| Philosophy
of Education & Curriculum
The Frederick J.
Furtah Preparatory School is committed to the education of
the student by encouraging high standards of academic achievement,
while developing sound moral values and responsible citizenship.
The school firmly believes the above mission cannot be accomplished
without parent support in school wide activities.
The cornerstone
of all schooling is possessing the ability to read with facility.
There is ample research to indicate all students become better
readers and spellers when they acquire a strong understanding
of the structure of our language. It is vital, therefore,
that students learn that words are composed of sounds represented
by letters (i.e. phonics). It is the intent of this school
to integrate strong reading skills into all subject areas.
As students progress
through grades K-8, Core Knowledge concepts provide a broad
base of knowledge and a rich vocabulary, motivate students
to learn, and create a strong desire fo r
learning. The Core Knowledge series is a coherent sequence
of specific knowledge that builds year by year. It is the
result of research into the content and structure of elementary
and middle schools around the world, as well as extensive
consensus-building among diverse groups and interests, including
parents, teachers, scientists, and experts from the Core
Knowledge Foundation's advisory board on multicultural
traditions.
Our
strong phonics program allows the student to best utilize
the Core Knowledge approach to the elementary and middle school
curriculum. In turn, Core Knowledge gives the student the
necessary base to meet the challenges of a flexible, innovative
high school curriculum which acknowledges the specialized,
ever changing job market that is a reality today. The high
school curriculum will implement honors and advanced placement
courses in all major fields of study, as well as offer specialized
electives above and beyond Georgia State
requirements.
Discipline
is viewed and treated as the responsibility of the student,
rather than the responsibility of the teacher. Our approach,
based on the Raise Responsibility System
by Dr. Marvin Marshall, encourages students to exercise self-discipline
through reflection and self-evaluation. Students learn to
control their own behavior, rather than relying on the teacher
for that control. We want our classrooms to be encouraging
and conducive to learning at all times. Please visit Dr. Marshall’s
web site at www.DisciplineWithoutStress.com
for additional information. |
tion.
In addition, intervention techniques assist those who may benefit
from these approaches. Students at FPS receive a multisensory
instructional approach which encompasses the visual, auditory,
kinesthetic and tactile modalities. Instruction is direct and
intensive. Our students' unique talents and interests are nurtured
through art, music, drama, and athletics. Our goal is to guide
each student's growth toward ultimately becoming a self-fulfilled
adult, confident in his/her abilities to make a contribution
to his/her world. Our curriculum includes the opportunity for
Honors level and Advanced Placement coursework for high school
students. Our program allows us to tailor approaches that best
serve students at all grades and levels of accomplishment.