Academics & Curriculum
Avondale School District is committed to providing students a stimulating and enriching learning experience. We are always working on enhancing out programming to ensure the success of every student.
Avondale utilizes both Project Based Learning and Design Thinking approaches to education within our academic curriculum at every grade level. We believe this style of real-world learning allows students to evolve into leaders of their own education. The powerful learning opportunities that become present within this type of teaching give students the ability to develop critical thinking, problem solving, cooperative learning, and self-assessment skills. Our curriculum itself is challenging and is designed to prepare students for their future after Avondale, wherever that may lead.
Avondale
Portrait of a Graduate
Avondale's Portrait of a Graduate is a framework that defines the skills, knowledge, and character traits our school district aims for its students to develop by the time they graduate. The portrait goes beyond academic standards, preparing students for both personal and professional success in a rapidly changing world. Avondale schools use this model to align teaching, programs, and culture around these core competencies, ensuring that every student graduates equipped for lifelong success.
Conscientious Citizen
A conscientious citizen is a responsible and ethical individual who actively participates in and positively contributes to their community. They are compassionate, collaborative, empathetic, and inclusive. Their enthusiasm and respect for others is evident, as they independently contribute and remain open to new ideas. They often take on mentoring roles, guiding peers with understanding and support.
Creative Problem Solver
Students who are problem solvers are inherently curious and seek solutions to challenges. They make informed decisions, analyze patterns, and discern credible information to develop strategies. They apply their knowledge to real-world problems and support their approaches with evidence. They consider various perspectives and make connections to understand and address issues comprehensively.
Effective Communicator
Effective communicators articulate their thoughts clearly in both speech and writing, adapting to various social situations. They are intuitive, flexible, and adept at summarizing complex ideas. Such students advocate for themselves and others while listening actively, ensuring they understand and respond to communication cues effectively.
Innovative Thinker
Innovative thinkers approach situations from multiple angles to gain a well-rounded view. They make informed connections and discern credible sources, applying their knowledge practically. Their critical thinking is evidence-based, fostering problem-solving and a genuine interest in finding solutions. They are adept at analyzing patterns and critically evaluating information.
Self-Actualized Risk Taker
Self-actualized students are self-motivated, exhibit a growth mindset, and are confident in their abilities. They are resilient and strategic in setting and achieving goals. Passionate and brave, they face new challenges head-on. These students are self-aware, regulate their behavior, and reflect on experiences to continuously improve. They innovate, stay informed, are technologically fluent, organized, and apply their knowledge to new situations. They are fully engaged in their learning, taking ownership of their educational journey.
Instruction Strategies & Methods
In addition to the instruction strategies below, throughout Avondale School District, we believe in The Whole Child Model and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, which allows us to provide support for all learners, whether advanced or struggling. We utilize research-based principles and practices to increase the effectiveness of instruction for all students through academic, behavioral, social and emotional services. This methodology is rooted in our passion for providing personalized, attentive instruction so that each student can succeed within Avondale and beyond.
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional strategy that affords students the opportunity to gain useful knowledge, experience, and life skills through the investigation and response to engaging and real-world questions, problems, or challenges. Within our classrooms, PBL is the on-going act of learning about different subject areas simultaneously. Students learn through interactive lessons and by actively engaging with the subject matter, rather than being seated and spoken to about the subject. Through this collaborative learning style, students demonstrate their learning throughout the unit, not just at the end of a unit.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Educating the Whole Child
Educating the "Whole Child" refers to an approach that focuses on addressing the needs of students beyond just academic achievement. It emphasizes supporting students' social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Avondale School District embraces the whole child approach through character education and social-emotional support systems.
Programs:
- The Positivity Project
- Capturing Kids Hearts
- Here4U
- Breathe for Change
- Love and Logic
Design Thinking
Design Thinking is an approach to learning that uses specific techniques and mindsets to develop a student's creative confidence. Design Thinking is introduced to students using minds-on and hands-on "design challenges" organized around real-world problems. Working to identify problems and generate solutions allows students to learn to frame their thinking around the mindset of developing empathy, promoting a bias toward action, encouraging ideation, and working in a culture of thinking. Avondale partners with Oakland University on Design Thinking projects for students and staff throughout the year.
Standards Based Grading
Standards-Based instruction is an educational approach that focuses on teaching and assessing students based on predetermined standards. These standards are based on State Standards, outlining the knowledge and skills that students are expected to acquire at each grade level. Instead of a letter grade or percentage judging student performance, for example, educators evaluate student skills against their individual growth towards advanced understanding and mastery of a subject.
Research shows that Standards-Based Grading (SBG) is more effective than traditional percentage grading because it provides clearer, more specific feedback on students’ learning progress. Instead of simply assigning a score, SBG focuses on how well students meet defined learning standards, breaking down their performance on each skill or concept.
Curriculum & Academic Resources
Explore our specific curriculum offerings for each grade level below. This information is intended to help inform you on the type of education, coursework, and learning that takes place within Avondale School District, as well as the opportunities that are available to students to personalize their educational journey.
Elementary
Elementary Academics
Each of Avondale’s four elementary schools are dedicated to helping each and every student achieve academic success.
Our goal is to foster curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and character building through quality curriculum that meets National and State Standards. Our students build their educational foundation within our elementary schools!
Elementary Curriculum
Middle School
Middle School Academics
At Avondale Middle School, we pride ourselves on our competitive academic offerings and achievements.
Our academic curriculum includes a variety of courses that go beyond traditional subject matter, including Advanced English & Math courses, Technology courses, Foreign Language courses, Leadership courses, and more!
Middle School Curriculum
High School
High School Academics
Avondale High School offers students many opportunities to get an early start on their future through our diverse curriculum offerings, including advanced placement opportunities.
Our Early College program also allows students to achieve their high school diploma and an Associates Degree at the same time.
Annual Education Reports
Avondale’s Annual Education Reports provide key information regarding the educational progress of the Avondale School District, in compliance with federal and state reporting laws. Reports for the most recently completed school year are available below to review at your convenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your child’s school or the district directly.