The Curriculum at Our Private School for Girls
At Silverleaf Academy, we are committed to education anchored in:
- Academic Excellence
- Positive Social Values
- Unlimited Learning Possibilities
- Artistic Expression and Creative Freedom
Silverleaf Academy believes in the individualized needs of every student.
The curriculum focuses on college preparatory classes, emphasizing an engaging
and interactive approach to student learning. The program is designed to
provide a solid foundation in education and to prepare students for success
in college and life. Through small classes within a supportive environment,
students are encouraged to participate and develop confidence to think analytically
and creatively.
We have created an environment where students become strong individuals eager to acquire knowledge and pursue learning goals. Through diverse learning opportunities and a wide range of curricular choices, each student discovers her own unique abilities. Silverleaf Academy affords every student personal attention through the low student-teacher ratio, and provides direct access to faculty expertise in and out of classes. Through a commitment to help one another excel, students foster each other’s self-esteem and develop a strong sense of school belonging.
Core
Curriculum:
• Science
• Mathematics
• English
• Social Science
• World Languages
• Physical Education
• and Fine Arts
Science
The Science program offers courses in both physical and natural sciences, and emphasizes hands-on experiences. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art tools allowing students to engage in cooperative laboratory activities and providing teachers the opportunity to perform college-level demonstrations. The goal is for our students to become scientifically literate and appreciate science as a process of thinking. The science department offers students electives in science to encourage their interest and extend opportunities to explore different aspects and areas within the sciences.
Biology (9th grade) - provides a systematic study of living things from the molecular level through cells, systems, and populations. Biological laboratory techniques, design, and data analysis are stressed.
Chemistry (10th, 11th, 12th grades) - concerns the properties and structure of matter. Topics covered include: atomic theory, mole concept, properties of solids, liquids and gases, chemical reactions, acid-base chemistry and qualitative analysis.
Physics (11th and 12th grades) -Topics are concerned with the physical universe on every scale. The class provides an overview of the major studies in both Classical and Modern Physics.
• Individual classes can be arranged to suit the unique needs and learning interests of students.
Elective Science Classes:
• Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, Botany, Mammalogy/ Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, Physical and Biological Oceanography.
Mathematics
Students have an opportunity to study mathematics over the course of three years. Core classes include: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II/Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. Students who begin their math requirements at the Geometry level are able to study Calculus in their senior year. Silverleaf has a three-year math requirement, however students may take a fourth year of math; Pre-Calculus or Calculus, thereby opening the door to more majors to consider for college study.
Algebra I (9th grade) - Focuses on the solution of linear equations and inequalities.
Geometry (9th and 10th grades) -Applies the skills of drawing, measurement, visualization and deductive logic to the study of triangles, quadrilaterals, general polygons and circles.
Algebra II/Trigonometry (10th and 11th grades) -Emphasizes applications of mathematics while graphing skills are developed in connection to the applications.
Pre-Calculus (11th, and 12th grades) -Lays the foundation for calculus by surveying the behavior of the most common functions and relations, students apply learned skills to solve problems.
Calculus (12th grade) -Designed for post-secondary mathematics studies at the college or university level, throughout this course students work with appropriate technology.
English
The English Department offers a college preparatory curriculum with a core of literature as its axis. Freshman and Sophomore English are centered in studies of genres. Students are taught to analyze and interpret literature. They are also taught how to write expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative essays, as well as other compositions. The writing component of the program helps students discover their own unique voice and perspective while honing their writing skills. Conventions of written English, grammar and vocabulary are integrated into the courses of study. English I-IV are required year-long courses.
English I -Encompasses the study of genres including: novel, short story, poetry, and drama.
English II- Historical context of works is emphasized; research skills are expanded through student writing requirements and assigned projects.
English III- Includes American literature, and an understanding of the multicultural diversity within American literature.
English IV- Literary works from world and British literature are analyzed.
• Individual classes can be arranged to suit the unique needs and learning interests of students
Electives:
• Creative Writing, Women in Literature, Females in Dramatic Literature,
Modern American Writers, and Speech & Debate
Social Science
The Social Science Department commits to developing conscientious, informed,
contributors to society. The curriculum is designed to instruct and foster
an appreciation and respect for differences in human cultures. Civilizations
are studied from understanding how past events directly influence the present.
All social science courses emphasize analytical thinking, reading and writing.
Courses are designed to prompt students to become independent thinkers and
creative problem solvers through varied themes of study. Students use technology
to research topics and access world information. Students take four years
of social science courses, including: Geography, World History, U.S. History,
and Government/Economics.
Geography (9th grade) Course will entail exploring each continent and studying the terrain as well as the customs and practices of its culture. Students will experience various aspects of a country's culture through hands on experiences, current events, and culture days.
World History (10th grade) This class analyzes past and present historical trends throughout the world. Bringing history alive by investigating current events, tying past experiences to the present, and studying the interconnectedness of the countries in our world are all major themes to be discussed throughout the year.
United States History (11th grade) This year-long course explores the development of United States history beginning with the Colonial period and culminating in the 20th century through the Reagan presidency. Students study the Constitution to gain an understanding of American democracy as well as gain the understanding of citizenship.
United States Government (12th grade/Semester course) -This class introduces basic political structures and functions of the American system, beginning with an analysis of early attempts at self-government following the American Revolution and proceeding to the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, and landmark Supreme Court decisions.
Economics (12th grade/Semester course) This course provides the basic theory necessary for success in introductory college level economics courses and meets the requirements for high school economics education mandated by the California State Curriculum.
• Individual classes can be arranged to suit the unique needs and learning interests of students.
• Electives: Women in History, Art History, Psychology (11th & 12th grades), African American Studies, Asian Culture.
World Languages
The World Languages Department offers all four levels of Spanish and French, stressing the four goals of listening, writing, reading and speaking in the target languages. Studies integrate an exploration of Spanish or French speaking people and their culture and lifestyle, enhancing student understanding and relevance to student learning. Students are required to take three years of World Languages in the same language to meet UC requirements.
Fashion Design
Silverleaf Academy’s fashion design program provides an environment that promotes critical thinking, individual creativity and expression. An emphasis will be placed on expanding knowledge through a variety of artistic techniques and hands on activities. This course includes periodic student-teacher conferences, completion of individualized lab assignments, and a final self-assessment report.
Visual and Performing Arts
Classes in dance, drama/theater, and visual arts are available to students.
Visual Arts Program
• The Art Scene: Take a field trip to a multi-media art opening.
Explore the local, national and worldwide art scene. Visit art studios and
observe methods of successful contemporary artists.
• Digital Design: Use Corel Painter and the Adobe Creative
Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign) and incorporate digital photography
while working on state-of-the-art 20” Apple iMac computers.
• Multimedia Drawing and Painting: Learn techniques in composition,
style, scale and distortion. Employ advanced color theory, using 3 colors
to achieve a photo-realistic painting or drawing. Use a Wacom Art Tablet,
in conjunction with an iMac, to bring artwork into the digital realm.
• Contemporary Art History: Study the lives and works of great
artists of previous centuries. Compare great artists' lives and work to
contemporary "Superstars" of the 20th and 21st centuries. Learn
fine art and commercial art marketing tools.
Dance is open to all grade levels, and the classes range from traditional ballet courses to modern dance and jazz ballet.
• Individual classes can be arranged to suit the unique needs and
learning interests of students.
Drama/Theater
This course of study is designed for students to learn sound acting techniques,
including improvisation, sense memory, body movement, voice, relaxation
and analyzing basic dramatic structure. Students will also be exposed to
all aspects of the theatrical experience, including directing, stage-managing,
lighting, costuming and writing their own monologues. Students will learn
how to be team members and will have the opportunity to perform/assist in
two productions during the year.
Physical Education
At Silverleaf Academy, we value Physical Education as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Each student must complete two years of physical education to fulfill the graduation requirements at Silverleaf Academy. The students have the option of taking either Physical Education or dance. It is our goal to instill an active and healthy lifestyle in each of our students by using a variety of techniques and activities to expose each student to a broad spectrum of athletics. Our courses include:
Dance
www.wcdanceacademy.com
Swimming, Tennis and Basketball
www.ymcaoc.org
Softball and Sand Volleyball
http://cityofmissionviejo.org/depts/rcs/mvmap.html
Wallyball
http://www.wallyball.com
Activities that will be incorporated into our Physical Education class include rock climbing, tennis, Wallyball, self-defense, basketball, volleyball, weight lifting, Pilates, and aquatics. Our campus is outfitted with a Wallyball room, and our state of the art weight room is equipped with treadmills, exercise bicycles and weight machines, which will be utilized during class on a frequent basis. However, due to the nature of the specialized activities included in the curriculum, many of our physical education classes will be held at the Saddleback Valley YMCA, located at:
27341 Trabuco Circle
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
949-380-3501
Please visit their web site at: http://www.ymcaoc.org
Proper dress is expected every day during the Physical Education class. Students must change into the uniform each day for class. Students must be wearing sturdy athletic sneakers and socks that they feel comfortable wearing for running, jumping, and walking and that provides support to their feet. All jewelry, with the exception of post earrings, must be removed and may be locked in the instructor's office. During the aquatics unit, all students must be wearing a modest swimsuit that will allow for the proper range of motion to complete the activities. We recommend wearing an athletic one-piece, that is available at most sporting goods stores.
Dance classes can be taken as an alternate class instead of Physical Education. The West Coast Dance Academy offers many classes ranging from hip hop, jazz, Pilates, ballet and tap. These classes may be taken after school, leaving another elective block open for the student during the school day. The dress code for dance is listed on the dance class schedule.
Contact Us:
Silverleaf Academy of Arts and Sciences
25732 Taladro Circle
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Tel: (949) 829-9037
Fax: (949) 829-9039
