Elementary School

Our K-5 curriculum embraces the enriching philosophy of language immersion, ensuring a thorough, standards-based education across all content areas. This approach supports our mission to cultivate bilingual, biliterate, and bicultural citizens by integrating language and content, thereby enhancing language acquisition and critical thinking skills.

Dual Language Program Overview

Grades K–4

Students in grades K–4 are enrolled in a Dual Language Program, where instruction is delivered in two languages: English and Spanish. Each day, students experience learning in both languages, with approximately 50% of instruction in English and 50% in Spanish.

This model follows a Roller Coaster schedule, in which students begin their day in one language (English or Spanish) and then transition midday to the other. In the English Immersion classroom, students receive instruction in English Language Arts (ELA) and Social Studies. In the Spanish Immersion classroom, they are taught Spanish Language Arts (SLA), Math, and Science. This structure supports Content Transfer, meaning teachers intentionally connect academic concepts across both languages. For example, if a concept is introduced in Math or Science during the Spanish block, the English teacher can revisit or extend that concept during ELA or Social Studies in English—and vice versa. This approach deepens understanding, reinforces key ideas, and strengthens students’ bilingual development.

The Dual Language model supports students in developing academic language across all four domains—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—in both languages. Language is used as a vehicle for content learning, and students build biliteracy, robust vocabulary, and a deep understanding of both languages and cultures.

Grade 5

Fifth grade marks the beginning of the transition toward our Middle School program by increasing instruction in English.  Students receive English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies, and Math in English, while continuing to receive Spanish Language Arts (SLA) and Science in Spanish.  This structure results in approximately 60% of instruction in English and 40% in Spanish.

This gradual shift supports continued bilingual development while preparing students for Grades 6–8, where they will enter either a Heritage Spanish Track or a Non-Heritage based on their language background and proficiency.  Both tracks continue to nurture bilingualism, biliteracy, and multicultural competence.

The Zearn math curriculum is fully aligned to the Common Core State Standards and provides a strong foundation in mathematics. Students receive 60 minutes of daily instruction that blends teacher-led lessons with interactive digital learning. The program offers personalized support, allowing students to work at their own pace, revisit concepts as needed, and move ahead when ready. Zearn builds number sense, problem-solving skills, and math confidence through a mix of hands-on activities and engaging technology. In addition to strengthening core math skills, Zearn fosters 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, self-directed learning, and perseverance—equipping students to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.

Our English and Spanish Language Arts (ELA/SLA) curriculum adheres to the Common Core State Standards, ensuring a structured and rigorous approach to bilingual literacy. We utilize the Wonders and Maravillas curricula to deliver comprehensive bilingual literacy development. The ELA instructional block is 90-minutes, and the SLA instructional block ranges from 45-50 minutes. The block includes differentiated, skill-focused instruction. Additionally, we provide 30 minutes of targeted reading instruction as part of our MTSS program to enrich and accelerate student literacy skills.

Science instruction follows the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), giving students a deep understanding of key concepts through hands-on investigations and real‑world problem‑solving. Using the Amplify Science curriculum, lessons are designed to spark curiosity and guide students in exploring, questioning, and discovering how science works in everyday life. Because instruction is delivered in Spanish, students build both scientific knowledge and bilingual skills, developing critical thinking, collaboration, and language proficiency through engaging, immersive learning experiences.

Our social studies program follows the Delaware Recommended Curriculum (DRC), which helps students build a strong understanding of history, geography, economics, and civics. Lessons are designed to be engaging and meaningful, encouraging students to think critically, explore different perspectives, and understand how people and societies work. The goal is to help students see how the past connects to the present—and how they can make a positive difference in their communities.

Through activities like group discussions, hands-on projects, and real-world examples, students learn to ask thoughtful questions, find reliable information, and explain their ideas clearly. Social studies also connects to reading and writing, helping students build important communication and thinking skills. Above all, the curriculum helps students grow into informed, responsible, and curious citizens.

Project-Based Learning is a hands-on approach where students explore big ideas in science and social studies by working on meaningful projects. These projects blend reading, writing, math, and language, and give students voice and choice in how they learn. Many projects are tied to important cultural celebrations, such as Spanish Heritage Month and Black History Month, helping students make real-world connections and deepen their understanding of diverse perspectives. Each project ends with a school-wide celebration where students proudly share what they’ve created and discovered. This approach not only makes learning exciting and relevant—it also helps students build lifelong skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and independent thinking.

• Art
• Music
• Health
• Physical Education
• STEM
• Theatre
• Math Lab (K-1)

Classrooms are equipped with Interactive Whiteboards, Document Cameras, and Chromebooks, enhancing learning through technology-enhanced instruction. Teachers use GoGuardian to monitor and manage students' online activities, ensuring a safe and focused digital learning environment.

Teachers use ClassDojo, a free and easy-to-use app, to stay connected with families. Through ClassDojo, parents receive real-time updates on their child’s progress, behavior, classroom activities, and important announcements. Teachers can share photos, videos, and messages, helping parents feel involved in the day-to-day learning experience. This platform strengthens the home-school partnership by keeping parents informed, engaged, and connected to what’s happening in the classroom.

La Academia’s K-5 program emphasizes deep cultural understanding and character development through project-based learning and mindfulness practices. We invite parents to explore how our approach prepares students to be critical thinkers and multicultural leaders. Applications for the Choice Open Application Period are essential for participation in our admissions lottery. For detailed enrollment processes, please visit Delaware Public School Enrollment.