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Upcoming Events
 School For Advanced Studies
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  • IS YOUR CHILD INQUISITIVE?  
  • DOES YOUR CHILD LIKE TO EXPLORE A SUBJECT IN-DEPTH? 
  • IS YOUR CHILD SELF-MOTIVATED?

Our SAS program is designed to meet the needs of gifted and talented students. Each grade level has a sequenced student-centered curriculum which is aligned with and leads into the SAS program at our local schools.

SAS teachers receive extensive staff development training – 32 hours initially and at least one additional course every year thereafter. Administrators also participate in special training.

Parent meetings are held throughout the year to keep the parents up to date on the progress of the SAS program. Additionally, information is provided by the school to advise SAS students about summer enrichment programs, talent searches, educational alternatives and high school options.

Students learn by exploring, inquiring and seeing issues from multiple perspectives. The goals of our program are:
  • To insure that your child is prepared for high school Advanced Placement (AP) classes, state and national tests and college entrance exams
  • To encourage problem solving abilities and promote creative thinking
  • To help your child see the world from many viewpoints and to enhance a natural curiosity and love of learning
  • To promote creative and critical thinking in an enjoyable learning environment
  • To offer courses designed to provide a variety of academic and elective class experiences
To qualify for the SAS program, your child must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Is identified as Gifted/Talented (Intellectual, High Achievement or Specific Academic categories) by an LAUSD school psychologist
  • Demonstrates strong abilities in critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Has strong test scores and grades along with teacher recommendations and is approved to participate by a Woodland Hills Academy administrator or SAS Coordinator
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR SAS PROGRAM
SIXTH GRADE
  •  Investigation of scientific topics in depth for extended periods of time
  • Immersion units in all academic areas designed to deepen inquiry
  • Field trips to colleges and universities
  • Development of college level learning strategies
  • Differentiation of instruction to meet the varied needs of students
  • Engagement of students in deep and authentic instructional experiences
  • In depth look at ancient civilizations and their influence on modern society
  • Use of thinking maps and graphic organizers to develop study skills
  • Exploration of ideas through investigations involving kinesthetic senses
SEVENTH GRADE
  • Investigation and exploration of our genetic code
  • In depth investigations leading to an understanding of the environment, community health issues, natural resources, populations and technology
  • Brain-based investigations into how we think and understand problems
  • Use of laboratory equipment to do scientific investigations
  • In-depth study of the research paper
  • Focus on the narrative essay and public speaking/debate strategies
  • Field trips to health facilities and trips to teaching hospitals
  • Learning to think like historians and archaeologists as they learn to formulate questions and draw conclusions from evidence
EIGHTH GRADE
  • Emphasis on in-depth exploration of the physical sciences
  • Concentration on major events and ideas that led to the creation of our nation
  • Math portfolios
  • Exploration of careers
  • Refinement of research skills using the MLA format
  • College and university field trips
  • Focus on persuasive writing as well as the art of debate
IN ALL GRADES, WE INTRODUCE PROGRAMS OR SERVICES IN A STIMULATING AND ENJOYABLE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS COLLEGE AWARENESS, ASPIRATIONS AND PLANNING TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN DEVELOP A VISION OF WHAT THEY CAN BECOME.
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