LOWER SCHOOL
Lower School Curriculum Outline

The Chesapeake Bay Academy Lower School enrolls students ages 5 and older who require a self-contained, non-graded classroom. With an 8 to 1 ratio, our students, including those with learning disabilities and attention disorders, receive individualized attention and direct instruction in all academic areas and are taught all skills to a level of mastery.  Students are able to receive remediation in the necessary subject areas while receiving acceleration in others, providing a unique, encouraging, and motivating environment for students and families.  The Lower School actively teaches social skills and helps students express themselves appropriately in social situations both in and out of school.  The faculty works closely with the students and their families to set realistic goals for transition to the next level and/or to Middle School and decisions are made as a team as they face the challenges of the future.

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Middle School Curriculum Outline 

The primary goal of the Middle School at Chesapeake Bay Academy is to equip all students with the skills needed for success at the next level of their education.  The curriculum focuses on providing students with the academic, behavioral, and organizational skills necessary to achieve their goals.  To ensure that students can easily integrate their Chesapeake Bay Academy experiences into those of a more traditional environment, each objective aligns with the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL).

Each middle school student has an Individualized Plan (IIP) that outlines measurable goals in specific areas along with specific strategies and accommodations for achieving their goals.  The IIP is developed, implemented, and monitored by the student’s advocate with parental approval.  The Teacher Advocate becomes the expert on each individual student assigned to their care.  The Advocates are organizational coaches and liaisons between the student, teachers and the parent.  Positive relationships are established between the student and his/her Advocate.

The Middle School academic week operates on a block schedule.  Three hours and forty-five minutes of instructional time is devoted to each of the core areas of Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science every week. All middle school students are also enrolled in foundational courses which are Art, Physical Education/ Health, Technology, and Reading skills.   

UPPER SCHOOL
Upper School Curriculum Outline 

The Upper School at Chesapeake Bay Academy provides an accredited high school program which concludes with a private school diploma. Our school environment combines freedom and structure to support student success. Students have a unique opportunity to express themselves through our advocate program in which students and their teacher-advocate develop a bond of trust and support. Structure is provided by the Individualized Learning Plan written for each student, a customized academic planner where students keep track of assignments and projects under supervision from their advocates, and weekly contact with parents. The rapport established among students, faculty, and families truly sets Chesapeake Bay Academy’s Upper School apart from other high school programs.

At Chesapeake Bay Academy, teachers adapt their instruction to fit the learning needs of their students by individualizing instruction and assessment and by determining redirection on a student-by-student basis. Other aspects of the Upper School that maximize achievement are the small class sizes and the School-to-Work program. This program, which takes place during the three weeks following Spring Break, enables each student grades 9 – 12 to work as an intern in a local business. Students return from School-to-Work energized by their experiences in “the real world.” Ultimately, the structure we provide in concert with the freedom we allow prepares students for college, work, or a combination of both. Graduates from CBA’s Upper School have attended various local colleges as well as excellent colleges and universities throughout the country.