CURRICULUM
Union Academy follows the objectives for each grade level as determined by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. In all cases, we follow, minimally, the N.C. Standard Course of Study with regard to goals, objectives, and content. The curriculum at Union Academy provides great depth and breadth in the core academic areas of math, language arts, science and social studies. It is our goal to provide a challenging curriculum, taught by a well-resourced staff of experienced, professional educators. To help us reach our goal of developing well-rounded students, Union Academy offers classes taught by specialists in the areas of art, music, physical education, Spanish, theater arts, journalism, and media skills.
To better define our educational plan, we have developed a curriculum guide for each grade level and subject area. Copies of these documents are available upon request at both campus locations. A well-developed Character Education curriculum is a part of every day and every class at Union Academy. Students learn that it is important to give back to the community through specific grade level Community Service projects. Children with special needs are identified and provided services by our Exceptional Children’s Program or our At-Risk Program, developed for children who do not qualify for EC services, but benefit from special assistance.
LOWER AND MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADING SCALES
Academic Conduct
Grades K – 2 S = Satisfactory S = Satisfactory
N = Needs to Improve N = Needs to Improve
U = Unsatisfactory U = Unsatisfactory
Academic Conduct
Grades 3 – 8 A+ 99-100 S = Satisfactory
A 96-98 N = Needs to Improve
A- 93-95 U = Unsatisfactory
B+ 91-92
B 88-90
B- 85-87
C+ 83-84
C 80-82
C- 77-79
D+ 75-76
D 73-74
D- 70-72
F Below 70
K-4 Special Area Classes
Lower School students receive classes in the special areas of Physical Education, Art, Media Skills, Music, and Spanish. The frequency and the length of the class are dependent on the grade level of the students.
Quarterly grades are given to students in Physical Education, Art, Music and Spanish. For all grade levels, the grading scale is as follows:
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs to Improve
U = Unsatisfactory
The grades are based on a combination of skill application, student effort, behavior, character, cooperation, and preparation. Progress report grades are not given mid-quarter, however, parents are always encouraged to contact special area teachers directly with concerns and/or comments.
Behavior notes are sent home from each special area teacher if there has been a difficulty with a student’s behavior or character during the class. These notes should be signed by the parent and returned to the special area teacher the next day.
Report cards will be issued quarterly. Parent conferences will be held for the distribution of the first and third quarter report cards. Mid-term progress reports will be given to communicate student progress.
High School Course of Study
A general listing of courses that we will offer to students as they continue through the high school grades is available at the Upper School campus. Other courses almost certainly will be offered, as students demonstrate an interest and as we add grade levels to our high school. Diploma requirements are set by the State and by Union Academy in conjunction with its mission and charter.
North Carolina offers four high school tracks or diploma paths. Union Academy, in compliance with its charter and mission, will require that all students complete the College/University Prep diploma requirements. Although many courses and options exist within that track, the completion of our basic graduation requirements will prepare students for continuing education after high school, a critical path for success in a rapidly developing society of technology and specialized training. Whether students seek one, two, or four years of additional training after high school, the UA diploma will prepare them well for all options.
The general course of study description for all courses is determined by the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Union Academy will provide a brief course description at the time a course becomes part of our curriculum.
To obtain a Union Academy Diploma, a student must meet the basic graduation requirements that follow:
- 4 Credits in English.
- 4 Credits in Mathematics: to include Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, and one other math course; or Integrated Math 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- 3 Credits in Science: to include a physical science course and a life science, either Biology or Environmental Science. Earth/Environmental Science is incorporated in the 9th Grade curriculum.
- 3 Credits in Social Studies: to include World History, Government and Economics, and US History.
- 2 Credits in Foreign Language.
- 1 Credit in Arts Education.
- 1 Credit in Physical Education.
- 4 Credits in courses of the student’s choice.
In extraordinary circumstances, certain course requirements may be exempted and other courses substituted for those requirements. Dual enrollment at the local community college will be an option in Grades 11 and 12. Early diploma (graduation) will be considered as an option if a student has made arrangements prior to the completion of the Tenth Grade year and provided that all graduation requirements can be completed successfully.
Some courses are classified (leveled) as Honors courses and many of theses courses will be given a greater weight (additional point) in the process of determining Grade Point Averages. Formal Advanced Placement (AP) courses will receive a greater weight (additional 2 points) in all cases. No credit is awarded for a failing grade, regardless of the level of that course. These are very challenging courses, requiring large amounts of out-of-class preparation, a great passion for the subject, and very strong study and organizational skills.
Honor Roll
All students making the UA Honor Roll will have their name listed in the Enquirer Journal along with the Union Observer.
The Grading Scale at Union Academy Upper School is as follows. Grade Point Averages (GPAs) will be used to determine a variety of special recognitions.
Grading Scale
Placement GPA GPA Honors AP
A+ 99-100 4.0 5.0 6.0
A 96-98 4.0 5.0 6.0
A- 93-95 3.667 4.667 5.667
B+ 91-92 3.333 4.333 5.333
B 88-90 3.0 4.0 5.0
B- 85-87 2.667 3.667 4.667
C+ 83-84 2.333 3.333 4.333
C 80-82 2.0 3.0 4.0
C- 77-79 1.667 2.667 3.667
D+ 75-76 1.333 2.333 3.333
D 73-74 1.0 2.0 3.0
D- 70-72 0.667 1.667 2.667
F Below 70 0.0 0.0 0.0
Membership in Honor Societies (National Honor Society and Beta Club) will be determined in accordance with the national and local policies of such societies.
Calculators
Students enrolled in Algebra I, Integrated Studies I, and above will be required to purchase a Texas Instrument TI-83 (or higher model) graphing calculator. These calculators are required for high school science courses, Physical Science and above, and are used for EOC testing.
Semester Exams
First and second semester exams are to be given to all students taking high school courses on designated days as listed on the school calendar. Scores on these exams are to count 25% of the final semester grade. With the exception of mandated end-of-course tests, a student may be exempt from semester exams in a class if the student meets the following criteria:
Maintains an “A” average in the class and is not absent more than three days during the semester.
Students may not receive a waiver of absences for the purpose of exam exemption. All absences (lawful and unlawful) apply to the above criteria.