The American curriculum is an excellent choice for children starting their educational journey. And with so many private schools and kindergartens in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and other emirates offering the American curriculum, finding a school for your child is easier.
Compared to other regional curricula, the American curriculum offers students unique benefits, which continue to drive its growing popularity.
Benefits of the American Curriculum
Here are 8 key benefits of enrolling your child in a school that uses the American curriculum:
1. Well-Rounded Education
The American curriculum is split into three stages: primary, middle and high school.
Primary school starts at age four with kindergarten and lasts until the age of 11 at Grade 5. Middle school is for students aged 11 to 14, covering Grades 6 to 8. After this, children progress to high school, which includes Grades 9 to 12.
Core subjects at each level include English language, mathematics, social studies and science. Additionally, students get ample exposure to performing and visual arts, physical education, technology, and foreign languages, along with a variety of elective courses.
2. Rigorous, Standards-Based Framework
Standard-based learning (SBL) in the American curriculum focuses on how a student is performing according to clearly set objectives called power standards. It’s designed to assess student understanding or skills in certain areas and track their progress over time.
The standard-based grading system usually varies from ‘below requirement’ to ‘mastery,’ and they can shift based on a student’s academic journey throughout the year. At the heart of this grading system is tracking student learning, ensuring teachers and parents stay in the loop about the learner’s educational growth.
Unlike traditional grading systems that use single letter grades or percentages to simply pass or fail a student, standards-based grading keeps a close eye on the ups and downs in a student’s academic journey.
For example, consider a student who earns a ‘C’ in science. That letter grade doesn’t provide specific insights into which skills have been mastered and which ones still require further attention and practice. This is where the beauty of standards-based learning shines.
It dissects each subject into crucial standards that students are expected to comprehend by the end of the academic year. And if a student is still grappling with a specific skill after finishing a unit, they’re given additional practice and support to hone it.
SBL holds tremendous value to students because it shifts their mentality from focusing entirely on earning points to actually learning in the classroom. Fortunately, it’s an integral part of the American educational methodology.
3. Emphasis on Extracurricular Activities
The American curriculum recognizes the importance of growth outside the classroom. That’s why it prioritizes extracurricular activities.
It nudges students to get involved in their communities by opening doors to volunteering and internship opportunities. It also encourages them to participate in various sports and recreational activities to help them develop critical soft skills, foster physical and social growth, and explore their interests.
4. Global Recognition
Schools that offer the American curriculum undergo thorough evaluation and audit to ensure they meet strict benchmarks for accreditation set by international educational bodies. As a result, they open doors for students to gain acceptance in prominent universities and colleges all over the world.
This means that students of American schools can have access to prestigious learning opportunities abroad and compete with their peers on a global scale. And when it comes time for them to join the workforce, their records are sure to stand out to future employers.
5. Focus on Creativity and Critical Thinking
The American curriculum goes beyond traditional teaching methods that rely heavily on rote learning. Instead, it emphasizes creativity, innovation, and critical thinking.
For example, in math classes, students might be encouraged to explore multiple solutions for a problem instead of simply memorizing processes. In science class, they can experiment with their peers and design projects that help them solve real-world problems.
Additionally, the American curriculum encourages students to collaborate with one another. Doing so helps them learn from a group setting and develop lifelong skills like communication, problem-solving and empathy.
6. Strong Teacher-Student Relationships
The American teaching style fosters a warm and respectful bond between teachers and students.
Teachers in this system invest time to interact more personally with their students and learn about their interests. They also make it a priority to communicate with parents and relay updates about student progress.
This positive and interactive environment allows students to participate in discussions, express their opinions, and ask questions without hesitation. Learners gain educational experience that’s both comfortable and enriching.
7. Flexibility and Student Autonomy
Freedom and flexibility lie at the heart of the American curriculum. Students aren’t confined to a rigid set of subjects; they can explore various electives based on their interests and future career goals.
For example, a tech enthusiast might delve into computer programming or digital design. Meantime, a student passionate about social issues could explore sociology or public policy.
What’s more, they present students with advanced placement or AP classes, which allow them to initiate college-level coursework early and garner credits that can be transferred to universities across the globe.
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8. Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology
When it comes to embracing the digital age, schools following the American curriculum are ahead of the curve. Students don’t just learn about technology; they’re actively using it in their classrooms daily.
From interactive lessons on smart boards and iPads to practical sessions in state-of-the-art computer labs, tech is woven into the fabric of American curriculum education.
This commitment to technology does more than just amplify the learning experience. It equips students with crucial digital skills and prepares them for a future where tech is essential to everyday life.
Give Your Child the Best Start in Life
The American curriculum offers the best of both worlds: mastery of core academic skills and a holistic way of learning to help children grow academically, physically and mentally.
The success stories of countless students who’ve graduated from American curriculum schools are a testament to its influence and effectiveness. So, if you aim to provide your child with high-quality education and unparalleled prospects, consider enrolling them in an American curriculum school.
