Plato Academy students engage in thoughtful inquiry as they explore concepts through an integrated study of Science, Technology, Engineering, Fine Arts, and Mathematics, along with language arts, social studies, and physical education. Service learning is central to the curriculum, serving as a foundation for knowledge and skill development—even for the youngest learners.

Technology is thoughtfully integrated throughout the program, with computers used as tools to research information and to create, communicate, and apply new knowledge.

PreK-3rd

Plato Academy follows the guidelines of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) for our early childhood classrooms. NAEYC is an organization that promotes high quality learning by connecting practice, policy and research.

Additional information: www.naeyc.org

We also follow the program of game playing outlined in the book Young Children Reinvent Arithmetic by Constance Kamii, a renowned Piaget scholar and mathematician.

Additional information: www.reinventingmath.com

Grades 3-8

Plato Academy uses Mathematical Mindsets and Multiplicity Lab for students in Grades 3-8. In addition, teachers use the University of Chicago math curriculum in elementary school as an additional resource. Middle school students regularly visit Khan Academy to practice their skills.

Mathematics education is designed to be relevant to students’ lives, helping them see themselves and their peers as confident and capable mathematical thinkers. Through Mathematical Mindsets, the Multiplicity Lab, and an introduction to Algebra I and Geometry, students develop strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of mathematical concepts.

Students are encouraged to think critically, take risks, and apply math to real-world situations, building both competence and confidence as mathematical thinkers and doers

Mathematical Mindset is a research-based math program developed by Dr. Jo Boaler of Stanford University that challenges the idea that math is only for certain students. The program is grounded in the belief that mathematical ability is malleable and that productive mindsets significantly influence learning.

Students are encouraged to view mistakes as opportunities for growth and engage in rich, meaningful mathematical experiences rather than rote procedures. Research shows that Mathematical Mindset helps students become confident mathematicians with a strong understanding of both foundational and advanced concepts.

The Multiplicity Lab, developed by educator and researcher Jen Munson at Northwestern University, helps students build a deep understanding of multiplication through reasoning, patterns, and problem-solving rather than memorization alone. Students explore how numbers work, explain their thinking, and make sense of mathematical relationships. This approach strengthens number sense, flexibility, and confidence, supporting students as they grow into thoughtful and capable mathematicians

Khan Academy provides practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that allow students to learn at their own pace, both in and out of the classroom. Using adaptive technology, the platform identifies individual strengths and learning gaps. Khan Academy is used for at-home practice to reinforce concepts previously taught in school.

Additional information: https://math.scholastic.com

Additional information: www.youcubed.org

Additional information: www.khanacademy.org

The early childhood and primary literacy curriculum focuses on building strong foundational reading and writing skills through developmentally appropriate best practices. Instruction includes Secret Stories to support phonics and spelling, daily read-alouds to build comprehension and vocabulary, and journaling to encourage early writing, reflection, and self-expression. Novel studies and shared texts foster a love of reading while supporting discussion, listening, and critical thinking in a supportive learning environment

The elementary and middle school literacy curriculum emphasizes the art of writing and the study of high-quality literature. Students engage in novel studies featuring award-winning texts, including Newbery Medal selections, to build strong reading comprehension, critical thinking, and a love of literature. Writing is integrated across the curriculum, with students regularly exploring poetry and other genres. Student work is often submitted to literacy competitions, encouraging authentic writing experiences and celebrating student voice.

The Humanities curriculum brings together history, literature, research, geography, and critical thinking to help middle school students explore the human experience across time and cultures. Students read classic and contemporary texts, including Greek works such as The Odyssey, to examine themes of courage, justice, responsibility, and community.

Organized around big ideas like advocacy, rights, and belonging, the curriculum builds strong reading, writing, and discussion skills through integrated History and English instruction. Project-based learning encourages curiosity, original thinking, and problem-solving while helping students make meaningful connections between the past and their own lives.

Plato Academy’s guidance policy emphasizes the development of autonomy, self-discipline, and personal responsibility. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students engage in intellectually rigorous learning that also cultivates empathy and ethical awareness.

Service learning serves as a vital bridge between classroom instruction and real-world social issues. By participating in projects that address identified community needs, students strengthen both their academic skills and social capacities. Integrating service learning into the curriculum leads students toward praxis—thoughtful, informed, and committed action—and prepares them to become active members of a democratic society with a strong sense of civic responsibility and social awareness.

All students receive forieign language instruction classes for both Greek and Spanish.

Additionally, students are offered a variety of physical education and fine arts experiences.

At Plato Academy, standardized testing is incorporated into the curriculum to help middle school students (grades 6–8) develop test-taking skills and prepare for high school. However, due to our project-based approach and small class sizes, teachers have multiple ways to assess student growth and understanding that do not rely solely on standardized tests. We believe that in-depth exploration allows teachers to focus more on helping students ask and answer meaningful questions about the world around them, rather than emphasizing rote memorization.

As Tim Knowles, Chairman of the University of Chicago’s Urban Education Institute—home to one of the largest bodies of research on public school assessment—explains: “What the standardized test score best predicts is how you’ll do on your next standardized test.”

Plato Academy believes in a non-traditional homework approach, encouraging families to spend time reading, playing outside, or exploring the world around them. We recommend that parents limit screen time and instead spend time together as a family after school. Research has shown that traditional homework can lead to increased frustration and exhaustion in children, reduced family time, and a decreased desire for learning. These negative effects go against our learning policy.

Students in all grades may have tasks to complete at home that contribute to classroom projects. Khan Academy assignments are also used for older students.

Curriculum