Mission Statement: To provide each child with a content-rich, academically rigorous education using a well-defined, sequential curriculum in a safe, orderly, and caring environment.

Founding Principals

Academic Standards:

• Academic rigor and achievement are our top priorities.
• High academic standards are maintained with goals for continuous improvement.
• Students are challenged at all levels.
• Mastery of curriculum and standardized tests, among other assessments, shall be used to measure achievement and to assist in maintaining high academic standards.

Curriculum:

Littleton Academy uses Core Knowledge. The Core Knowledge Sequence is a detailed outline of specific content and skills to be taught in language arts, history, geography, mathematics, science, and the fine arts. As the core of a school’s curriculum, it is intended to provide a coherent, content specific foundation of learning, while allowing flexibility to meet local needs.

• The curriculum is based on an expanded Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence.
• The curriculum is sequential from grade to grade.
• Reading and mathematics are emphasized, especially in the lower grades.
• Reading and spelling are based on phonics.
• Social sciences are taught from a traditional perspective.
• Free debate is encouraged without regard to political correctness.
• Music, art technology, physical education, and foreign language are important parts of the school.
• A traditional, factual presentation of American heritage is presented.

Instructional Methods:

• Frequent and substantive homework is assigned and graded.
• Instruction is textbook-driven, with available digital or print resources going home in all practical subjects. 
• Time spent on non-academic subjects is minimized.
• Ability grouping is used for math and reading.
• Academic time on task is emphasized.
• Correct spelling is emphasized at all grade levels; inventive spelling is not permitted.
• Factual knowledge, memorization, and drills are important and used to achieve mastery.
• Content and basic skills are emphasized.
• Subjects are taught to mastery, not just exposure.
• Corrective programs are implemented for students with gaps.

Assessments:

• Traditional letter grades are used at all grade levels.
• Frequent assessments are designed around the curriculum.
• There is frequent communication with parents about student performance.
• Students who do not meet minimum standards are retained in grade.
• State, standardized, and benchmark tests shall be administered in grades K-8 throughout the year. Individual student results shall be provided to parent/guardian. This testing data will also drive decisions regarding ability groups. 

Environment:

• Teachers are presented and supported as authority figures.
• The learning environment is structured and supervised.
• Discipline is enforced in the classroom and throughout the school.
• A dress code is enforced throughout the school.

Operations:

• Meaningful parent/guardian participation is truly encouraged.
• Instructional minutes will be more than Littleton Public Schools.
• The number of in-service days is reduced during the school year.
• Staff is employed “at will.” Ineffective teachers are not retained.
• Parent/Guardian(s) are customers and, as such, provide input to staff evaluations.
• Fiscal responsibility and appropriate planning shall be utilized both in the school’s governance and administration.