K-12 Academic Overview
At Banning Lewis Academy, we teach a rigorous and content-rich curriculum where the Humanities merge with High-Tech to offer a world class education. Our program combines a rigorous education with the practical technology training required for college and career readiness. Our program integrates character education beginning in Kindergarten all the way through High School. By Middle School, specialty subjects increase with opportunities such as online courses, experiential and enrichment programming, and the Concurrent Enrollment program. Each student receives a well-rounded education that is individualized to their achievement and customized to their interests.
Middle School, 6-8
In Middle School, students make the transition to our Prep campus under the guidance and support of a dedicated Middle School Principal & Assistant Principal. These important years build on the foundational knowledge of our Elementary School program, but go deeper. Students are practiced in seeing connections across subject areas and disciplines and begin to tackle big questions, problems, and ideas. Students become more fluent in technology and software applications such as learning the Microsoft Office suite.
Core Subjects
Daily instruction in:
- English Language Arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
Electives
Middle School students have three class periods designated for electives and can select from a variety of semester- or year-long courses. Students must take at least one semester of Physical Education each year, and students in Grade 6 are required to take a semester each of Technical Literacy, Foreign Language, and Art.
- Fine Arts: Art, Theatre, Music (Guitar, Band, Choir)
- General: Book Studies, CSI-Forensic Science, Teen Leadership, Strategic Studies, Mock Trial
- GT: Research & Analysis, Creativity & Experimentation
- Technology: Literacy, Digital Photography, Gateway to Technology, Programming
- World Language: French, Spanish, German
For additional information about course offerings, visit the Resources Page.
LEAD the Herd
Every student has dedicated time built into their school day to focus on Character Education and Social Emotional Learning. The theme of this learning is LEAD:
- Live Safely
- Engage with Respect
- Act with Kindness
- Demonstrate Responsibility.
Students are given clear expectations for behavior and the tools they need to be socially and emotionally successful throughout their time as a Stallion. BLA provides positive incentive for students and teachers expressing these character traits to celebrate students who LEAD the Herd.
Academic Resources
Google Drive
PowerSchool
Schoology
AR BookFinder™
ERIC Institute of Education Sciences
KHANAcademy
The World Factbook
Instructional Approach
Design
We offer an extended school day and academic year to allow for true mastery rather than cursory coverage of the curriculum.
Curriculum
Our content-rich curriculum converges high tech with the humanities, combining the rigors of a classical education with the relevance required by contemporary culture. Our interdisciplinary program instills in students a captivating conceptual understanding and chronological picture of history, as well as an awareness of the interrelationships between different domains of knowledge.
Technology
To master true computer literacy, students require hands-on access to computers as a tool for authentic learning. Banning Lewis Academy equips each classroom with a computer for every three children, and provides a laptop for each teacher and administrator.
Assessment
The barometers that gauge Banning Lewis Academy’s success include higher student standardized test scores, marked progress in the quality of performance-based assessments, improved student attendance, and retention as well as enhanced motivation, satisfaction, and morale on the part of students, teachers, and parents.
Teachers
Banning Lewis Academy hires, trains, and is committed to retaining star teachers and talented leaders in educational management. All teachers are highly qualified, experienced individuals who have a strong sense of purpose, and a willingness to challenge themselves as lifelong learners, just as they would challenge their students. They compel all students to excel by concentrating on engagement and upholding high standards.
Parents
Because every child needs stability, continuity and a champion who believes in their potential, Banning Lewis Academy works to foster a close connection between home and school. Specifically, Banning Lewis Academy works with parents to improve attendance, assist with homework, and intercede when necessary.
Recent News
Special Education
Banning Lewis Academy partners with District 49 special education services under an insured model. We serve over 70 students on our k-12 campus with Individual Education Plans. We are proud to partner with families to meet the needs of diverse learners though individualized instruction and itinerant services.
