Destiny School of the Arts

Middle School Program

Destiny School of the Arts’ middle school integrates  academics and the arts to provide a well-balanced and comprehensive education for our students. We believe that arts integration richly adds to our students’ academic experience, as well as to their creative and intellectual potential. Destiny’s middle school program began with adding 6th grade in fall 2021. We will launch 7th grade in fall 2022 and 8th grade in fall 2023. We look forward to serving and providing an amazing educational experience to current and new families who are looking for a different approach to education and school community.

With many physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive changes, the middle school years can be challenging. However, we purpose to create a healthy and stimulating middle school environment where students can flourish. We will continue to take a holistic, effective, and relevant approach to education as we prioritize what we always have . . . academics, the arts, and a culture of kindness.

“This school is so, so, special, and the staff is TOP NOTCH. All of the staff care for my child and are so kind, and I have been extremely pleased with the amount that my child has learned over the course of the year. Truly a hands on, positive experience. Destiny staff and teachers are wonderful and truly care for each student individually. They have gone above and beyond to help our children grow. We are thankful for a school that cares!”
Carol
DSOA Parent

Curriculum

Academics

At Destiny School of the Arts, we have developed a unique curriculum scope and sequence to aid us in meeting all of our learning objectives. Our primary curriculum resource for both math and language arts is the Abeka curriculum. We chose Abeka because of its approach to building from the simple to the complex and frequent spiraling approach of introducing new material while consistently reviewing what was learned previously. Our teachers have found it to be both rigorous and effective.

Our primary resource for our science curriculum is FOSS (Full Option Science System), a research-based curriculum developed to help students learn and deeply think about scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation and analysis. Over the last 7 years, our teachers have developed our own social studies curriculum that harmonizes with the Virginia Standards of Learning and covers American history (from the 1400s until the present day), world geography, economics, historic figures, and good citizenship. 

Formative and summative forms of assessment are utilized throughout the year. While we incorporate these assessments, we are not a “test-driven” school. Our curriculum focuses on collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, character, and communication, also known as the “5 C’s.” We believe these skills to be imperative and beneficial to students as they develop into 21st-century citizens.

We also emphasize the importance of creating a culture of kindness, treating others the way we would like to be treated, and demonstrating Judeo-Christian principles, such as honesty, responsibility, and integrity.

We value teacher expertise, best practices, and quality resources. Teachers and administrative staff regularly collaborate to adapt and improve teaching methods and our curriculum. One important approach at Destiny School of the Arts is to teach across the curriculum. We strongly believe that our approach to instruction creates meaningful experiences that ultimately result in true learning for our students!

Performing Arts

Art

Students study and apply fundamental elements of art while mastering their own techniques. Student artwork has been featured in local venues and in our own end of the year art show. 

Creative Movement
Creative Movement in middle school focuses on dance performance, athletics, and health. In one quarter, students may learn the basics of jazz dance, basketball, and the skeletal system.

Music
Students learn music theory and history as they learn to sing and perform in choral ensembles, as well as play musical instruments. Students are placed in either a strings (piano, acoustic guitar, electric guitar) or percussion track (drums) which they will remain in through the 8th grade. In addition, all middle school students are given the opportunity to audition for our After-School Performance Club. This club features singers and band members that perform in the Leesburg parade and several other local venues. 

Drama
Our drama class includes theater, etiquette, and public speaking components, including debate club. Confidence is gleaned as students express themselves through this empowering and magical art form. Performances will be worked into Christmas and spring recitals. 

Additional Enrichment Classes
Spanish, technology, life skills and passion projects are also important classes offered at Destiny School of the Arts. In addition to these program components, our students spend a significant amount of time outside for lunch, recess, and outdoor exploration (a class wholly devoted to exploring the ecology and wonder of outdoors). As the oldest members of our student body, our middle school students are entrusted with a variety of leadership and service opportunities to enhance their skill sets and enrich our school community. 

Full Day Middle School Program

Monday – Friday | Full Day, 8:15 A.M. – 3:15 P.M.

Coupling academics with performing arts, our elementary school program excels at stimulating and developing the imagination and critical thinking of our students.

Please contact info@destinyschoolofthearts.com for availability.

Middle School & Home School Enrichment Programs​

Monday – Friday | Half Day, 12:30 P.M. – 3:15 P.M

Public school and home-school students benefit from our afternoon enrichment program that focuses on performing arts, creative movement, and music. Our curriculum includes beginning piano.

Please contact info@destinyschoolofthearts.com for availability.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

We would be more than happy to help you!