The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme offers a rigorous academic program for all students. The staff at Ashley Elementary is dedicated to the development of the whole child. In addition to the regular North Carolina Standard Course of Study, students experience a variety of special programs designed to extend their learning.
Technology
Technology available at Ashley includes: Pro Image Plus Poster Printer; scanners and CD burners; digital Cameras; DVD cameras; 3 Smartboards; 2 Activ Boards and Activ Slate; three wireless computers labs with 90 laptop computers; four computers and a printer in every classroom; a computer lab; two Classroom Performance Systems; school broadcast capabilities; six LCD projectors; and IBM ThinkPad computers available for check-out.
Dual-immersion and Second Language Programs
Students have two options to learn a second language. A full-day dual-language immersion program for native English speakers and native Spanish speakers begins in kindergarten and continues through fifth grade. Some classes in the Dual Language immersion program are taught by Visiting International Faculty teachers who also share their cultural background as students grow to understand others around the world.
Spanish instruction also is available in regularly scheduled classes beginning in second grade.
Community and International Service Projects
The IB Primary Years Programme encourages students to ask questions and become involved in the concerns of a global community. Ashley students are actively involved in service projects that benefit people locally and across the world. Students have held food drives, collected school supplies for children in area hospitals and prepared care packages for nursing-home residents. They also have raised money for international relief efforts and to save acres of rainforest land from destruction.
Other Curricular Enhancements
- On-site Environmental Studies Greenhouse Laboratory
- Pre-Algebra Concept Course and Simulated Stock Market Opportunity for fifth graders
- Junior Technology Society
- Socratic Seminars to promote discussion and understanding
- After-School tuition Dance Program
- Active partnerships with Barnes and Noble Booksellers, Camel City Bowling Club, Dellabrook Presbyterian Church, Praise Assembly Christian Center, Sara Lee Hosiery and Winston-Salem State University
Parents as Partners
Ashley's teachers and staff encourage parents to see themselves as partners in their children's education. The school sends home weekly newsletters and the PTA encourages active participation. For Spanish-speaking parents, translators are available to answer parents'?? questions. The school also offers a Saturday Academy for parents with GED, Spanish, English-as-a-Second-Language, and Introduction to Computers courses.
