Academics at New Summit Academy Costa Rica

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Academic Plans

Upon enrollment, a transcript evaluation and

an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) are

created

and

communicated to all parties

involved to outline the program goals for

each

student.

Academic Calendar & Rolling Admissions

Graduation Requirements

In order to truly be ready for college, students must fulfill

their goals paralleling the 3 main

objectives

of New Summit

Academy:

Academics, Personal Growth, and Experiential

Education.

		24.00 Carnegie units (1.00 credit = 1 year course) of classes in the
		following areas:

4.00 English

3.00 Math

3.00 Science

3.50 Social Studies

2.00 Foreign Language

1.00

Art

1.00 Health / PE (2.00 max)

0.50 Computer Ed

6.00

Electives

		+ Fulfillment of the IEP goals and requirements for personal
		academic habits, personal growth, and experiential education.
		Graduation ceremonies are held in June and December.

NSA mirrors the US calendar with fall (August to December) & spring (February to June)

semesters divid

into quarters to help students begin gaining credit no matter when

they enroll at NSA. Our teachers

arrange

our curriculum to accommodate students who

may not enter at the beginning of the traditional school year.

July & January are comprised of intensive study terms that are fun, educational, and

credit-bearing experiences. Examples in the past are units on health (including

Wilderness First Aid certification courses), Incan History (including a trip to Macchu

Picchu in Peru) and Mayan History (with trips to Mayan ruins in Central America).

Teachers at New Summit Academy Costa Rica ascribe to Multiple Intelligences Theory
developed by Howard Gardner. Basically, M.I. Theory acknowledges that everyone can learn
and engage in education if their individual interests, talents and strengths are recognized by
teachers and incorporated into instructional and assessment procedures. Gardner believes
that the goal of learning is to understand and make information useful in the real world.

Gardner has currently identified 9 different learning styles, including…

1. Verbal-Linguisti

c (

Word smart

2. Mathematical-Logica

(Number/Pattern smart),

3. Bodily-Kinesthetic

(Doing smart),

4. Interpersonal

(People smart),

5. Intrapersonal

(Self smart),

6. Existential

(World/Philosophy smart),

7. Naturalist

(Nature smart),

8. Visual-Spatial

(Picture smart)

Musical-Rhythmic (Sound smart)

Teachers engage students by teaching through various MI styles so that every student
has the opportunity to connect to the material in a way that is relevant and makes
sense to them.
Teachers also build skills, confidence, and engagement by showcasing student
strengths and improving student weaknesses by allowing flexibility and opening up
options for students to choose and direct their own learning projects according to their
particular interests, talents, and goals.
Integration into experiential education projects and trips is also key to making
education come alive for students.
Every day at New Summit Academy, we try to make learning interesting and
meaningful at every opportunity.

Educational Style & Philosophy

SAT / ACT Preparation & College Applications

Preparation:

Standardized test preparation seminars will be given on campus on a regular basis at

extra charge.

Students may use websites, study books, teachers, and any other

resources

available in order to help

them prepare for the SAT or ACT.

Registration:

Students will be able to register for and take both the SAT and ACT exams in San Jose on

international testing dates.

College Applications:

All students must apply to at least 2 colleges or universities before graduating from New

Summit

Academy.

CLICK HERE to see a list of applications & acceptances

New Summit Academy recommends that families continue to work with educational

consultants

regarding college choices as they have a much broader view of possibilities

as well as a better idea

of the long-term progress of the student. However, New Summit

staff will be available to work with

consultants to help facilitate the application process with

the student while he or she is on campus.

Building Good Habits & a Balanced Lifestyle

Improving academic and work habits for independent living in

college is essential. In

accordance

with the Handbook and honor

system, we insist that students make every

effort to attend all

classes

on time, keep binders and notebooks organized, participate

study hours in the evenings, and

participate in New Summit

activities.

When

students struggle with these tasks, Honor Council Meetings & student-created systems

of support prevent students from "falling through the cracks."

Learning how to balance one's life between work and play is

important as both are

necessary for

healthy living. We realize that

some students may struggle with this more

than others. We do not

seek perfection, but rather constant growth and progress.

Academics: Building analytical skills
through engaging Multiple Intelligences-based academics!

New Summit Academy Costa Rica

"Catch up credits" and independent studies

For students requiring "catch-up credits," i

ndependent studies through correspondence

courses or one-on-one study plans with

teachers are

available, but they are only to be

used in exceptional cases (such as a dire

need to "catch up" or as

an Honors student

privilege) as we believe that teacher-student

and peer interactions are key in the

learning

process.

Copyright 2005 New Summit Academy Costa Rica and directly affiliated owners. All Rights Reserved. Information & photos are strictly the property of New Summit
Academy & are under strict child welfare protection laws of Costa Rica and the United States of America. Violators of these laws will be prosecuted.