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 reading is the Abeka curriculum. Our social studies and science objectives are largely founded in the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs) and discovery learning methodology. Additionally, like Loudoun County Public Schools, we use the D’Nealian method to teach handwriting, as this style of writing lends itself to a more seamless transition to cursive writing. We also emphasize God’s love, treating others the way we would like to be treated, and the importance of Judeo-Christian principles, such as honesty, responsibility, and integrity.
Formative and summative forms of assessment are utilized throughout the year. And while we have these assessments, we are not a “test-driven” school. Our curriculum focuses on collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication, also known as the “4 C’s.” We believe these skills to be imperative and beneficial to students as they develop into 21st century citizens.
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!
An Example of Teaching Across the Curriculum:
Our academic teacher may be teaching a unit on Mexico and its geographical location in relation to the United States. Simultaneously in art, students learn about a prominent Mexican artist and imitate that artist’s works or techniques. In Spanish, they may read Mexican folktales and learn further Spanish vocabulary through studying the country’s cultural characteristics. In Creative Movement, they will learn the Mexican Sombrero dance, and in Music they will be exposed to famous Mexican bands and musicians, while working on rhythm patterns using maracas.
