Core Curriculum

Academic Curriculum

Students are given opportunities to optimize their potential.  They explore the arts through a challenging and innovative curriculum.  Talented and passionate teachers help them to recognize their unique learning style.  Most of all they find that they are embraced and respected as a valuable addition to the CCSA community.

 
 

Elementary School

Elementary School (Grades K–4)

Students in the elementary school follow an academic program that includes regular instruction in five core areas. The curriculum takes a generalist approach to the arts. Throughout the year elementary scholars engage in dance, music, theatre, and visual art, while also receiving instruction in physical education and math lab.

Core Curriculum Areas
Reading
Writing
Math
Science
Social Studies

 

Middle School

Core Curriculum Areas
English
Math
Science
Social Studies
Humanities
Focused Art Instruction

Middle School (Grades 5–8)

The middle school is designed to ensure that students receive the support and preparation they need to transition toward greater independence.  In 5th grade students are taught in a self-contained class with a single teacher.  Upon entering 6th grade students are given the opportunity to begin to direct their own education.  They receive instruction from a Humanities teacher and a Sciences teacher on top of their core subject areas and are allowed to narrow their arts focus to enhance their aptitude in a particular discipline.  As they finish 8th grade, students are taught each of their subjects by a separate teacher so they are prepared for the transition to life in high school.


 

High School

High School (Grades 9–12)

The high school includes Grades 9 through 12. Students in the high school are required to take four years of the core subjects and have access to earn credits towards college through a partnership with Delaware County Community College.  Students have access to mentors and are provided specific resources to engage in a purpose planning process aimed at helping them achieve their post-secondary goals.  The program has been highly successful with 100% of our seniors graduating prepared for post-secondary life. 

Core Curriculum Areas
English
Math
Science

Social Studies

Post Secondary Coursework

 


 

Additional Studies

‘Majoring’ in the Arts

Each year, in addition to their core subjects, high school students select two arts disciplines as majors, or areas of intense focus. They may choose theatre, dance, visual art, digital art, vocal music, or instrumental music.

Discover the arts at CCSA 

Electives

Elective options include Geography, Multicultural Studies, Personal Finance, Social Issues, Tourism and Travel, Environmental Sciences, Careers in Science, Engineering and Technology, and the Health Sciences Elective Program.

Students may also participate in a number of school clubs and extracurricular programs.

Learn more 

Post-Secondary Planning

Particular attention is given to ensuring not just that all high school students graduate, but that they are prepared to succeed in their aspirations. To this end, CCSA has developed a post-secondary planning program to provide students with the resources needed to establish life goals and to identify the road ahead of them. Scholars develop a clear action plan for how to accomplish their personal vision, which may begin with college, technical school, military service, or gainful employment.  Students are provided the opportunity to take classes through at partnership with Delaware County Community College where they can earn credits towards college and develop the skills required for the transition to post-secondary education.

 

State Assessment Notice

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments. Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to PA Department of Education (PDE) if it anticipates that more than 1.0 % of its students enrolled in grades 3-8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA. A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the PDE website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c)(3) regulations. LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. Chester Charter Scholars Academy (CCSA) anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2019-20 testing cycle. The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education. Questions on the CCSA participation rates should be directed to Martina Hussein, Director of Special Education at mhussein@CCSAscholars.org