Atmosphere Academy is dedicated to the development of scholars’ independent reading and writing skills. In every grade level, scholars work with their classmates and teachers to discover and apply the academic writing process, deepen their capacity for text engagement and genre identification, and to clearly communicate creative ideas and form scholastic arguments. In order to build these important and transferable proficiences in our students, all scholars across all grade levels engage in the study of 3-5 full length texts each year, learning about literature, theme, and author’s purpose via deep dives into novels, memoirs, plays, and essay collections. Our selected anchor texts represent a variety of cultural backgrounds, time periods, and perspectives, offering students windows into worlds different from their own as well as mirrors to reflect their own cultural and experiential touchstones. Our English program also prioritizes the development of college ready vocabulary via both explicit vocabulary instruction and the incorporation of complex works of literature, building our students’ abilities to not only comprehend whatever reading is asked of the but also to have the expansive language to keenly articulate their own ideas and experiences.
At the middle school, our scholars meet daily with their English teachers. In those classes, students encounter challenging texts and work on building strong foundations as critical readers and academic writers. Scholars have opportunities to read, analyze, discuss, and respond to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry throughout the year. Two central focus areas for the English curriculum are developing independent reading skills and reading stamina through sustained attention to full-length texts (novels, memoirs, etc.) and broadening vocabulary via targeted and consistent instruction.
Students will utilize Atmosphere’s proprietary systems to learn effective approaches for tackling academic tasks ranging from notetaking to succeeding on multiple-choice tests to creating impactful short written responses and thoughtful academic argumentative essays. Students will develop their writing skills, particularly through a drafting process that includes revision, peer review, and robust teacher feedback.
The English program at Atmosphere aligns with New York State Next Generation Standards. It provides opportunities for students to read and write in many genres, encountering literature and essays that represent a wide variety of cultural perspectives. We encourage and empower our students to explore classic and modern literature and to develop their own voices as critics and creators.
The scholar leads the review of Unit 11 laminated vocabulary flashcards by calling on her peers to articulate the synonyms of each word.
The scholar articulates his understanding of the RAIN system as he walks through steps toward amassing the answer.
The scholar leads the “Do Now” multiple-choice question by choosing peers to answer and explain their answers using the RAIN system.
Our MS English Teachers always incorporate creative or innovative ways to engage our scholars in their lessons. On this beautiful spring morning, the classroom became our MS enclosed rooftop, where our 7th-grade scholars continued their inquisitive study of "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros.
English classes in the high school at Atmosphere are designed to foster a love of literature, develop capable academic writers, and hone college and career readiness skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
All high school students receive strong foundational instruction in literary analysis, argument writing, text response writing, and college-level vocabulary. In their English class, each student will be able to practice being a discussion leader, presenting to their peers, and responding to literature regarding content, style, and message. We are proud of the various cultural backgrounds and perspectives offered by the authors represented in our diverse anchor text list, and we seek to develop students’ independent reading interests and skills with a focus on full-length texts (novels, memoirs, etc.). In our English classroom, students encounter a broader world and are invited to explore, evaluate, and discuss what they find there.
In addition to foundational skill development and literary appreciation, high-achieving Atmosphere scholars have opportunities to challenge themselves by enrolling in Advanced Placement courses such as AP English Language and AP English Literature and by registering for college credit programming via a partnership with St. John’s University. Instruction in these demanding courses raises the bar on rigor, helping our students to extend their independent study skills, develop and express complex ideas, and prepare for demanding high-stakes exams.
High school students engage with text using systematic annotation practices.
Teachers develop highly engaging lessons that encourage student input.
English classes incorporate deep literature study to help students build their skillset to think, study, and share collaboratively.
A variety of instructional methods are used daily to help develop student capacity as thinkers, writers, readers, and presenters.