history, and dedicates up to two hours of the school day to both math and English language arts. We believe each subject should be fully learned and respected which is why our schools insist on traditional study halls, subject blocks, longer school days, as well as Saturday Academy and standardized test prep.

Flexible Grouping

Flexible grouping allows for targeted support and challenge, exposure to grade-level and above text, and academic growth. Students are grouped by skill level for instruction and test preparation.

There are no surprises when you receive your scholars' report card because data drives instruction at ECS. Parent-teacher conferences are held in the winter and spring.

 

Excellence Community Schools offers departmental support to our scholars to help ensure their success both inside and outside of the classroom. 

Collaboration

The Academics Department collaborates with our school leaders, teachers, parents, and community members to provide a high-quality education for all our scholars. We create a supportive environment in which empathy, positive interactions, responsible decision-making, self-confidence and self-awareness are nurtured. We set high expectations and implement engaging and research-based instructional strategies that are continually monitored and adjusted to meet the needs of our learners.

STEM and Innovations

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and Innovations introduces scholars to computer science curriculum as early as kindergarten at our Bronx Excellence schools.  

Beyond the classroom, the STEM and Innovations team has successfully established partnerships with top technology companies, medical schools, and research facilities to give our scholars opportunities to distinguish themselves. Partners include Albert Einstein Medical College of Medicine’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and Google’s Code-Next program.

 Learn more about the Excellence modeL 

 

Scholars working in group setting

Core Subjects

Co-Curricular Instruction​

Examples include:

  • Art ​
  • Music​
  • Physical Education​
  • Computers​

Field Trips​

  • Tied to core curriculum​
  • Local​
  • Out of state, including Washington, D.C. (2-day experience) & Philadelphia 

 Learn more about field trips 

Scholars make bubbles at the Hall of Science exhibit in Queens, NY.

Scholars create a bubble at the Hall of Science in Queens, NY.

Home-School Partnership

  • Ongoing Communication from teachers ​
  • Progress Reports provide biweekly regular updates on  performance ​
  • Report Cards are distributed at the end of the marking period​
  • Parent–Teacher Conferences  twice a year​

Our Partnership aims to:

  • Create a supportive learning environment at home​
  • Communicate clear expectations for achievement​
  • Stay actively involved in your scholar’s school life​
  • Read regularly together to build skills and foster a love of learning​

Academic Partners