Below is a general overview of our curriculum and academic programs:

Grades K-6

In kindergarten we use best practices to give our students the building blocks for a strong foundation in literacy and mathematics by utilizing Dibels and Success For All. In grades K-6, we have implemented Success for All (SFA), which is a whole-school reform strategy that features research-proven tools, cooperative learning to engage students and collaborative leadership for continuous improvement. We are committed to ensuring that all of our students are proficient readers. SFA will focus on development in fluency, vocabulary, oral language and written expression. Additionally, we use McGraw-Hill's My Math Program that was built on the Common Core Standards and exceeds your expectations of how challenging and engaging an elementary math program can be. My Math, was carefully constructed to help students meet the demands of the Common Core State Standards. Woven throughout the three components of rigor (Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Skill & Fluency, & Application) are woven throughout the program in equal intensity, allowing students to progress toward a higher level of achievement in meeting the high expectations of the Standards and CCSS Assessments.

Tutoring Program - Beginning in October and extending throughout the end of May, students at the K-6 levels work with tutors to build up reading, writing and math skills. Individual student data from Dibels, SFA and My Math are used to target curricular areas of focus. Students are provided the tutoring service during the school day as well as after school. Using the 21st Century Grant monies, for the next three years we will be offering an after-school tutoring program for 300 students grades K-8. Enrollment will be based on student academic performance data.

Honors Courses offered at New Castle Jr. High School:

· Honors English

· Honors Pre-Algebra

· Honors Algebra 1

· Honors U.S. History

· Honors Integrated Science

· Honors Geometry

· AP Calculus

· AP Chemistry

· AP English

· AP U.S. History

· AP Economics

· AP Biology

PJAS – Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science - PJAS is the State Science Fair where individual students (guided by their science teachers) design, experiment and present their independent science research projects to a panel of adult scientists, competing regionally and state-wide. In 2014, nine New Castle Jr. High students completed independent science projects and seven received first place awards and two received second place awards, while 76 New Castle Sr. High students completed independent science projects, with 38 receiving first place awards and 38 receiving second place awards at the regional level.

College in High School Program through Seton Hill University - New Castle Sr. High School’s “College in High School Program” is designed to accelerate top students to college-level academic preparation while taking high level high school courses. The program leads to actual college credits earned for freshmen level courses which are required by most universities. Our students can transfer these credits to the college or university of their choice. New Castle Sr. High School is averaging 62 students per year earning college credits through our relationship with Seton Hill.

The Princeton Review – SAT Prep Course - In an effort to provide students the best possible preparation for the SAT exam, the school district developed a partnership with the renowned Princeton Review. The Princeton Review is a premiere SAT Prep program that focuses on learning how to read effectively, improving vocabulary, strengthening writing, and developing problem- solving abilities. To purchase the Princeton Review individually would cost close to $1,000. New Castle Sr. High School provides this impactful program totally FREE to our students.

PSAT - The District pays the registration fees for all 10th grade students to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) in October. The PSAT is a national exam that measures academic skills that a student will need for college.

Penn State Talent Search - Funded by the US Department of Education and administered by Penn State University, first generation students in grades 7 -12 have the opportunity to participate in the Penn State Talent Search Program. One of only 452 programs in the country, and one of only 10 in the state of Pennsylvania, the Talent Search program provides additional academic, career, and financial counseling to assist students in successfully completing school and attending college. Presently, 130 students are a part of the program.

Fit4Life - Serving our youth through in-school, after-school, and summer food programming, the FIT4LIFE program has been implemented over several years through a partnership between the New Castle Area School District, LCCAP, and many Lawrence County youth-serving agencies. FIT4LIFE encompasses multiple program elements and requirements, which will include all aspects of health and fitness using the nationally recognized Fitness for Life comprehensive model. Additionally, nutritional and various physical activities are used to inspire and initiate lifetime healthy living for New Castle youth. New to the district is the Fit4Life Program that is implemented at George Washington Intermediate School. Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP) has partnered with George Washington in the implementation of Fit4Life, which is a comprehensive physical fitness/education program to benefit our students in making progress toward meeting state standards for physical education.

The Arts - The Arts are an integral component in the curriculum. Students have the opportunity for hands-on instruction in drawing, painting, mosaics, music, vocals, and theater. Students have a chance to enter the world of media through video production, graphic design, and CAD/CAM.