Academics
Keystone Academy's curriculum and teaching methodology are established on the proposition that both social and cognitive developments are necessary for the successful preparation of youth for integration into a multicultural and technological society. Students are encouraged to identify problems within their scope of influence and to devise and execute solutions to those problems. As the students mature, they are expected to employ their growing competencies in literacy, communication, and technology.
Students who complete the program will have a sound academically accelerated education that will enable them to compete successfully with students from other public, as well as private schools. They will be distinguished by their (1) knowledge of content and skills in the areas of science and mathematics, (2) productive use of emerging communicative abilities, (3) skill in studying, test-taking and problem-solving, (4) competence in use of technology, and (5) a high level of social skill.
A variety of interventions will be used to offer remediation for children who are having difficulty meeting the basic standards for their grade. Throughout the school year, teachers are required to identify students who could use additional support and are asked to identify the level of support they need. Some children will be assigned to the Title I program; others will receive Remediation Packets to complete at home. Periodically, parents will be invited to attend meetings at which they will learn how to assist their children with their schoolwork. The school will make every effort to assure that no child is left behind.
Reporting Student Progress:
Student progress is reported in several ways: (1) A Progress Report is issued at the end of every 6 week marking period. Parents are asked to pay close attention to progress report grades and teacher comments. Areas of strength and weakness are indicated as well as lateness and absence. (2) Trimester Reports are issued in December, March, and June. In order to receive the December and March Trimester Reports, parents must attend a conference with their child’s homeroom teacher. Students are dismissed at noon on Trimester Report card day so that teachers will be available for these parent/teacher conferences. (3) While time is provided for parent /teacher conferences in December and March, parents or teachers may request a conference at any time during the school year. Conferences are scheduled at the mutual convenience of the parents and teachers. (4) Parents and teachers may also communicate through notes, email, Class Dojo, and telephone calls.
If you have questions or comments regarding your child’s progress, please do not hesitate to contact the classroom teacher. We are always pleased to hear from you, therefore, we encourage parents to contact us promptly with their concerns rather than wait for a small problem to become a large one.
Grading Scale
The Grading Scale:
A= Excellent (95-100) B = Good (89-94) C = Average (82-88) D = Noticeably weak (76-81) F = Below requirements (75 and below)
A= Excellent (95-100) B = Good (89-94) C = Average (82-88) D = Noticeably weak (76-81) F = Below requirements (75 and below)
Special Education
Click the links below to download the respective documents.
ESL Program (English as a Second Language)
English as a Second Language (ESL) is an instructional program for students whose dominant language is not English. The purpose of the program is to increase the English language proficiency of eligible students so they can attain academic standards and achieve success in the classroom. All incoming students at Keystone Academy are screened for the ESL program according to the information provided by the parent/guardian on the Home Language Survey. Students who qualify and are enrolled in the ESL program participate in one-to-one or small group sessions several times a week with a certified ESL instructor. The instructors also push in to the student’s classroom throughout the day to assist with instruction.
The primary focus of the instructional program is to enhance the understanding and use of the English language. A specific focus is placed upon content vocabulary, conversational skills, comprehension, phonics, and daily assignments. This is accomplished using a variety of techniques such as shared reading, paired reading, sheltered instruction, decoding skills, chunking, close reads, close activities, and using context clues. The Harcourt Trophies ESL kit and additional supplemental materials are utilized in these sessions.
ELL Policy
Title I
Title I is a federal government-funded education program available to schools that meet criteria regarding free/reduced lunch meals. These funds supplement general education funding to enable schools to provide opportunities that will help students improve academic achievement. Keystone Academy Charter School meets the criteria for classification as a “School-Wide” Title I school, which is to have at least 40% of the school population receive free/reduced lunches. Since we are a “School-Wide” Title I school, funds can be used to help all of our students. Keystone Academy Charter School has a Title I plan that provides additional literacy and math support teachers, supplemental programs, resources, technology, and professional development for teachers.
GOAL: The goal is to improve our students’ knowledge and skills to meet Pennsylvania state standards and school academic expectations. Our Title I Program helps students improve academic achievement by (1) researching and utilizing proven strategies and resources, (2) setting and measuring academic goals frequently, (3) providing on-going staff professional development, (4) and involving parents in all aspects of the program.
Please visit our Parent Resource Center in the school lobby.
Right to Know
LEA Family Engagement Policy
School-Level Family Engagement Policy
Parent Compact