Our Academics » Our Learning Model

Our Learning Model

The Academy of Alameda provides a continuous learning environment for students aged 4 to 14 that balances joy, excellence, and equity. At every grade, students are celebrated through social-justice focused curriculum and activities.  


Joy  

At the Academy of Alameda, we believe children thrive academically when they feel safe, welcomed, and valued. Our model ensures students build strong skills they need to become confident, independent learners. Alongside engaging academics, we cultivate a deep sense of belonging so every child feels seen and supported in our community. 

  

  • TK-5 students enjoy annual cultural events which engage the entire student body, and students in grades 6 through 8 celebrate cultural celebrations via advisory periods and assemblies on a monthly basis. 
  • AoA students want to come to school. Our school is home to a 93.5% attendance rate! 
  • Ninety-five percent of AoA families say their children enjoy going to school. 

 

Excellence  

At the Academy of Alameda, we believe all students can achieve academic success if given access and support. We ensure all students have access to rigorous academic coursework and support from teachers who receive ongoing professional development. As a result, our students achieve higher than average annual growth toward academic goals.   

 

  • AoA’s academic programming stresses student agency and self-advocacy, ensuring students own their performance and take charge of their futures. 
    • AoA student agency: Students set their own goals and take purposeful action.
    • AoA self-advocacy: Students understand their own needs and strengths, communicate them to receive support, and make informed decisions.
  • Students consistently outperform state averages in standardized testing (CAASPP). 
Student Proficiency Graph

Equity  

At the Academy of Alameda, social justice is not a single subject—it is woven into the fabric of our entire school experience by focusing on community, advocacy, and multiple perspectives. We help students learn to value their own identities, honor human differences, recognize bias, and take action for what is right.   

 

  • Ninety-two percent of AoA teachers and staff shared that the school’s core strength is its community that reflects and celebrates every identity. 
  • This approach shapes every aspect of our school, from our equity studies program and assemblies – to the books in our classroom libraries, the curriculum we select, and the ways we partner with families. Students don’t just study equity — they live out equity through experiences that affirm who they are and expand their understanding of others. 
  • Our grade-specific and age-appropriate social justice curriculum and paired actions build upon each other year-over-year to shape thoughtful, empowered students. 
  • Central to our program is Equity Studies, in which we approach history through a social justice lens and encourage students to think critically, understand diverse perspectives, and see themselves as agents of positive change.