The Prepared Mind Pillar at Athlos Academy of St. Cloud is centered on academic programs that will prime students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to excel.
Our teachers use instructional strategies that promote curiosity, collaboration, and a culture of positivity. We believe having a Prepared Mind is as much about learning how to learn and succeed as it is about academic knowledge.
The curriculum provides opportunities for students to construct meaningful connections and deeper understanding of core content.
ReadyGEN is an integrated and well-balanced approach to reading and writing instruction for Grades K-6 classrooms. Authentic texts with modeling and teacher-directed activities drive learning and motivate readers. Students read authentic literary and informational texts. Instruction focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening in response to authentic texts.
Curriculum Support:
Bridges Math and Number Corner is a comprehensive math program for grades K through Fifth Grade that provides a deep understanding of concepts, proficiency with key skills, and the ability to solve complex problems.
Math Meeting Routines and Games are supplemental math activities and routines used in K through Grade 2 in conjunction with the classroom core math curriculum. The math routines ensure student proficiency in all Minnesota Math Standards and provide both intervention and enrichment activities to support a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
The science program at Athlos Academy follows the three-dimensional Framework For K-12 Science Education (2012) laid out in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This research-based framework shifts science instruction away from the memorization of facts to a hands-on approach where students learn to think critically, practice science and engineering practices, and make connections to other content areas and the real world. Teaching with the K-12 Framework helps us prepare Athlos students for 21st century jobs and challenges by bringing together the three dimensions of science education: science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and crosscutting concepts.
Elevate Science is the core curriculum for Kindergarten through 5th Grade. It is a phenomena-based curriculum that immerses students in the inquiry process. The program encourages problem solving and critical thinking. It uses labs and hands on exploring experiences.
Whenever possible, teachers integrate the practice of Performance Character traits and connections to the Healthy Body pillar into science lessons.
Links to learn more:
The fine arts curriculum includes visual arts and music exploration integrated thematically with other curriculum content. Students participate in two fine arts sessions each week.
In order to improve instruction and allow for data-driven decision-making, Athlos Academy of St. Cloud conducts interim assessments using assessments aligned to Minnesota’s academic standards and the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs). The results of these assessments are used to inform classroom instruction and identify support needed for individual students.
Info coming soon.
Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the state tests that help districts measure student progress toward Minnesota’s academic standards. These tests are requirements of the state of Minnesota.
Most students take the MCA, but students who receive special education services and meet eligibility requirements may take the alternate assessment Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) instead.
At Athlos, ACCESS is administered to K–8 students who have been identified as English language learners (ELLs). It’s given annually to monitor students’ progress in learning academic English. WIDA’s five English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards: Social & Instructional Language, Language of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies and test forms are divided into five grade-level clusters (testing grades 1–8).
March 31, 2023
Testing in schools plays an important role in gauging how well students are performing academically. Though it’s common for students to not look forward to testing, some children loath it to the point of developing test anxiety, a form of stress that can hinder their learning.
March 27, 2023
Athlos has compiled a few tips and tricks that can help both parents and children develop optimism and curiosity about the field of mathematics.
November 8, 2018
In the Athlos academics curriculum, when it comes to reading, writing, and math, it’s more than what students learn, but how they learn, comprehend, and apply their newfound knowledge to real-world problems.
November 1, 2018
Recent studies indicate that how parents and educators give praise or reward for a student’s success can have a direct effect on their mindset.
August 10, 2017
At Athlos Academy of St. Cloud, we find it essential that classrooms are active and student-centered. Physical activity enhances the ability to learn, and students who are engaged are more excited to learn and more willing to take ownership of their learning.
Social Studies
Social Studies
The social studies program is founded on the idea that developing civic competence is the basis for full participation in a democratic society. Aligned to state standards, Athlos Academy uses units framed by central topics such as family, community, and citizenship. Deeper investigations into pivotal historic events and eras such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the settlement of Minnesota will cultivate historical inquiry skills and an appreciation for our past. Students will consistently make connections to modern day global issues.
SAVVAS myWorld Social Studies is used in Grades K through 5. This curriculum connects Social Studies content with literacy instruction to engage students and advance student achievement.
Beginning with guiding questions and essential understandings, the units include activities to pique curiosity and spark excitement. Throughout the grade levels, there are intentional connections made to Performance Character traits rooted in the deeds and words of significant historical and modern figures.
Links to learn more: