When the Academy began its new K-8 program in 1985, Lennett Boucher, the principal, did extensive research of the most effective schools that were currently in operation and the factors that they had in common. This research became the basis for a new type of K-8 curriculum.

          Here are some of the tenets of STEP-MOD®:

  1. Students are best taught according to ability instead of strictly according to chronological age.
  2. Instead of having a single teacher all day, students are better served by having several teaching specialists, such as for reading, math, computers, a second language, and music. This type of variety helps to motivate students and keep their interest up all day.
  3. Special events during the school year are integrated into the learning curriculum to further motivate the students. Although we use California approved text books, a large amount of the "Step" study and test papers are specific to the STEP-MOD® Curriculum and provide the comprehensive approach to education that has been hugely successful for over twenty years.
  4. Besides academic excellence, STEP-MOD® also provides a well-rounded education in music, dance, singing, critical thinking, computers, a second language, and physical education.