PROGRAMS
School Office Hours
7:45 - 3:45
Instructional Hours
8:15 - 3:15
Aftercare is provided for a fee from 3:45 to 6:00
Standards and Curriculum:
Exploring the world through language, culture and communication
As a South Carolina public charter school, our curriculum is aligned to the SC standards in all subjects. ELA students will be fully immersed in the Mandarin language for 50% of the academic day, during which time they will develop their skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing using instructional strategies and resources compatible with best practices in immersion education.
The primary goal of the program is to provide students the opportunity to become bi-lingual, bi-literate and bi-cultural global citizens, as well as to prepare them to meet the challenges of a global community in the 21st Century. Students are instructed so they can attain an academic achievement that is at or above grade level as measured by annual assessments administered by the SCDE.
Will my student learn the same content as a traditional public school? YES. All students in SC schools learn the same educational standards, also known as academic standards or learning standards. Standards list desired student outcomes and provide clear goals for learning for teachers, students, parents, and the community. South Carolina has educational standards detailing what students should know and be able to do to be successful in each grade and each subject. SC Standards and Learning
What is the difference between standards and curriculum? Standards list desired student outcomes — the knowledge and skills students need to learn. That learning can take place in many different ways. Curriculum includes the materials used and the order (planned sequence) in which teachers will teach students the knowledge and skills described in the standards.
What is a global citizen? A global citizen is a person who:
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Identifies with being part of an emerging “global community” and whose actions positively contribute to building a better world
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Sees other cultures as being enriching and embraces ethnical and cultural diversity
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Understands that actions have an impact both locally and globally
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Takes action that is considerate of self, society, country, and the world as a whole
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Maintains a positive attitude and strives to be a well-balanced, perceptive individual
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Takes risks with confidence and optimism and takes action to improve the lives of others
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Demonstrates the action cycle by showing the ability to critique, hope and act
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Believes in ethical responsibility and has a sense of social awareness
Elementary - Grades K5-4
In grades K5-4, some core subjects are taught in English and some in Chinese. Students start each day with Morning Meeting, where teachers and students gather and interact to build a strong sense of community and set children up for success socially and academically.
Subjects taught in Chinese include math, science and Chinese literacy. Subject taught in English include reading, writing and social studies. Related arts classes include PE, music, dance, computer education, or art and are taught in English or Chinese.
For subjects taught in Chinese, ELA adapts and develops instructional resources that are either aligned with the SC State Standards or are easily aligned to produce grade appropriate and linguistically accessible Chinese teaching materials.
Middle School
Grades 5-8
In the middle grades, students take five core subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and Chinese literacy). Related arts classes vary but include PE, art, music, and computer education. In 8th grade, students may take English 1 and Algebra 1 for high school credit if they pass a placement test.
Beginning in 5th grade, ELA offers two paths for Chinese: one for those who attended elementary immersion in K5-4 and one for new students entering in middle school. Our goal is for students to gain the highest proficiency they can upon program completion.
Because we want the best for our students academically, students are encouraged to work hard to meet the challenging expectations.
In our 2022-2023 school year, 7th and 8th grade, students will have an opportunity to travel to China (as Covid restrictions allow).
Ignite After School Program Grades K to 8
East Link Academy offers an exciting and enriching after school program called Ignite, every day from 3:45 until 6:00 p.m. During this time, students are given ample time to complete homework, snacks, crafts, play and exercise. Additional after school activities (dance, kung fu, chess, and strings are available for an extra fee.
If you are interested in joining Ignite for the 2022-2023 school year, registration will open in July. Spots will be limited. Payments MUST be submitted by Wednesday the following week. If payment is not made, your child(ren) will NOT be allowed to attend for the next week.
We are first come, first served. If you choose to opt out of Ignite at any point in the year, please send an email to aftercare@eastlinkacademy.org, so that the spot can be filled. After failure to pay on time occurs twice, your spot(s) will be filled.
*In order to attend Ignite for the 2022-2023 school year, your previous balance MUST be paid and all registration information must be complete. Failure to pay will result in losing a spot in the program. Also, any incomplete or incorrect grade level information may result in your application not being accepted.
If you have any questions, please email aftercare@eastlinkacademy.org!