Lower School Resources Directory

Academics

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What is STEAM Education?

STEAM is an interdisciplinary area of study to bridge the five areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. By integrating STEAM lessons in the curriculum, students learn and are able to apply understanding of how the world works within and across these five interrelated domains. A STEAM education ensures a new workforce of problem-solvers, innovators, and inventors who are self-reliant and able to succeed in the knowledge-based workplace and community.

STEAM projects require students to systematically think through problems, applying the information they learn along the way about technology and engineering to figure out the best solutions. Strategically placing students together in groups can create powerful teams in which students learn how to help each other and figure out how to use their different strengths and skill sets. Cross-curricular projects engage different parts of students’ brains so they are seeing the project through different lenses, focusing on details while also learning to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.

In a STEAM classroom, students experience guided inquiry in which they must ask thoughtful questions, discover answers, apply what they learn and problem-solve creatively. STEAM projects involve teamwork and thoughtful dialogue where students are able to exchange ideas and discuss various solutions to a problem. In doing so, students learn how to delegate, compromise, and understand different points of view. This shifts students toward investigating and questioning the interrelated facets of the world.

At Avant Garde Academy, we believe by providing students digital access and infusing technology across and within the curriculum that our students will become responsible digital participants in our society. We use technology to:

Create Active Listeners
Enhance Group Participation
Engage Learners and Enhance Feedback
Connect Students with Real World Experts

The Leader in Me

Leadership. Culture. Academics.

We are proud to be a school that fully embraces the Leader in Me program.

Students are taught social emotional standards by Broward County Schools:

Self-Awareness and Self-Management
Relationship Skills and Social Awareness
Responsible Decision Making

The Leader in Me Program Fosters:

Growth Mindset
Communication Skills & Manners
Bully Prevention and Conflict & Resolution Skills
Empowerment
Human Connection

The Leader in Me is Franklin Covey’s whole-child and school transformation process. It is an evidence based, comprehensive school improvement model developed in partnership with educators to empower students. It teaches 21st century leadership and life skills to students and creates a culture of student empowerment based on the idea that every child can be a leader.

AGA strives to help students achieve their potential by encouraging all staff, students, and families to use the 7 Habits language regularly. Our mission is to develop active student leaders with creative minds, understanding, compassion, and the courage to act on their personal beliefs.

AGA prides itself on providing opportunities for students to develop their full potential. The Leader in Me is also aligned with many national and state academic standards. The program equips students with the skills needed for academic success in any setting. These skills include critical thinking, goal setting, listening and speaking, self-directed learning, presentation-making, and the ability to work in groups.

The Summer Bridge Program is available for students to continue practicing and strengthening their Reading, Math, and Science/STEAM skills over the summer.

This program includes meaningful activities to help students review key skills and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Lower School Summer Bridge Project

Program Details:

‍ ‍Complete the grade level Reading, Math, and Science/STEAM activities over the summer

‍ ‍Complete weekly lessons on i-Ready and IXL through Clever

‍ ‍Work should be completed for the grade level students will enter in the 2026–2027 school year. Completed projects may be turned in during the first week of school for extra credit.

Summer Bridge Program Access:

Student Life

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Service Learning Academies

K - 5

K - 2nd grade learn the habits.
3rd - 5th grade apply the habits.

Free K - 5 Extracurricular Activities

Arts and Crafts
NEHS
Yearbook
Lighthouse
Intramural Sports

Yoga
Debate
Drama
Robotics
STEAM

Special Area Classes

Art
Music
STEAM
Leader in Me
Media
Physical Education

Social & Emotional Learning

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Support Services & Programs

Exception Student Education (ESE)

Individualized Educations Plan (IEP)

No more than 20% pull out of General Education class.

ESOL Program

English Language Learners

K-5 Gifted program and 6-12 Advanced Coursework

Students are placed based off of data.

FAST Scores and End Of the year Assessment

End of the Year assessments

4th quarter Grades

Teacher Recommendation

Extended Learning Opportunities

Tutoring ELL Camp

Afterschool help

Guidance Services

Personalized and Individualized attention

College and Career Readiness

Life Skills and wellness

Progress Monitoring

Free Breakfast and Lunch Program & Transportation

Student Belonging

Empowered students who take ownership of their learning and actions! Students who are confident and are prepared to make a positive impact on their community!

Social Support

Students who are confident, responsible leaders capable of taking charge of their learning and actions! Students who excel academically, socially, and emotionally while feeling a sense of pride and belonging! Families who are engaged and valued partners in their child’s education! A school environment where leadership, achievement, and community spirit are celebrated daily!

Community Engagement

Future student Leaders with a variety of strengths and talents! Students who see their genius! Students who can set goals! Effective and positive members of society! Our future leaders and members of society!