STAR Curriculum

The STAR Curriculum is an overall approach to learning with an emphasis on active learning. Active learning quite simply means children have direct, hands-on experiences with people, objects, events and ideas. Children make choices based on their interests and adults facilitate the rest by focusing on the curriculum content areas that are needed for scaffolding each child’s learning. Knowledge is constructed through interactions with the world and the people around them. Children take the first step by making choices and following through on their plans and decisions. This is known as Plan, Do, Review. Teachers and other adults in a child’s world offer physical, emotional and intellectual support. In an active learning setting, adults expand children’s thinking with open-ended questions and nurturing interactions. The process is focused on creative problem solving and strong communication, which are the two key skills necessary and valued today. It is COA’s mission to create the leaders and innovators of tomorrow.

Why STAR Works

STAR works because children are respected. Their abilities and interests are supported by adults who work daily to empower each child. In the process, children develop habits of the mind that will serve them every day of their lives.