About Our Academic Program

Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, celebrated painter, accomplished architect, visionary inventor and dedicated scientist, is representative of some of the highest achievements of the Italian Renaissance. At the Renaissance Learner Academy we strive to invoke the da Vinci in all learners with small classes, academic challenge, inclusion and personalized support. RLA’s program builds well rounded learners with interdisciplinary curriculum, project based learning, and focused attention to developing life skills, teamwork and community. RLA’s design is the fulfillment of our dream to create a dynamic, hands-on, learning centered school where all students can succeed.

Lab and Applied Science

The RLA science program will explore Lab Physics through experimental and theoretical lab work. This physics class meets and exceeds the NGSS and college preparatory lab science requirements with numerous labs, field excursions and integrated technologies. Key topics include scientific observation, data representation, properties of matter, kinematics, classical mechanics, mechanical engineering applications, vibrations/oscillations, waves and sound, electrostatics, electronics, magnetism, and light and color.
 

Computer Science/Programming in GDscript in this course students use the Godot game engine to program a functioning 3D mini game, and to create a larger story-based game that includes minigames, original digital art, and music.

Mathematics Tutorial

Students have daily mathematics tutorials to build number sense, fluency, and content knowledge. Math tutorials are selected by the student’s math fluency level (General Math, Pre-algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry/Trigonometry, Algebra II, Calculus). Students may also take a course at a community college, or on-line with RLA support.

Humanities Curriculum

The 2023-2024 program in semester 1 focuses on Pre-Colombian Pan-American History, geography, art, music, science and literature. This semester course meets the CCSS and college preparatory course requirements for World History Elective, and World Literature: Latin America. In semester 2 we explore US History from the Colombian Exchange to 1865. this course meets and exceeds CCSS and college preparatory course requirements for US History 1A and American Literature.

English Tutorial

Students have daily reading and writing tutorials to build fluency and skill in reading, grammar, and composition. Tutorial assignments are designed for each student to meet and extend language competency. Reading selections and writing topics will be based on the Chemistry and World History themes with student interest taken into consideration.
 

Graphic and Visual Arts

The Graphic and Visual Arts Class explores aspects of design (color, line, form, composition, perspective) and a variety of traditional and electronic art media (sculpture, drawing, painting, pen and ink, sequential art, computer aided design, computer illustration, 3D printing). This course of study meets and exceeds course requirements for college preparatory art courses Basic Design.
 

Spanish 1

This introductory Spanish Course explores basic vocabulary, grammar, culture, music, and art from the Spanish speaking world. Key Topics include: greetings, school/work, describing people and things, numbers and colors, foods and cooking, time and seasons, travelling, nationalities, family, hobbies and pastimes, animals, regular and irregular verb conjugations in present indicative, future, subjunctive, and past tenses. Special cases of reflexive and transitive verbs.

Physical Education: Conditioning

This physical education course engages students in developing healthy life-long habits for nutrition, sleep, injury prevention, increased muscular strength, aerobic and anaerobic capacity.