Day-to-Day Life at KiS

Class Structure

Our classroom is a mixed-age learning community. We meet students right where they are and watch them grow at their own pace while integrating their interests as much as possible. Each student works at their individual level and to their capabilities with support and guidance from the classroom teacher. Each child is expected to reach milestones appropriate to their age and abilities.

In addition to the standard academic curriculum covering language arts/reading, math, and science, students also receive instruction in the arts, social studies, and history. Additionally, students will learn to effectively research and become imaginative problem-solvers. Knoxville Innovation School’s goal is a well-rounded and informative education that focuses on student-centered learning outcomes.

Daily Schedule

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.: Drop off. Children may read or play quietly.
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.: Morning Meeting/Language Arts.
10:00 – 10:45 a.m.: Snack and recess.
10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Mathematics.
12:30 – 1:15 p.m.: Lunch, clean up, & recess.
1:15 – 3: 00 p.m.: Science/Social Studies/Art integrated learning (STEAM, PBL, etc).
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Recess.
3:30 p.m.: School day ends.
3:30 – 6:00 p.m.: AfterSchool Learning.

Morning Focus: Reading, writing & mathematics

The morning activities are devoted to foundational skills: reading, writing, spelling, and math. Literacy is an important component of the school’s instructional model. We use explicit foundational instructional methods, as advocated by reading experts and mandated by the Tennessee state law. Also sometimes called phonics-based instruction, this method emphasizes four foundational reading skills: print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency. Our instruction focuses on integrating these foundational skills to develop complex literacy.

Students are grouped by ability levels, not by age or standard grade designations. They are encouraged to tap into their intrinsic motivation and to measure their progress against their own goals, which are set with the help of our teacher. Thus, a first grader may be grouped with the Level 3 readers, as her reading skills have developed beyond her standard grade level designation, Level 1. However, this same student may be in the Level 1 math group, working to perfect her foundational math skills which will be key to her later success. All students are encouraged to work at their own pace, with the support of peers and with daily, focused one-on-one instruction with the classroom teacher.

Outdoor Time

Outdoor recess is an integral part of our program, and all children are expected to participate. Fresh air, unstructured social time, and the opportunity for large muscle development are vital to healthy emotional and physical development, and regular exercise contributes to a healthy immune system. Regular movement throughout the day improves student learning outcomes, including focus, retention, and leadership skills.

Afternoon Focus

Afternoons are devoted to Science and Social Studies with arts integration. Students will explore massive topics, such as ancient history and life sciences and then integrate their newfound knowledge with their own creativity and imagination. These hands-on experiences also allow the students to put their learning into practice with experiments and activities that emphasize collaborative teamwork and problem-solving. As the school year progresses, this time will also be used for problem-based learning, with an emphasis on solving local community problems.

AfterSchool Learning

Students who stay after 3:30 p.m. enroll in the AfterSchool Learning experience. This hands-on, collaborative experience offers students time to engage in self-directed experiential learning. From engineering projects to self-directed artwork and team sports, students are enriched by this student-focused and -driven time. Overseen by the school’s AfterSchool teacher, the students are given the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild.