High School Curriculum

These are general guideline for students in High School at PTA. Our personal and individualized approach to preparing curricula and our instructional design makes it possible for each student to go back and fill in any academic gaps when needed or move ahead in a subject area. Therefore your child's curriculum may or may not include the components listed here. All students have the freedom of studying and learning at their own pace. 

Our curriculum includes but goes beyond the goals and objectives set for each grade level and content area by the State of Illinois Department of Education. As you read through the descriptions of the following subject areas, please be aware that no subject is taught in isolation, but rather all subjects are taught in relationship to one another.  What results is a tapestry of learning rather than an isolated compendium of facts, figures or information. 

PowerThink Academy follows the Illinois set standards for learning in each of the curriculum areas in each of the following skill sets.

Applications include but are not limited to...

  • solving problems
  • working on teams
  • using technology
  • making connections
  • communicating

English

English language arts includes reading, writing, speaking, listening and the study of literature. In addition, students must be able to retain and use information from many sources. Through English language arts, students should be able to read fluently, understanding a broad range of written materials in a wide variety of formats and styles. They must be able to communicate well and listen carefully. They should develop a command of the language and demonstrate their knowledge through speaking and writing for a variety of audiences and purposes. As students progress, a structured study of literature will allow them to recognize universal themes and to compare styles and ideas across authors and eras.

Math

Mathematics is our world is not a study in isolation. It is a language we use to identify, describe and investigate the patterns and challenges of everyday living. It helps us to understand the events that have occurred and to predict and prepare for events to come so that we can more fully understand our world and more successfully live in it.

Science

Concepts that connect understanding and process are embedded in life science, physical science, and earth and space science. Our science curriculum engages the students to view the world around them and understand the importance of the interplay among science, technology and society in past, present and future contexts.

Social Studies

Within the school program social science provides coordinated, systematic study of such disciplines as anthropology, economics, geography, history, law, political science, and sociology, as well as the humanities, mathematics and natural sciences. The study of social science helps people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally diverse society in an interdependent world.

Fine Arts

Throughout time, the arts have been essential to human existence. When people create in sounds, images, gestures and words, they discover ways to shape and share their thoughts and feelings with others. The arts enrich the quality of life. All students deserve access to the arts through creation, performance and study.

Physical Development and Health

The goals and standards for physical development and health foster workplace skills, including identifying short- and long-term goals, following directions, and working cooperatively with others. Problem solving, communication, responsible decision making, and team-building skills are major emphases as well.