Curriculum

YDMA is dedicated to building foundational literacy skills, and utilizes programs informed by the science of reading including Fundations, Heggerty, and PAF to ensure that our students are building the required foundational skills to become strong readers! 

Our students receive 90 minutes per day of ELA instruction, using the Wit & Wisdom Curriculum. Wit & Wisdom emphasizes curiosity, inquiry, and knowledge-building to ensure that students develop the skills to become successful readers, exceptional writers, and effective communicators. 

YDMA utilizes the enVision Math Curriculum, providing students with 60 minutes of math instruction each day. Our math program empowers students to think, solve, and succeed by taking the lead in their learning as they build confidence through real-world problem solving. 

Amplify Science is a phenomena-based science curriculum that blends hands-on investigations, literacy-rich activities, and interactive digital tools. In combination with our IB PYP program, Amplify Science units are tailored to support transdisciplinary learning and connect to the learning that students are doing in all of their other subjects. 

YDMA utilizes Passport to Social Studies, an NYC Public Schools-developed curriculum. Passport to Social Studies incorporates principles of quality social studies instruction, diversity and multiple perspectives, and the importance of inquiry with the objective of preparing students for a global community.

All students in grades PreK - 5 receive both art and music instruction weekly. Our art and music classes build on what students are learning in their other subjects, further supporting our transdisciplinary work.

YDMA partners with the Italian Consulate to provide our students with Italian instruction each week. Students learn the Italian language through stories, music, and play. 

Our school has a large gym and two outdoor playgrounds that provide students with safe and exciting opportunities for athletic instruction and outdoor play. All students receive physical education instruction each week.