Tapestry Academy
SOUTH FLORIDA — BOCA RATON
Multi-level classes
Tapestry offers mixed-aged learning groups, typically with 2–3 year age bands, and we also work together depending on the project. Dismiss the idea of “the older kid helps the younger kid”. Multi-level Classes allow us to be in “Real Life” experiences more and it ensures that all learners are stretching toward the highest expectations. We have individual work that focuses on individual grade levels within the multi-level classes as well. We also encourage students to advance more quickly if mastery has occurred. If learners feel that they need one on one attention, we can facilitate a personal tutor at an additional fee.
Here’s some of what we’ll be working on
Cambridge Curriculum
Tapestry Academy's curriculum is chosen to be at grade level or advanced according to grade to follow our mission of changing lives through becoming a life-long learner, working hard, and challenging yourself. We set high standards and strive for all to become independent, self-motivated, collaborative and courageous learners who are well prepared for the future.
For those students who desire to attend Boca Raton Community High School and West Boca High School following the middle school years, we help parents by providing guidance on curriculum that will help prepare their students for the rigor of the Cambridge AICE program and the STEM Academy.
Character Education
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Daily
Course Objective: This course is designed to be the start of every day at Tapestry Academy. Guest speakers are invited from the community to share their passions for many different areas of educational paths and career options. Goal setting, planning for college graduation and success in the future is key to character education. Cultivating character is how we start our day as a home education community.
We use this time for reverence to God and honor America’s heritage in a faith–friendly environment. It creates valiant hearts and minds. We find time to center and let go of the stress from our morning routines and ready ourselves for the learning the day will bring. We celebrate birthdays, recognize learners for exceptional work and special contributions that reflect our values. We become one. While pursuing life-long learning, cultivating character, and lifting others we find joy.
Science
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Tuesday
Course Objective:
General Science focusing on
Biology, Botany and Human Anatomy.
Books:
Complete Biology for Cambridge Secondary &
Apologia Exploring Creation through BotanyThe class is combined but homework assignments vary in lower and upper groups. Overlapping in subjects and reviews happen weekly. Note: Real Life Skills class also covers Human Anatomy and Health, Plants, Diet, Drugs & Disease, Survival. Field trips and labs also teach topics covered. Evolution and Intelligent Design (Creationism) are both taught in this class through different class materials. We seek to have a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for college and beyond.
Leadership
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Friday
* Leadership uniform (jackets) required. See student packet for more info.
Course Objective: A combination of public speaking, leadership and entrepreneurial skills will be learned during this year’s class.
Divided into three 8 to 10-week sessions with possible field trips.
1.Public Speaking Youth Program
2.Junior Achievement More than Money
3.Leadership in the Community
Real–Life Skills
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Friday
Course Objective: A combination of essential life skills presented through projects and hands-on group activities in personal finance, home economics, health and study skills. Each section will conclude with a project and quiz. Classes include notetaking, class assignments, activities and/or demonstrations. We will be using The Children’s Museum of Boca Raton’s iTheatre software to create an amazing animated group video. Learners will work with scriptwriting, storyboarding, directing, producing, filming, and final composition. iTheatre Project will occur during an 8–10 week period.
History/Writing/Geography
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Friday
Course Objective: With the use of the award-winning Institute for Excellence in Writing, we will be conquering Ancient History. This course offers writing topics that explore the civilizations of Sumer, Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, and Asia. Supplemented with readings from “The Story of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer and geography lessons, this classical education class will help develop a love of history and of conquering essays. Classes include notetaking, class reading, writing assignments, and study of Ancient/World geography.
Math Lab
Grades 3–5 and Grades 6–8
Pre-requisites: Saxon Placement Text
Grades: 3–5 and Grades 6–8 (Separate classes)
Frequency: Monday and Wednesday
Course Objective: This course requires a Saxon Math Placement test to be given by the parent and emailed to candace@tapestryacademy.com, or test results showing the appropriate math placement level. Combined grade instruction and questions based on weekly homework assignments at their individual level. Learners work individually, with partners and as a group. Class size is small to ensure learners receive individualized instruction if needed. Homework will be assigned from the textbook as well as activities that enhance mastery of basic skills with an online subscription. This course is intended to be held two days a week with one day a week option possibility. Learners work at a pace which is typically 4 to 5 lessons per week. Homework is to be completed and corrected at home prior to coming to class.
Note for advanced students: Algebra1 (accredited online program)
We require all learners taking Algebra1 to be enrolled in an accredited online program so as to receive high school credit for this course. They still participate in our Math Lab. Homework assignments, exams, etc. are done through the online program.
English Lab
Grades 3–5 and Grades 6–8
Oxford English for Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary 1, and Complete First Language English for Cambridge IGCSE (International Certificate First Language English). Cambridge Lower Secondary English enables learners to communicate confidently and effectively and to develop the skills to respond to a range of information, media and texts with understanding and enjoyment. Learners who follow this framework will develop a first language competency in English based on a curriculum designed to be successful in any culture and to promote cross-cultural understanding. Supplementary material will be used to enhance literature, spelling, and grammar.
Music / Choir
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Monday and/or Wednesday
Course Objective:
This course is designed to be the hallmark of our academy. We will be preparing to sing holiday and Christmas favorites for the month of December as we carol jubilant songs in the community. Anticipated performances will be at The Children’s Museum Holiday Extravaganza, and a local Senior Center. Choir members are required to purchase a uniform. The spring session will have fun new songs to learn. We include lessons in music history, theory, and pitch. You’ll enjoy hearing these songs practiced all over town as practicing is bound to happen wherever you go!
Stewardship
Stewardship (Character Education)
Pre-requisites: None
Grades: 3–8
Frequency: Daily
Course Objective: This course is designed to be the end of every day at Tapestry Academy. From our ten character values; Stewardship: Take care of the world around you. We apply this to our class settings where we clean up our areas. It is required that each student participates in stewardships each day. If learners need to leave early, or only take one class for the day, they are still asked to complete their stewardship before leaving.