About AALC Middle School
Ann Arbor Learning Community--Accredited with NCA
Ann Arbor Learning Community is a Public School Academy located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school contains Kindergarten through 8th grades. AALC bases it's charter on multi-age, differentiated instruction. Pictured at right is the facade of our new building, at 3980 South Research Park Drive, in south central Ann Arbor.
AALC currently houses 5 early primary (K-1) classrooms, 3 primary (2-3) classrooms, 2 intermediate (4-5) classrooms, and 2 middle school (6-8) classrooms.
An Individualized Learning Plan is created for each student by a team consisting of the teacher, student and parent. This plan includes academic, social, behavioral, and/or enrichment goals to be pursued throughout the school year. This ILP will follow the student through his/her years at AALC. Students are assessed by the teacher to determine current level of education, and are guided through a course of study designed to achieve growth in every area over the course of the year. AALC students typically gain an average of 1.8 years' growth over the course of the 10 month school year. (Statistics based on pre- and post-testing using the Terra Nova Standardized Test.)
The Michigan State Standards and Benchmarks and Grade Level Content Expectation provide the basis for our curriculum. Thematic units, outdoor education, environmental education and the performing and visual arts are used to deliver the curriculum.
All of our teachers are state certified, and meet or are in the process of meeting the "Highly Qualified" designation.
The Middle School
The Middle School houses 6th through 8th grades, and is taught by Abby Kuhn, Kristen Kreiner, Marissa Kowalchuk (Ms. K), and Sarah Harrison. Abby teaches Math, Social Studies, and electives. Kristen handles Language Arts, Science, and electives. Marissa teaches Art, Art Elective, and Drama. Music and band are taught by Sarah Harrison.
Because the middle school is small (a maximum of 40 students at this time), the teachers are able to provide much individualized attention. We get to know our students and their families very well, which facilitates communication, thereby providing a richer experience for the students. Accountability is stressed for teachers, students and parents.
Class trips
We currently have one major trip in the works. In the past, the middle school has taken a class trip to a location directly related to the topics studied that year in science or social studies. Past trips have been to Boston, MA, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Toronto, Canada. This past year's trip tied into our study of geology and landforms, as we traveled to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky.
This year's trip will be to Gettysburg and Philadelphia, PA, as we focus on US History. Students and parents are involved in fundraisers and students will be involved in the academic planning for the trip.
We also have several field trips planned. If you would like to help organize one of these, or a field trip of your suggestion (based on approval of middle school staff and Dean Morgan), please contact Abby or Kris. Planned so far are: The Henry Ford, possibly 2-3 trips; The National Weather Service; waste water treatment plant; Hidden Lake Gardens and the SE Michigan Science Fair.
All students who meet academic and behavioral guidelines are eligible to attend these trips, regardless of financial ability to pay. Fundraisers and scholarships cover much of the cost.