Academic Program

Nittany Valley Charter School students are actively engaged in the learning process so that, besides gaining knowledge and building skills, they learn the life skills of goal setting, managing and completing projects, and working with others. Our school community welcomes the difference in background, abilities, and styles that each member of our students, staff, parents and teachers brings to our school. Whether your child is an enthusiastic, independent student or a slower paced learner in need of extra support, NVCS tailors each child’s work to maximize their success as a learner.

The academic program provides a strong foundation in the core subjects of mathematics, communication/language arts, sciences and social studies. In addition, students study environmental education, Spanish, music, art, physical education and health. Teachers incorporate the state standards into their teaching and all students participate in state mandated testing.

Language Arts

Reading, writing, grammar, and spelling are taught through integration with social studies, science, and environmental education, as well as through specific skill lessons. Through read-aloud time in younger grades, book groups, poetry study, group reading, and individual choice reading, students expand their knowledge of and appreciation for literature. Students write in journals, do weekly writing assignments, and write larger projects as part of their thematic studies.


Mathematics

In mathematics, students work individually or in small groups according to their abilities and learning styles. There is opportunity for students at any level to review material and to be challenged with new concepts at their own pace. Many students catch up quickly if they are behind their grade level and those who are ready to advance can easily do so. Students learn problem solving skills at all levels and algebra and geometry are introduced early.

Social Studies and Science

Social studies and science are taught through integrated units that often involve the whole school. Using a four year rotation, students study history from the dinosaurs to the 21st century and geography from pole to pole with all seven continents in between, based on the processes of learning rather than the memorization of facts. Building on prior knowledge, students develop questions that intrigue them on each topic. Reading, researching, and completing projects all contribute to their understanding and prepares them to be independent learners.

Science units are also on a rotation, meaning that a student will be introduced to content as a primary student and then receive more advanced instruction as a middle schooler. In addition to our weekly environmental education lessons, students have whole units based on science, such as Oceans, Simple Machines, or Chemistry. In addition, NVCS participates in a program with Penn State University in which students and professors come into our classrooms to teach concepts and share materials that few elementary or middle school students have access to.

Environmental Education

Environmental Education is a vital component of the Nittany Valley Charter School. Each week, the Environmental program includes a 45 minute classroom session. In the fall and spring, the program is supplemented by a half-day or full-day field trip. The classroom time can be structured into mini-lessons, activities, and/or observation but its ultimate goal is to give the students the information needed to then go out into the field and conduct real environmental activities. The field trips give the students a chance to apply book learning to a real life experience, foster in them an appreciation and sense of stewardship for nature, and teach them about our natural environment, geology, and cultural history. Perhaps most importantly, they also provide opportunities for team building, cooperation, adventure, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from hiking up a mountain, going through a cave, or learning how to steer a canoe.

Spanish

Spanish studies begin in first grade and continue through eighth. Much of the learning is self-paced, individual work with the advantage of having a class for group work and conversational practice. The students learn vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, reading, and writing and study about Spanish speaking cultures.
Music

Music class provides students with a variety of vocal and instrumental opportunities, depending on the interests and abilities of each group of children. Students learn music appreciation, study basic music theory, and sing and/or provide instrumental accompaniment. Students who are interested can learn keyboarding, guitar, or choral singing and they have three or four opportunities for performance each year.

Art

Art is sometimes tied in with thematic studies so that students are painting while lying on their backs like Michelangelo or learning about the physical properties of light or illustrating a group project book about the voyage of a toy duck down the Susquehanna Watershed. Students also have the opportunity to take courses in pottery, drawing, and painting.
Physical Education

Physical Education is an active, fun program with a variety of games and activities which build skill levels, promote physical confidence, encourage team building, and increase fitness levels. The students play sports like soccer, tennis, and basketball as well as participate in games like Pickle Ball, Wacky Ball, and “Andy’s Crazy Ball Bounce.”
Health

Health is taught first in practice with a healthy, high-protein snack offered at morning break, two active, outdoor play periods a day in addition to PE and hikes and other outdoor activities as a part of Environmental Education. Students also take a bi-weekly health class to learn about hygiene, healthy choices, and drug abuse prevention.

Nittany Valley Charter School's motto is "We work hard today to make dreams come true tomorrow." Perhaps we should have added “ . . .while having a good time." Our graduating students' successes show us that they ARE making their dreams come true. The number of students who come back to visit after they have graduated to high school makes us see how much their time here has meant to them. Our well rounded program with primary concern for the well being of the whole child and a strong academic program allows each child to meet their fullest potential.