School+Educational+Plan

=School Educational Plan=

Scuola Materna - Pre-K and K
//Bilingual Italian/English Instruction//

La Scuola’s Preschool program encompasses pre-kindergarten and kindergarten years and focuses on the development of the personality of the child from an intellectual, cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical standpoint.At La Scuola, this program presents a special and unique feature: in a bilingual environment, the young children are guided to acquire the ability to understand and communicate in two languages, Italian and English, thus laying the building blocks for the bilingual competence required in their further studies. Following the best Italian preschool tradition and best practices, the preschool curriculum is focused on the development of the child’s identity, autonomy and competence and incorporates the Reggio Emilia philosophy. To this end, the curriculum is articulated into five so called “Campi di Esperienza,” which can also be considered pre-disciplinary educational areas. The staff is made up of highly qualified and dedicated Italian and American teachers. Classes are small and provide students with caring, individualized attention.

Scuola Elementare - Grades 1 - 5
//Bilingual Italian/English Instruction//

The program at the Elementary School (grades 1-5) is a highly structured curriculum that adheres to the Italian and New York State guidelines. The approach to learning is centered around a multi-disciplinary methodology where literature, history, social studies, geography, and current events are integrated.Students are encouraged to become fluent and expressive, and to communicate effectively, in both the English and Italian languages. In a bilingual and bi-cultural setting, students are exposed to a variety of language experiences. The Italian and English teachers work closely together to reach common goals. The teachers integrate academic units of study to enrich their program. A skillful, competent staff cares for children in small classes, affording them individualized attention and guidance.

Scuola Media - Grades 6 - 8
//Bilingual Italian/English Instruction//

The Scuola Media strengthens the bilingual and bicultural education begun in the lower school. It provides an environment where the child can develop and sharpen cognitive and imaginative skills. The Middle School fosters emotional development and growth, expanding the child’s awareness and appreciation of the European and American cultures and their values. The curriculum offers an integrated study of the Italian and English language and literature, French (as a third modern language), American History, social studies and geography, art, music, physical education, and the use of computers. Special emphasis is placed on the study of mathematics and the natural and physical sciences.This unique educational offering could also represent an extraordinary opportunity for Americans of Italian descent to reclaim the language of their forefathers and an understanding of their cultural roots.Highly qualified and caring professionals conduct classes in Italian or English, depending on the discipline. The small student body encourages relationships among students and between students and staff.

Liceo Scientifico - Grades 9 - 12
//Bilingual Italian/English Instruction//

La Scuola’s Liceo implements Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future in order to cultivate academic skills and character to prepare students for success in college and future careers. The curriculum offers a balance of studies in the classics and other humanities combined with an outstanding math and science program that will earn college credits in most American universities.The humanities program, interdisciplinary and integrated throughout the four years, includes the study of Italian, English, Latin language and literature, geography, history, philosophy, technical drawing and history of art, law and economics, and physical education. Great emphasis is also placed on the study of mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry.Supplementary cultural projects in collaboration with various Italian institutions in New York and overseas are provided on a regular basis, including exchange programs with Italian schools, special meetings with high ranking dignitaries (such as Italian Ministries, Italian Ambassador etc.) and outstanding Italian artists/interpreters.Classes are small with personal attention and additional support available for all students. At the completion of their senior year, students are required to take the Italian Ministry of Education State Exam, the Maturità, an equivalent of the International Baccalaureate that is honored by all universities in Europe and in the United States. This dual-recognized degree allows students to embark on studies at local universities as well as universities abroad while having the knowledge and language skills to succeed.