Twenty-first Century Learning

The Davis Academy has long been recognized for its exceptional academic program. At every level students are encouraged to expand their analytical and critical thinking skills and strive for the highest standards of academic excellence. Our master teachers provide a learning environment that is challenging and active. In every classroom and activity our goal is to help raise bright, responsible young adults who know how to make wise choices, are self-empowered and confident, and who know how to learn. We are committed to ensuring that our students leave Davis equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed academically and in an ever changing world. 

Math

Lower School

The elementary Math Program focuses on providing the students with the fundamental building blocks of mathematics necessary for future success in the studies of algebra, geometry, and statistics. The program is accelerated for our students in Mechina through Second Grade, who learn concepts from materials that are one year advanced of their chronological age. By Third Grade, there are multiple levels of math which enables our most accelerated students to progress at an even faster pace and experience even more enriched content. Coinciding with the acquisition of new mathematical skills, older students engage in projects based on statistical surveying and data analysis, as well as reading literature with mathematical themes and concepts.

 

Middle School

Davis Middle School Mathematics is a differentiated curriculum focused on developing the student’s ability to integrate math skills and concepts in real-world applications across disciplines, as well as developing abstract thinking and problem solving. The curriculum is explorative and rigorous, built on foundations necessary for success in higher mathematics, and is based on the most recent National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards. As students progress through the Middle School Math curriculum, they become familiar with the properties of mathematics; the language of algebra; solving  equations, adding, calculating rational numbers and integers; solving inequalities; understanding concepts of  statistics and graphs; probability; applying algebra to geometry; measurement; introduction to trigonometry; and the study of polynomials.  Students learn by balancing practice and skill development with hands-on activities, technology, and projects and investigations. 

Language Arts

Lower School

The Davis Academy places a strong emphasis on Language Arts and delivers a balanced literacy program at every grade level. Lower School students have two periods of Language Arts each day, and teachers incorporate whole group, small group and individual instruction to meet the needs of all learners. In the early grades, students are taught phonics and decoding skills through the Orton-Gillingham multisensory approach to give them a firm foundation in reading. Students learn to work independently and cooperatively with their peers in self-directed literacy centers that reinforce specific reading and writing skills and strategies. Concepts related to Judaic Studies, Social Studies, and Science are integrated into the literacy centers as well. Students in all grades read authentic literature across all genres through selections pulled from our Scholastic-leveled book room.  Davis students develop their writing skills through instruction in vocabulary, grammar and writing techniques. We emphasize the importance of writing conventions and the elements of expository and narrative text while encouraging students to develop their own “voice” and style of writing. Students showcase their own publication at our annual “Young Author’s Night”.

 

Middle School

The Davis Middle School Language Arts is designed to help students learn to think critically, utilize the writing process successfully, and make meaning out of their rich variety of experiences, texts and other forms of media.   The program focuses on the development of the skills leading to success in reading and writing. Students engage in various types of writing that incorporate ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. They experience writing as a process that incorporates pre-writing, composing, evaluating, revising, editing, and publishing. Students also develop reading strategies for improved comprehension, including reading-response journals and text annotations.  They practice summarizing while reading texts, making predictions, forming opinions, asking questions, making connections and inferences, and analyzing the author’s craft and figurative language. Students in each grade read a wide selection of texts, both in and out of class, and study vocabulary and root words using the Sadlier-Oxford vocabulary series. They work on grammar, usage and mechanics with the Exercises in English grammar program.

Science

Lower School

Our elementary Science program provides a complete and engaging hands-on curriculum focused on scientific foundations. Lessons and labs focus on life, earth and physical science. Students are encouraged to read, explore, absorb, and learn science through child-centered lectures, labs and fun activities which will expand and reinforce science concepts and literacy skills. Additionally, our students are introduced to and explore the scientific method while expanding their observation and analytical skills that are critical to their success in their future studies of physics, chemistry and biology.

 

Middle School

The Davis Academy's Middle School science curriculum is designed to provide many areas of hands-on experimentation and exploration. Built upon the National Science Education Standards of The National Academy of Sciences, our curriculum teaches the following skills: unifying concepts and processes, science as inquiry, data gathering, research skills, forming inferences, and higher level problem solving skills.  Students apply these skills through classroom activities, laboratory experiments, field trips, and activities designed to relate science to their daily lives. We facilitate students’ learning through inquiry Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science in addition to incorporating science and technology as well as relating science to students’ personal and social perspectives.

Social Studies

Lower School

The Davis Academy Social Studies curriculum provides students with the essential skills to develop into responsible and moral citizens of the world. All grades, Mechina through Fifth, learn about the five Global Concepts: Power, Culture, Interdependence, Scarcity, and Change. Each concept allows for the students to broaden their awareness of the people, places, and spaces around them, including a self-awareness that promotes personal growth. Through thoughtful integration of Language Arts and Judaic Studies, students increase their understanding of history, geography, economics, civics and government, and culture.

Middle School

The Davis Academy Middle School Social Studies curriculum encompasses:  geography and history, civics and government, economics, research skills, and global concepts such as change, scarcity, interdependence, power, and culture.  As they progress from Sixth to Eighth grade, students learn to master map and globe skills, chronology, interpret tables and charts, and analyze both primary and secondary sources.  Sixth grade focuses on ancient history from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire.  Units include ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, India, China, Rome, and all of the major religions of the world.  The Seventh Grade curriculum begins with The Middle Ages in many parts of the world, and includes the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the political and social revolutions during modern times, as well as topics from WWI and WWII.  The Eighth Grade curriculum focuses primarily on themes from the Revolution to the present day including the American Revolution, the Constitution, the Civil Rights Movement, the Depression, World Wars from an American perspective, and Immigration.  

Hebrew and Judaic Studies

Jewish and Hebrew studies are central components of The Davis Academy core academic curriculum. The overarching goal of the Judaic Studies program is to empower students to see themselves as part of the unfolding narrative of the Jewish people. Our Hebrew courses utilizes the best curricular materials available for Hebrew language instruction. Click here for a full description of Jewish life and studies at The Davis Academy.   

Art and Music

The fine arts are a lively, creative and important part of Davis Academy's curriculum from the youngest ages through Eighth Grade.Click here for a full description of the Fine Arts at Davis. 

Student Services

Counseling and Guidance

The Davis Academy’s Student Services Team consists of School Counselors, Learning Specialists, and the Director and Coordinators of Student Services. Counselors work on helping students develop traits of empathy, responsibility, and decision making skills through groups and individual lessons. The counseling curriculum is designed to be proactive, including topics such as accepting differences, conflict resolution and developing self-advocacy skills. Additionally, the programming reinforces the Jewish values that are the foundation of a Davis Academy education. The Learning Support Specialists serve as consultants to the classroom teachers to ensure that instruction is differentiated and enriched for all students. In addition, they work with small groups or individual students to help strengthen reading and study skills. The Student Services Team works with students, parents, and teachers to ensure the best success for all students at The Davis Academy.

Davis Learning Center

The Davis Learning Center (DLC) is just one more way that The Davis Academy is dedicated to helping each student meet his/her potential.  It was created as part of Davis Academy’s mission to provide learning support services for students with identified learning challenges in literacy, as well as additional strategies for academic success across the curriculum.  The DLC offers directed instruction that includes small group language arts classes and reading skills strategy classes in specially designed dedicated classrooms, learning support in math classes, study hall and homework support, and individualized assessment and support. The DLC is staffed by expert and experienced professionals.

Media Centers 

The Davis Academy Media Centers are state-of-the art facilities complete with thousands of resources available for student check out.  Media Center specialists teach students how to navigate the library with information and research skills pertinent to the 21st century learner. We encourage the love of reading through interactive programming such as book clubs, Georgia Book Award voting, and events celebrating individuals who have significantly influenced literature. With the use of SMARTBoards, blogs and Wikis, and other technology, students are able to collaborate on topics relevant to the Media Center and the center’s objective to support and encourage reading.