Academics

Academics

Kindergarten–Fourth Grade Program (Founding Years)

Crestwood Academy provides a rigorous, thoughtfully designed academic program for students in kindergarten through fourth grade during its founding phase. Our approach combines strong academic standards, discussion-based learning, hands-on experiences, and intentional character development to support both immediate achievement and long-term success.

Instruction at Crestwood Academy is intentionally structured to promote mastery, critical thinking, and meaningful application of knowledge while remaining developmentally appropriate and supportive of the whole child.

As the school grows, grade-level expansion is planned in alignment with enrollment, staffing, and facility capacity.

Academic Standards and Curriculum Framework

Crestwood Academy meets and exceeds Oklahoma academic standards while drawing instructional guidance from nationally recognized, high-performing academic frameworks. Curriculum design is benchmarked to rigorous models used in top-performing states, including Massachusetts, which is consistently recognized for strong educational outcomes.

Our academic framework emphasizes:

• Depth of understanding rather than surface-level coverage

• Coherent progression of skills across grade levels

• Mastery of foundational concepts before advancement

• Clear expectations paired with strong instructional support

By aligning instruction with proven national benchmarks, Crestwood Academy provides an elevated level of academic rigor that prepares students for advanced coursework and future academic transitions.

Instructional Model: Discussion, Application, and Critical Thinking

Crestwood Academy uses a discussion-centered instructional approach inspired by the Harkness model, combined with hands-on, experiential learning and real-world application.

Students are not passive learners — they are active participants.

In guided discussions, students regularly:

• Analyze ideas

• Ask thoughtful questions

• Explain their reasoning

• Listen respectfully to others

Teachers serve as skilled facilitators who maintain academic rigor while helping students develop confidence, accountability, and intellectual responsibility.

This model builds:

• Critical thinking

• Strong communication skills

• Academic confidence

• Respectful collaboration

• Ownership of learning

Small Class Sizes and Individualized Instruction

Small class sizes are central to the Crestwood Academy model. This structure allows educators to truly know each student and provide individualized support.

Teachers are able to:

• Monitor progress closely

• Adjust instruction proactively

• Provide targeted support or appropriate challenge

• Build strong teacher–student relationships

Students are both supported and appropriately challenged as they work toward academic mastery.

A Day at Crestwood Academy

At Crestwood Academy, the school day is intentionally structured to support deep learning, strong routines, and meaningful engagement. Each day follows a predictable, calm rhythm while allowing flexibility for discussion, exploration, and hands-on learning.

Our schedule is designed so students can:

• Focus deeply

• Think critically

• Move regularly

• Apply learning in practical ways

• Feel secure in consistent routines

Daily Learning Rhythm

Each school day includes a balanced combination of:

• Focused academic instruction

• Discussion-based learning

• Hands-on application

• Lunch and recess

• Outdoor learning and movement

• Reflection and end-of-day responsibilities

This predictable structure helps students feel calm, prepared, and ready to learn.

Subject Focus by Day

Rather than fragmenting learning into short blocks, Crestwood Academy uses a subject-focused day model. This allows students to engage more deeply with material while still reinforcing core skills throughout the week.

Monday — Mathematics

Math instruction emphasizes:

• Conceptual understanding

• Problem-solving

• Skill fluency

• Real-world application

Students engage in guided instruction, discussion, and hands-on practice that builds true mathematical confidence.

Tuesday — English

English instruction focuses on:

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary development

• Grammar foundations

• Clear written and verbal communication

Students build strong literacy habits through discussion, reading, and structured writing.

Wednesday — Science

Science is taught through an inquiry-based, evidence-driven approach.

Students participate in:

• Observation

• Experimentation

• Hands-on investigation

• Scientific discussion

Curiosity is encouraged — but always grounded in real academic content.

Thursday — Language Arts

Language arts emphasizes:

• Writing composition

• Revision and editing

• Literary analysis

• Structured expression

Students learn to organize their thoughts clearly and communicate effectively.

Friday — Focus Fridays

Focus Fridays are a signature part of the Crestwood experience.

These days connect learning to the real world through:

• Experiential projects

• Community service opportunities

• Life skills development

• Interdisciplinary enrichment

• Local partnerships and field experiences

Focus Fridays help students develop:

• Responsibility

• Independence

• Leadership

• Practical problem-solving

Lunch, Recess, and Movement

Students participate in a daily lunch and recess period to support physical health, focus, and social development.

• Lunches are provided from home

• Recess encourages active free play

• Outdoor time is a consistent and valued part of the day

We believe students learn better when they have regular opportunities to move, reset, and recharge.

Outdoor Learning & Physical Activity

Outdoor learning is intentionally built into the Crestwood model.

Students regularly engage in:

• Garden and farm-inspired activities

• Outdoor observation and exploration

• Physical education and movement

• Hands-on environmental learning

These experiences support focus, physical well-being, and real-world application of academic concepts.

Reflection and End-of-Day Responsibilities

Each day concludes with a brief reflection and organization period.

Students may:

• Reflect on their learning

• Set goals

• Participate in optional quiet reflection

• Organize materials

• Help care for shared spaces

Optional reflection activities may include quiet reflection, mindfulness, or voluntary faith-based practices based on family preference. Participation is always voluntary and respectful of individual beliefs.

A Thoughtful, Purposeful School Day

Crestwood Academy’s daily structure is designed to:

• Support deep academic learning

• Encourage responsibility and independence

• Balance focus with movement

• Maintain calm, structured classrooms

• Create an environment where students feel known and supported

By combining rigorous academics with hands-on learning, strong routines, and meaningful engagement, Crestwood Academy creates a school experience that is both highly effective and genuinely enjoyable for students.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

Crestwood Academy is committed to maintaining high academic standards within a supportive, structured learning environment.

Students are:

• Challenged appropriately

• Supported individually

• Known personally

• Guided intentionally

By combining rigorous academics, nationally benchmarked standards, discussion-based instruction, hands-on learning, and individualized support, Crestwood Academy prepares students for continued academic success and responsible participation in their communities.