Pillars (3+ Days Per Week)
In these subjects, each student will progress at their own pace: those who can cover multiple years’ material will be encouraged to do so, those who need more time will be given it to ensure they’ve mastered the foundations before pushing on.
Math
We offer both Singapore Math and Art of Problem Solving, across all levels 3rd-8th grade. Students can progress through either curriculum of their choice at their own pace, with teacher guidance and support.
READING
With emphasis on enjoyment, understanding, and reflection, students will read and analyze 5-7 books, choosing from among titles such as The Golden Compass, The Little Prince, The Hobbit, A Long Walk to Water, The Old Man and the Sea, The Giver, Piecing Me Together. We will also have bi-weekly readings of classic poems.
WRITING
Writing is one of the best ways to learn, so we dedicate ample time to it. In addition to academic essays, students will follow a creative writing seminar building to writing their own longform fiction inspired by the NaNoWriMo program. Students will also keep a weekly handwritten journal.
2nd Language (中文)
Bilingualism has been shown to improve kids’ social understanding and brain function. We partner with Kaixin Language School to teach Mandarin at both novice and intermediate levels. To maximize retention students receive 3 classes of instruction weekly, as well as dedicated practice time on non-class days.
EXPLORATIONS
Subjects that aren’t tiered into objective skills to master, but are no less valuable to personal and academic development. These will be more open-ended and often collaborative.
science
Using the Quantum Camp curriculum students follow in the footsteps of real historical scientists, recreating each lab (60 total!) on the path to key discoveries. Students answer questions such as “what is fire?” and “what molecules make up the air we breathe?” in a hands-on project-based environment.
Our World
Through the lenses of Scarcity, Culture, Government, and Individual Perspectives, students will independently research civilizations across the globe from 3000 BC to present day, as a class building a full picture of human experience across history. Analysis will focus on identifying patterns and making connections across cultures.
CoDing
We teach Harvard’s Scratch Creative Computing curriculum to teach coding fundamentals while allowing students to be creative and build., as well as Code Combat. Students already familiar with basic coding concepts can jump in at more advanced levels.
Phys Ed
In addition to daily outdoor lunch recess at a nearby park, students will have twice-weekly PE class. Our curriculum modules include basketball, dance, adventure games, circus arts, and fitness, as well as health & wellness education.
Self-Guided Time
Every day, students will have dedicated time to choose between reading, making art, playing strategy games, building, or working on projects. This practices ownership over their time, develops enriching offline hobbies, and is just (healthy, educational) fun!
Visual art
One class per week is dedicated time for art, with a focus on developing observation, focus, and attention to detail. We provide a focused art curriculum covering topics such as tone, perspective, relief, and abstraction, but students can also opt to freely create.
SEL
Social emotional learning at Inner Fire starts from students feeling seen and respected, and we build on it with a weekly class of exercises, discussion, and games that build empathy, confidence, and emotional awareness. In our daily closing session, we make time to review the highs and lows of each day and share appreciation.
Strategy (chess)
Chess (and similar strategy games) offer a number of cognitive benefits in the form of a fun game. Once a week, students will practice key analytical and decision making skills by learning and playing these games.
Financial Literacy
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to earn, save, invest, and spend in-class currency on small rewards (pins, snacks, etc.). Through different activities and games, we’ll use this currency to learn about earning interest, bidding in auctions, and managing risk. We do NOT use currency to motivate learning or behavior.