Our Curriculum
Highly traditional, character centered, stressing basic skills and critical analysis. The curriculum recaptures educational prudence in the restoration of a tradition that once worked very well. Required core classes are based in Mathematics, Science, English, Government, History, Community Service and Leadership. Elective Classes include band, choir, art, drama, yearbook, PE (Sports), photography, government simulations, Hunter Safety and home economics. Our mixed media Art classes have received numerous awards for their work. The band and choir have performed in a variety of programs both on and off campus. Drama and Music productions are provided each semester.
The elementary school uses the famous Hillsdale Academy (Hillsdale, MI) conservative (classical) liberal arts curriculum focusing on "educational basics," including phonics, Total Reading, patriotism, America's founding fathers and great leaders, hands on science program, and Saxon Math.
Our Grading System:
| Mastery | A = 90% - 100+ |
| Proficiency | B = 80% - 89% |
| Competency | C = 70% - 79% |
| Unsatisfactory | D = 65% - 69% (No credit if in English/Math) |
| NO CREDIT | F = 64% and below. (Class must be repeated for credit) |
| Incomplete | I = Unresolved situation (Must be resolved or reverts to "F"). (Board Policy 5-2000) |
Elementary School Grading
Academic achievement is based on an understanding of the subject as evaluated by testing and teacher observation.
Kindergarten Readiness Skills |
Developmental Skills |
| + = Mastery of the skill | S = Satisfactory |
| - = Incomplete mastery | N = Need more time to develop |
| n.a. - Not assessed | n.a. - Not assessed |
| Grades 1 - 6 | Effort determined by potential |
| A = Excellent | O = Outstanding |
| B = Above average | S = Satisfactory |
| C = Average | U = Unsatisfactory |
| D = Unsatisfactory | |
| The report card will also reflect Citizenship. | |
Progress Reports:
The Academy provides a blank progress report form for students/teacher signature and comments indicating the student's status in class. This is not required by the school. However, it is strongly advised that parents insist their child bring a weekly report home. We further encourage rewards or loss of privileges be imposed as a result of the report. (See Sample Form) Elementary students take home a portfolio of their work approximately every two weeks for parent review.
Graduation/SAT ACT GED Testing:
AHA does not have an Elementary or Middle School graduation ceremony, only High School. It encourages students to take Community College classes, leading to a 2-year Associate degree, then transfer to Universities for higher education. The PSAT, ACT, SAT Testing is taken in other locations. AIMS Testing is required for graduation as required by the state.
All English and Math classes must have a "C" grade or better or class must be repeated for credit.
Graduate Board of Review:
Students who intend to graduate from AHA may be required to pass a Board of Review comprised of School Board members, Teachers, and Administration. The purpose of the Review is to ascertain that graduates are meeting the mission and standards of the school. Parents are encouraged to attend the Board of Review.
Student Portfolios:
Portfolios of completed objectives are maintained, which represent the best work performed to date. Portfolios, together with the required list of objectives are available for student or parent review.
Testing:
Required testing by the Sate of Arizona will be administered, including the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIM'S) for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, until graduation. Students are required to take a placement or assessment test to help properly place a student upon enrollment.
Honor Roll:
American Heritage Academy periodically holds assemblies to recognize these students of character, valor, academic and sports achievement.