Learning through Volcano's unique natural and cultural resources to become creative global citizens.
Curriculum & Instruction
English Language Arts
Teachers use multi-sensory, structured language approaches to reading as well as rich experiences with high quality literature to engage in texts and respond to them. Writing instruction incorporates Common Core Standards including research; informative/explanatory, argumentative, and narrative writing; and English language usage (mechanics, grammar, and spelling). Students gain skills in oral communication and listening through classroom experiences in social skills, group work, various presentations, and performances for a variety of audiences.
Math
Grades K-5 students use Eureka Math from Great Minds. Eureka Math is aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Instructioon is grounded in Jo Bohler's Mindset Mathematics. Teachers integrate real-world, experiential, and place-based activities along with opportunities for practice. We emphasize understanding and communication of concepts in math more than rote memorization of facts or drills in computation.
Science
VSAS uses a biocultural approach to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Our students have rich opportunities to work in hands-on and field-based activities and engage with scientists across a variety of fields.
Social Studies
VSAS uses standards of the National Council for Social Studies C3 Framework. At the elementary level, individual teachers and sometimes groups of teachers create their own social studies curricula, often integrating this content area with language arts and other learning. Social Studies in the Middle School grades is integrated with English Language Arts in Humanities core curriculum and ʻIke Hawaiʻi, US History & Civic Action, World History & Culture co-curricular classes.