Elementary School
In the Elementary School (KG - Grade 5), the US Common Core (math and English), Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) social studies standards, along with other best-practice international frameworks, provide the foundation for learning. The standards provide benchmarks and success criteria for each grade level and are designed to build upon the most advanced current thinking about preparing students for future success. The standards are the learning goals for what students should know, be able to do, and communicate at each grade level. They are designed to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to reach their full potential.
A Holistic and Inquiry-Based Approach to Learning
At ASHK, we are committed to providing a balanced and holistic program with equal emphasis on the intellectual, social, creative and physical domains. Our program is designed to instill a love of learning through hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that incorporate student interests while setting high expectations in all areas of our holistic curriculum. This inquiry and concept-based approach to teaching and learning promotes the development of critical thinking and empowers students to become independent, self-actualized, critical thinkers and problem-solvers.
Core subjects (English, math, science, social studies) will be taught by the student's homeroom teacher. ASHK has adopted the Teachers College Reading and Writing Program from Columbia University, New York and uses Eureka (Engage NY) math curriculum that carefully sequences the mathematical progressions into expertly crafted modules. Students will move to different areas of the building for classes taught by subject area specialists (visual arts, music, PE, Chinese).
A Personalized and Supportive Environment
The size of our school is small enough to support a more personalized approach and large enough to provide students with an opportunity to form various friendships and learn from multiple perspectives. For students who are still developing their English language skills, we offer a comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) program. As part of our individualized learning approach, support is provided by specialist teachers who help students belong, flourish, achieve, and excel at their learning goals. Learn more about our EAL program here.
Specialist Programs
Beyond the core academic curriculum, our specialist programs provide a well-rounded education that develops the whole child.
- STEAM: Our integrated STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum leverages inquiry and design to foster true innovation. Students become effective at teamwork, flexible thinking, and creative problem-solving.
- Chinese Language: The Chinese program is a comprehensive acquisition and development program with five lessons a week for all grade levels. We have established separate ability-based learning streams (CAL, CHL, CSL, CFL) to accommodate students' varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds, helping them develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to an optimal level.
- Music and Fine Arts: Students across all grade levels are exposed to Music and Fine Arts, which is associated with gains in mathematics, verbal skills, cognitive ability, and critical thinking. It inspires intrinsic focus, improves motivation and confidence.
- Physical Education (PE): The PE curriculum helps students develop an understanding of what they need to make a commitment to healthy, active living.
A Partnership with Parents
We recognize the crucial role that parents play as primary caregivers. Our faculty are committed to honoring parents as significant partners in the educational process. A strong home-school partnership is essential for students to reach their full potential. ASHK promotes regular communication between parents and teachers such as through parent-teacher conferences, invitations to events to see their children actively learning as well as opportunities for parent volunteers to support the educational program through the American School Parents' Association (ASPA).