Silicon Hill Academy Curriculum
The original inspiration behind Silicon Hill Academy (SHA) was an opportunity to provide an innovative middle/high school education that prioritized giving each student personalized learning opportunities while also facilitating career and college exploration through hybrid instruction.
Our Philosophy
SHA’s educational philosophy focuses on creating independent, life-long learners who are afforded a life of choice and multiple pathways to success: college graduation, career success through a trade or military, and ultimately long-term self-sufficiency. With a mission to “ensure a safe school environment that enables equity in opportunity, empowers our students with 21st century, real-world skills and, supports individualized learning opportunities that ensure college and career readiness,” we believe that our model uniquely positions our work to ensure our students:
- Earn at least two semesters (30 hours) of college credit
- Participate in two years of internship programs with neighborhood businesses, learning hard and soft skills from local mentors and supervisors
- Have independent opportunities to engage in STEM curricula related to robotics and artificial intelligence, either in SHA courses or after school
- Explore career-focused electives, such as nursing, architecture, hotel management, manufacturing, and programming, to help students develop an idea of possible future paths
- Acquire four years of foreign language education, with the opportunity to study non-traditional languages including Chinese, Latin, and American Sign Language (ASL)
- Put leadership skills into practice both within and outside of the classroom
- Participate in Academic Success Seminars, giving students an additional two hours of support, focused on creating personalized learning plans for each student, improving classroom instruction, and using small-group tutorials to make sure they have the time and chance to reinforce what they have learned
Curriculum Overview
Grades 6-12
The curriculum will include core academic subjects, electives, and independent study opportunities. A differentiated approach can allow acceleration or remediation based on students’ needs. Assessments will primarily focus on the application of learning in a real world context. With personalized student learning plans (PSLPs), specialized learning opportunities that offer real-world experiences, mental wellness supports, and resources that enable achievement in high school, college, and beyond, we will give students and families choice and opportunity. Giving every student equitable access to opportunities is SHA’s main goal in order to support student achievement.
English Language Arts (ELA)
Middle School (6-8): Literature, Writing, Grammar, Reading Comprehension, and
Vocabulary
High School (9-12): Literature (American, British, and World), Writing, Research
Papers, AP English
Mathematics
Middle School (6-8): Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry
High School (9-12): Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, AP Calculus, Statistics
Science
Middle School (6-8): Earth Science, Life Science, Physical Science
High School (9-12): Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, AP
Science courses
Social Studies
Middle School (6-8): World History, U.S. History, Civics
High School (9-12): U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, AP
History, AP Government
Foreign Language
Spanish, French, or other language options.
Middle School: Focus on basic language skills.
High School: Progress to intermediate and advanced fluency
Physical Education
Required for all students, with independent fitness goals set for the two non-attendance days. Options for organized sports or fitness activities.
Electives
Art, Music, Drama
STEM/Technology: Coding, Robotics, Computer Science.
Career & Technical Education (CTE): Business, Entrepreneurship, Media
Production, etc.
Life Skills: Financial Literacy, Time Management, Critical Thinking
Sample Weekly Schedule
Grades 9-12
- AP, Honors, or accelerated coursework.
- Research projects, internships, or community service (for upperclassmen).
- Individual or small-group tutoring or study sessions.
