Academic Curriculum
The core curriculum combines a firm foundation of skills and knowledge with the development of reasoning and thinking abilities that allow Weiss students to become lifelong learners. Students improve their skills and knowledge using an advanced networked computer system including terminals throughout the classrooms and a well designed technology lab. Internet access is available throughout the school on all computers.

Language Arts: A Variety of Approaches
The Language Arts program utilizes the appropriate strategies for all children based on their individual needs. Whole language, phonics and perceptual methods are implemented to assure fluency in reading in the early grades.

Our goal is to help children read with fluency and confidence, using tools such as Newberry Award-winning books. The stories come alive with dress-up days, author days and learning activities that encompass art, music, drama, social studies and thinking skills. At the same time, the children become good listeners and competent speakers through frequent oral presentations which are the culminating activities for their independent projects. Reading Counts, a point system, rewarding achievement and increased reading time is used on all grade levels.

We live in a world where communication and understanding are increasingly important. The language arts program has been designed to provide students with the needed skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking, and thinking to facilitate the understanding and expressing of ideas in creative ways. The learner is the focal point of the process-oriented language arts curriculum, with the instruction tailored to the individual needs of the student. Through integration of the different components of the language arts program, Weiss students become competent communicators.

Foreign Language: A Natural, Direct Method
The Weiss School has developed unique teaching methods for students to achieve oral fluency and master writing in Spanish. These methods stress the principle that: speaking comes before reading or writing, the best way to learn new vocabulary is by making concrete associations with real objects and actions, and fluency is the main goal.

Students achieve these goals through a variety of fun activities such as:

• Classes are adapted to the needs of the students. Support materials such as video tapes, audio tapes, and computer activities are used.
• Foreign language luncheons in native traditional dress are held at local Spanish restaurants.
• Foreign culture days - native speakers are invited to visit the school and communicate with the children. When necessary, more advanced students act as interpreters. Activities include art projects, plays, and games in foreign languages.

Mathematics: Integration of Theory and Practice
Mathematical literacy provides students with the ability to reason. Developing problem-solving strategies through creative means allows the student to apply school based learning to real-world situations. Mathematics is presented to the students in ways that enrich their lives with necessary skills to meet the demands of a changing society.

The Weiss School is committed to the implementation of the goals and standards of the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, the response by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) to the nation’s ongoing crisis in the learning and teaching of mathematics. In particular, we seek to achieve the NCTM’s objective of developing “in each and every student an understanding of mathematics that lasts a lifetime and grows to meet changing demands.” Special emphasis is placed on problem solving, communications, and reasoning to help students effectively apply mathematics.

The math curriculum draws upon a wide variety of teaching tools, including classroom math manipulatives and exciting math computer programs designed to develop a particular skill area. We use real-life math simulations, games and activities from the worlds of personal banking, investments, and business. This wealth of teaching tools allows us to have a program which maximizes each child’s individual math talents, while working to mitigate any individual weaknesses.

In addition, the mathematic’s curriculum provides learning experiences which enhance the student’s mathematical confidence and encourage the student to try different approaches. The program is designed to promote success, build self-esteem, motivate and prepare all students with the necessary tools for mathematical thinking and problem-solving.

Science: Scientific Thinking and Hands-On Applications
Science at The Weiss School is not an isolated subject, but a way of life - a system of logical thinking and interaction with one’s world that can be consistently applied to everyday problems. The students learn through real experiments based upon the scientific method.

The science program is divided into four areas of concentration; physical science, life science, earth/space science and chemistry. Using a spiral curriculum approach, students are actively involved in laboratory work which concentrates on developing upper level thinking skills. The Scientific Method provides a foundation for the numerous experiments which encourage a learning-by-doing experience and creates a positive attitude towards science. Technology and research skills are emphasized as needed tools for scientific reasoning. These practices enable many of our students to qualify for the prestigious Math, Science and Engineering Program at Suncoast High School.

At every opportunity, students are challenged to develop analytical skills to learn how to think logically and creatively. We emphasize hands-on activities, discovery learning, higher-order thinking skills, and application of the scientific method to ongoing student research. By learning to think scientifically, within the context of problems and situations in their daily life, Weiss students will be fully prepared to excel in any science or profession.

Social Studies: People and Nations of an Ever-Changing World
Social studies plays an important role in the students’ educational experience. Responding to the ever-changing nature of our society, the social studies curriculum prepares students for the challenges that they face as citizens of the world. The curriculum is based on five core content strands; history, geography, civics, economics and sociology. The well organized social studies program helps students understand and cope with changes that the future will bring by acknowledging and studying historical events and leaders.

A commitment to a global perspective fosters cooperation among peoples and nations, emphasizing the commonalities without foresaking the uniqueness of different cultures and heritages. With the knowledge gained through the social studies program, the students are prepared for their roles as citizens and future leaders.