Academics Lower School Middle School Upper School
DNA Prep Academy is a diverse campus built on the foundation of continuous and purposeful development in all endeavors of life. At DNA, all of our students are taught to strive for excellence, to pursue their passions, and are provided with the tools needed to develop into the best versions of themselves academically, artistically, athletically, and as world citizens in a college and career-focused education environment. We’ve also focused on creating an environment that inspires by naming our grade 3-5 students as innovators, teachers become professors, lessons become lectures, and tutors become academic coaches. Our elementary curriculum focuses on guiding our innovators as they gain confidence and agility in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science. Students develop the foundational skills for critical thinking and listening, comprehension, research, and creative exploration.
Research shows that students do better in smaller class settings, and for that reason at DNA Prep Academy our classroom size is designed for a 10:1 student to teacher ratio within a mixed classroom. This class size is further reduced to individualized time with the Professor and Teacher Aide for each grade level within the Lower School. These smaller classrooms help our instructors provide a more effective education for their students. Additional benefits of smaller class sizes include:
- Students learn faster
- Students receive more attention
- Students receive more feedback
- Students receive more hands-on learning
- Students perform better on all subjects
- Students collaborate better
- Students build their social skills
We provide students with Individualized attention to build upon our curriculum. This helps in closing any learning gaps and increases motivation while expanding on the student’s strengths and confidence. In the future, this individualized attention will help students determine their career goals and post-secondary plans. This process starts in elementary grades with an assessment of a student’s strengths and weaknesses, along with a determination on how to build a strong academic foundation for future success.
Utilizing the methodologies and frameworks of experiential and project-based learning, our curriculum is interdisciplinary and empowers students to apply knowledge of core content within and across curriculum areas. When students see the connections between individual subject areas or observe a phenomenon that connects back to a lecture in another subject area, the material becomes more relevant. These kinds of connections are examples of planned parts of instruction for a lesson or a unit and are called cross-curricular, or interdisciplinary instruction, instruction, such as technology and arts.
At DNA, we are redefining the schooling experience for our young innovators with opportunities for daily exploration in the arts, team and individual sports, technology and engineering, agriculture, and environmental science.
“Competencies represent what a student needs to learn, and why. They are not as simple as the correct answer on a multiple-choice test question, but rather require a deeper level of knowledge.” (Levine & Patrick, 2019)
Our scholars are assessed based on mastery and competence of a skill(s) or set of knowledge as articulated in the CA Common Core Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards. Quarterly progress reports will clearly communicate where students are along the grade level skill mastery continuum. At the start of enrollment, students are assessed to establish a baseline for their current level of academic performance and also set individual goals to meet. To monitor student growth and progress, scholars are also assessed quarterly so that professors can adjust instruction as needed, which allows them to stay proactive in providing scholar support.
CURRICULUM
During this grade band, we are developing our innovators to become more sophisticated writers and speakers. These skills include engaging in research projects that question what they read and hear, taking information and putting it into their own words, and creating written pieces that follow a structure geared toward a writing purpose (e.g., a narrative story, an informational report, or an opinion text). Through lessons and activities that use books, videos, and technology, these innovators explore new topics and participate in interactive, collaborative activities with professors and fellow innovators.
STANDARDS AND SKILLS:
- Create clear, coherent, and focused paragraphs
- Identify and use nouns, verbs, and pronouns appropriately
- Self-edit and proofread for capitalization, organization, punctuation, and spelling
- Identify and describe plot, setting, and characters
- Summarize a piece of writing
- Increase competency in self-editing and proofreading for capitalization, organization, punctuation, and spelling
- Use correct subject/verb agreement and consistency of tense
- Create a final draft reflecting pre-writing, revising, and editing strategies
- Identify and distinguish the characteristics of literary genres and devices (e.g., metaphor, personification, simile, flashback)
- Draw inferences, conclusions, or generalizations and support them with textual evidence characteristics of literary genres and devices (e.g., metaphor, personification, simile, flashback)
DNA elementary mathematics program gives our innovators a deep understanding of math concepts, emphasizing skills and strategies to solve problems in multiple that creates powerful, life-long habits of mind – such as perseverance, creative thinking, and the ability to express and defend their reasoning. Our curriculum makes math meaningful by connecting lessons and projects to everyday life and by building “math esteem,” which is crucial for every student.
Third Grade
Students focus on more advanced math work on the four arithmetic operations including long division, fractions (equivalent fractions plus adding), measurement, graphs, time, and geometry. Two-step word problems and mental calculation are also taught. Embedded in each core unit is the opportunity for students to further develop number sense and computation skills acquired in the primary grades. Connecting student interest with imaginative projects keeps math fun and engaging.
STANDARDS AND SKILLS
- Develop an understanding of multiplication and division strategies for multiplication and division within 100
- Develop an understanding of fractions, beginning with unit fractions
- Develop an understanding of the structure of arrays and of area
- Describe and analyze two-dimensional shapes
Fourth Grade
The five main units at this grade level progress through place value, numbers and operations, patterns, functions and change, geometry, and data analysis and probability. Fourth graders continue to develop multiple strategies to solve problems and spend a great deal of time explaining their thinking with one another. Students learn all four functions with both fractions and decimals. Geometry coverage is also very advanced as students compute the degrees of angles and solve complex area and perimeter questions. Students work with advanced whole number concepts (e.g., factors, multiples, rounding off), money, other geometric concepts, graphs, and averages. Two-digit multipliers are introduced at this level. Students complete computation problems and the number of word problems gradually increases at this level.
STANDARDS AND SKILLS
- Build fluency with multi-digit multiplication
- Use division to find quotients involving multi-digit dividends
- Develop an understanding of fraction equivalence
- Add and subtract fractions with like denominators and multiply fractions by whole numbers
- Analyze and classify geometric figures based on their properties
Fifth Grade
At this grade level, the areas of study include numbers, operations and algebraic thinking, fractions, percentages, measurement and data, and geometry. Students engage in advanced work with decimals, as well as, multiplication and division with two-digit multipliers and divisors. They learn to work with percentages and continue with advanced work on fractions, geometry, and graphs. Time and rate word problems, as well as other types of word problems, are given a great deal of attention. During the spring quarter, students are assessed to determine middle school math placement for the upcoming year.
STANDARDS AND SKILLS
- Write and interpret numerical expressions
- Understand the place value system
- Perform operations with percentages
- Use equivalent fractions as a strategy to add and subtract fractions
DNA’s social studies curriculum encourages active inquiry while introducing civics, economics, geography, and history concepts. Students develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills as they build capacity for an engaged civic life.
Grade 3- STANDARDS AND SKILLS
- Correctly apply terms related to time and chronology
- Read and create maps using a key, compass rose, and elevation symbols
- Describe the cultural interaction among people in Los Angeles
- Demonstrate an understanding of a historical figure’s point of view
Grade 4- STANDARDS AND SKILLS
- Identify similarities and differences between the past and present
- Understand how the natural resources of a geographical location influence culture
- Read and create maps using a key, scale, compass rose, and grid lines
- Demonstrate an understanding of another culture or historical figure’s point of view
- Describe the social, political, cultural, and economic life and interaction among people in California
- Demonstrate an understanding of California’s diverse geographical regions
Grade 5- STANDARDS AND SKILLS
- Identify and interpret multiple causes and effects of historical events
- Place key historic events and people in chronological sequence in a geographic context
- Differentiate between primary and secondary resources
- Pose relevant questions and draw conclusions about information encountered in documents, photographs, maps, and artifacts
DNA Prep Academy’s campus is an environmental oasis with a natural landscape that creates a perfect working lab for scientific inquiry. The campus includes a farm with livestock, a greenhouse, unique topography, trails, mature trees, and a healing sulfur spring flowing in the heart of the property. Our inquiry-based program encourages our innovators to satisfy their curiosities through experiences. Presented with open-ended questions, students gather evidence, conduct experiments in the lab and in the field, propose solutions, and collaborate with one another to defend their thinking. Experiential lessons deepen content knowledge in relevant ways. Students gain awareness of the natural world while enhancing skills needed in a world of rapidly expanding scientific knowledge. Students connect concepts, develop critical-thinking skills, and gain confidence in communicating their ideas clearly. Cross-curricular connections are embedded throughout with frequent references to specific literacy, math, and engineering skills being reinforced through the science investigations.
- In 3rd grade, students study the more complex systems of food, nutrition, and digestion.
- Our 4th graders apply scientific methods in studying the solar system, astronomy, plate tectonics, and earthquakes.
- 5th graders consider the building blocks of the universe through the study of atoms, machines, robots, and Newtonian physics.
DNA’s elementary visual and performing arts program promotes confidence and builds character through unique materials, techniques, skills, and creative process that instills a genuine enjoyment of the arts. Within visual arts, every student has opportunities to draw, paint, sculpt, and experiment with printmaking, ceramics, and technology. Art projects may be linked to learning in other disciplines and inspired by both virtual and in person visits with artists and field trips. Through drama, instrumental music, dance, and movement studies, students learn different forms of expression and cultivate the unique beauty of their own imaginations. Our program recognizes each creative voice and nurtures and expands each child’s ability to work productively in a group of peers. Music and performances reflect a range of cultures, celebrating the similarities and differences amongst us. Providing these foundational skills and opportunities of exploration, students gain quality exposure to pursue visual and performing arts as a career or continued focus of study in middle and high school.
learn moreDNA’s physical education and athletic development program promotes the use of life skills to help students develop physical and social skills and a lifelong love for healthy physical activity. The program’s four essential components are reinforced through play and practice: (1) Sportsmanship—Each student learns positive social behavior through movement and interaction with others. (2) Physical fitness—Students learn to develop and maintain the best possible level of performance, understanding, and appreciation for physical fitness. (3) Skill acquisition—Each student learns specific skills, such as throwing, catching, striking, and kicking. (4) Self-image—Students develop a positive self-image that includes awareness and understanding of one’s body, the use of the body as a means of expression, and the body as an instrument for self-realization.
3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students begin the athletic development program. These students develop fundamental skills through games and sports – while refining their development by learning the specialized skills, rules, and strategies needed to play soccer, football, basketball, baseball and other sports. Sportsmanship and collaborative team play are emphasized. All athletic development activities focus on the foundational components of on-field performance: aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, speed, agility, and body composition. Students learn to set and maintain physical fitness goals and develop a positive attitude about leading an active and healthy lifestyle.
DNA’s health curriculum lays the foundation for each child’s goal of physical well-being. Our health curriculum helps students become good decision-makers with healthy goals when faced with lifestyle choices. The health program consists of the following components:
- Physical health—The health of the developing body
- Mental and emotional health—The health of the mind, including feelings and thoughts
- Social health—Relationships with other people, including family and friends
Through discussions and activities, students develop Life Skills and the tools needed to lead healthy lives. These skills include decision-making, goal setting, how to obtain help, stress management, refusal skills, and conflict resolution. By developing these skills, students enhance their self-esteem and their ability to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, respectful citizens, and responsible and health-conscious individuals. Topics include the following:
- Life Skills
- Conflict resolution
- Nutrition
- Safety
- Fitness
- Mindfulness
Character education and life skills are cultivated in Lower School throughout daily activities and in a formal program. Innovator-led assemblies, focused lessons, modeling, and conflict management education help our innovators learn about respect, inclusivity, compassion, and more from each other. Play and meaningful socialization facilitates innovators who thrive in our community emotionally as well as intellectually. They feel respected, understood, and connected, so their confidence soars.
DNA Prep Academy, in its efforts to prepare our innovators for a lifetime of learning, strives to balance the time a student spends in the digital and non-digital realms, prioritizing the unmatched value of in-person, face-to-face interactions with peers, teachers, and parents. Its use of technology complements these efforts by helping students to become thoughtful, knowledgeable, empathetic, and critical users of technology to achieve their larger educational goals.
We offer synchronous and asynchronous learning using a hybrid technology to facilitate student engagement and access. For our students who have to miss school due to extra-curricular activities, auditions, or illness, this flexibility will facilitate a live connection to the classroom while simultaneously allowing for travel and experiences that otherwise would not be possible within the confinement of a traditional school model.
DNA Prep Academy elementary community involvement program engages our innovators in class, school and wide projects and partnerships that are designed to create relationships with people, organizations, and the environment over the school year.