ACADEMICS
At FernLeaf, we embrace a hands-on, student-centered approach to instruction. Talented FernLeaf teachers start with the NC Standard Course of Study and infuse it with their own inspiration, expertise, and passions to bring learning to life.
LOWER SCHOOL
At our Creek Campus, FernLeaf K-4th grade educators blend whole group, small group, and individualized instruction to create a rigorous, active, and engaging academic environment for students.
Project based learning is woven throughout the content areas allowing students to apply conceptual knowledge while also learning critical thinking skills, fostering collaboration and curiosity, and allowing for deep, meaningful engagement.
The Lower School utilizes the Ready North Carolina Curriculum as a foundation to provide our students with instruction that is directly aligned with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study for language arts and mathematics. We supplement the ReadyNC Reading curriculum with Heggerty phonemic awareness exercises, daily Fundations phonics lessons, and small group guided reading instruction. Teachers create engaging, project-based science and social studies units based on the Standard Course of Study and student interests, often incorporating community partners, field work, and real-world problems.
Our educators supplement their classroom instruction with iReady Learning, an online program that creates an individualized learning path for each student based on their unique needs.
Lower School students experience a variety of enrichment classes each week, including visual arts, music, movement, outdoor education, and Spanish.
UPPER SCHOOL
Our middle and high school educators are masters of weaving the North Carolina Standard Course of Study with their unique passions to craft rich and engaging courses for their students.
Our middle and high schoolers learn through rigorous academic experiences, meaningful fieldwork opportunities, promotion of self exploration, after-school extracurricular activities, travel opportunities, and diverse elective opportunities.
Once students reach 5th grade, they are progressively given more opportunities to hone their leadership skills and to take on increasing levels of responsibility. Monthly field trips, domestic and international travel opportunities, and regular hands-on learning opportunities strengthen the school community and give students access to rich & meaningful experiences that support their education & enrich their lives.
Middle school students whose academic performance and standardized test results indicate mastery of seventh grade mathematics may be eligible to enroll in Math I during 8th grade.
Once students reach high school at FernLeaf they have the option to take virtual, AP & Honors courses as well as dual enrollment opportunities at BRCC, ABTech, and NC School of Science and Math.
See FernLeaf's High School Planning Guide here.
Upper School teachers use IXL as a universal screener to identify areas of need and to curate individualized activities to close existing gaps while enhancing student learning. Students utilize IXL to follow their individualized learning paths and to complete teacher-assigned supplemental materials.
SUPPLEMENTAL SUPPORTS
FernLeaf offers supplemental interventions to students that we identify as academically at-risk. The FernLeaf Intervention Program (FLIP) targets these at-risk students and creates a support plan in place to supplement their learning.
ASSESSING STUDENT LEARNING
Educators at FernLeaf use a blend of formal and informal assessments to evaluate student learning and growth. In the early grades, assessment may include observations, performance tasks, and individual reading assessments, while later grades add writing assignments, quizzes and tests, and presentations.
All students take a universal screener three times per year to pinpoint academic levels and identify learning gaps. Students in grades kindergarten through four take the iReady diagnostic, while students in 5th to 9th grades take the IXL diagnostic. Results of these diagnostics are used by teachers to design instruction and remediation.
As a public charter school FernLeaf is required to administer the North Carolina End of Grade Tests beginning in third grade. NC Check-ins are also administered throughout the year.
