A balanced elementary education focuses on creating a supportive learning environment where children can explore their interests, build essential skills, and develop a strong foundation for future academic success. By addressing different areas of growth, schools can help students become confident and capable learners.
Summary
The right educational approach helps children develop skills they can use inside and outside the classroom. When students receive guidance that encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and personal growth, they are better prepared to navigate new experiences and challenges.
Finding the Right Balance Between Values and Academics
A well-rounded individual who excels in personal goals and external goals has to be nurtured into being at a young age. Just like we learn languages, math, history, etc. we also have to learn empathy, compassion, critical thinking, etc. It is only with values-based and academics-based education that we can mold our children into well-rounded individuals. At Strelitz International Academy, we believe that finding the right balance between academics and values is important to the development of your child’s elementary education.
Values-Based Elementary Education
A values-based education has the objective of creating good citizenship in individuals and society. Through the elementary education model, students develop personally, globally, and spiritually. At SIA, we teach a number of values in addition to traditional academics.
What values do elementary schools typically teach?
Elementary schools often teach values that help children develop character, communication skills, and a sense of responsibility. At Strelitz International Academy, these values include:
1. Inquirers
2. Knowledgeable
3. Risk-takers
4. Principled
5. Thinkers
6. Communicators
7. Caring
8. Balanced
9. Open-Minded
10. Reflective
These are all key values of well-rounded and productive members of society.
Comparing Different Approaches to Elementary Education
Different educational approaches may place different levels of focus on personal values and academic achievement. Understanding these approaches can help parents identify the type of learning environment that best supports their child’s overall development.
| Approach | Focus | Benefits |
| Values-Only | Focuses primarily on character development, social responsibility, and personal growth. | Helps children develop empathy, communication skills, and positive behaviors. |
| Academics-Only | Focuses primarily on academic subjects, knowledge, and measurable learning outcomes. | Helps children build subject knowledge, academic skills, and educational foundations. |
| Blended Approach | Combines academic learning with values-based education to support both knowledge and personal development. | Helps children apply academic skills while developing critical thinking, compassion, and responsibility. |
Academics-Based Elementary Education
Values-based education is a great way to create emotionally intelligent students, but they still need a traditional education if they want to excel in our society. That is why we incorporate values-based learning into standard academics-based learning. Academics are important, they teach us history, math, language, and give us outlets to express ourselves and explore our talents. However, strictly learning academics can leave holes in your child’s overall development.
In general, academics were left to be learned at school and values were learned in the home. However, children have a difficult time using and integrating the values they learned at home if they are not reinforced and taught at school as well.
Balancing Values and Academics
Both values-based and academic-based academics have their strengths and weaknesses. It is only by balancing these two learning models that we can create well-rounded and compassionate global citizens. By introducing and reinforcing these values in an academic setting, students learn to use these values in addition to their academics to solve problems. At Strelitz International Academy we do just that. Students will learn at an accelerated pace the typical academic subjects such as language arts, math, social studies, science, technology, P.E., etc. However, they will also learn values and learn how to be compassionate and proactive citizens.
Within each of these academic subjects, we make sure to include and teach the values that will help them become successful. Within our social studies program, we take the time to ensure they understand respect for democratic ideals and give them a sense of conviction that they can make a difference. Our math program works not only on numbers but on problem solving. Children are given the opportunity to work with others and use technology to solve problems. And in their language arts studies students learn fine motor skills.
Key Takeaways
- Academic learning helps children build knowledge, skills, and confidence in subjects such as math, language, science, and social studies.
- Values-based education supports personal growth, empathy, communication, and responsible decision-making.
- A balanced approach helps children apply what they learn in meaningful ways.
- Strelitz International Academy focuses on developing both academic skills and personal values through its educational approach.
Values and Academics at Strelitz International Academy
At SIA, we take the time to develop your child’s academic education and their personal development education. Our ultimate mission is to “promote a social and global consciousness that encompasses a profound respect for all humanity.” You can read more about our primary years (elementary education) program on our website.
Are you looking for a balanced values and academics elementary education for your child? We are currently enrolling for the 2022-2023 school year, and would love to welcome your child to SIA. To find out more, please call 757-424-4327. Find out what other parents have to say about SIA here.
