Our After-School Program is designed to provide students in grades 1-7 with assistance for classwork and homework assignments, as well as grade-appropriate ELA and Math enrichment through our own curriculum.
Our Philosophy and Approach
Students’ growth should not be limited by their grade-level curriculum. Our after-school program provides each student with the support they need to build a foundation in grade-level concepts, complete their homework, and move into advanced material. By forming a strong educational foundation, our instructors help each student excel beyond their academic curriculum and prepare them for competitive high schools such as Stuyvesant and the Bronx High School of Science. The program is open to students in Grades 1-8 and runs from 3 pm to 5:45 pm every weekday.
Individualization and Pulling
We not only individualize our curriculum - we also continually adapt the pace of our curriculum to meet the needs of each student. When a student feels challenged and needs time to process, we move slowly and meticulously, which allows us to build a sturdy foundation. Similarly, we move into a full-speed gear when we notice a student is “pulling” for content, or quickly internalizing new topics and showing a thirst for more. We recognize that all students go through phases of pulling, and work to nurture those phases so our students reap the benefits.
Our Mathematics Approach
Our approach focuses on improving numeracy and mental math in addition to covering common core standards. We seek to develop strong mathematical intuition in our students, so they are not reliant on procedures. As an organization, we already have an incredibly strong track record in mathematics. Nearly 100% of our after school students bost a 3 or 4 on the mathematics portion of their report card, even when they only spend a few hours a week on math enrichment.
Our English Approach
We follow a two-pronged approach, with a focus on building the two most important pillars of reading and writing:
1. Mastery of Language: The extended research of and understanding of the English language through all mediums, including mastery of grammar, syntax, and writing structure
2. Communication and Expression: Developing the creative process and an understanding of how reading and writing are relevant in today’s world
Studio Art
Our studio art classes offer an intensive exploration of artistic elements, technique, and history for all ages. Students will build the foundational skills necessary to express themselves through visual media. Our Studio Art Class is integrated into our after school program and focuses on portfolio building, a study of the elements of art, introduction to 2D media, and thematic projects.
Art is also heavily integrated throughout our entire after school curriculum. The use of imagery and muscle memory through drawing and painting aids in the retention of information for all subjects. A creative classroom environment promotes critical thinking and unique approaches to problem solving.
Schedule
Our schedule is designed to ensure students have an ultra-strong foundation in the core subjects, namely English and Mathematics.
Daily Schedule (Example)
Snack
Math Homework Help and lesson (individual, small group, class wide)
English Homework Help and lesson (individual, small group, class wide)
Sanidas Academy English Curriculum (reading with a focus on sight word memorization, phonemic awareness, writing, vocabulary, grammar revision worksheets, creative writing)
Sanidas Academy Mathematics (mental math + core operations necessary for path towards Algebra 1)
Group game
Pack up and clean up
Dismissal
This schedule continues to alternate throughout the week. On Fridays, we offer both Studio Art as well as an alternating Math & English class.
Sanidas Academy also provides pick-up from P.S./I.S. 78 at 2:30pm for students enrolled in the second After-School section. There is a fee for pick-up, and the students/teachers travel back to Sanidas Academy by foot.
What is IXL?
IXL is an online learning platform that provides students with personalized learning, comprehensive analytics, and a massive amount of learning resources for parents and teachers based off of the students’ needs. It will be used to completely bridge the gap between parent and teacher in regards to a student’s performance. The teachers will be working to retrieve as much data as possible through this application, so that we may continue to individualize curriculum at greater ease, and with more feedback for us, as well as you, the parents.
