LJA incorporates interdisciplinary learning in all subjects, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), Language Arts and Social Studies. Other courses include Visual Arts, Music, Physical Education, and Health. No matter the class, LJA works to educate the whole scholar and ensures all scholars are challenged to think critically.

LJA staff build on 21st century STEM skills by incorporating innovation, problem solving and critical thinking. We focus on student voice and choice to support equity for all scholars, and our curriculum provides access to histories and viewpoints that are often left out or ignored in traditional curricula. This leads to empowered scholars and alumni who continually find solutions, push beyond gender stereotypes and dismantle glass ceilings.

At LJA, we believe literacy is about more than the ability to “sound out” words or summarize the main points of a story. Instead, we teach critical literacy, which is one of the key pieces of our instructional framework.

Critical literacy provides multiple viewpoints and ensures scholars see themselves in the curriculum. It encourages them to actively analyze, deconstruct and reflect on the texts they’re reading. Through this approach, staff and students live out our LJA motto of Asking Questions, Making Choices. That means in every classroom, we pose challenging problems and questions. And we then encourage scholars to use inquiry and critical thinking. Ultimately, this rigorous work helps scholars become engaged in their learning community, encourages them to act on social inequalities, and prepares them for college, career and life.

With our STEM-focused learning, we incorporate strong science content, technology and critical thinking. We help scholars nurture curiosity and wonderment, develop critical thinking skills, use evidence to inform knowledge, become resilient problem solvers and innovative thinkers, and apply STEM thinking in and out of the classroom. In addition, LJA is committed to reducing academic gaps in STEM-related fields attributed to issues around gender, race, ability, and other social norms. We work to increase scholars’ competence and confidence in math and science. Read more about our STEM curriculum and principles in practice.

Our multi-faceted, inclusion model helps to address, support and meet student needs in a general education classroom. Additional supports and related services are determined by need, and could include contracted providers or special education teachers and educational paraprofessionals in a co-teacher model or an educational paraprofessional. Read more on our special education and support services page.