L.E.A.P. ACADEMIC SUPPORT

The Legacy Foundation of Hartford is committed to providing measurable, skills-based academic support to our students across four core areas: reading and writing, math, science, and social justice. Our highly qualified, certified teachers incorporate a 21^st century learning model to offer hours of engaging, supplemental instruction that both supports and transcends traditional classroom learning. We embrace the whole child education approach, fostering a comfortable, safe environment that enables rich, culturally affirming learning experiences and knowledge development. At the same time, we focus on students’ strengths while building strong relational bonds between our staff and students.

We recognize the critical importance of literacy skills, given that research has shown that third grade reading mastery is a definitive predictor of future academic success. An extensive study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation demonstrated that students who were not proficient in reading by the end of third grade were four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers. Given this stark data, the Legacy Foundation fosters literacy development from third grade through high school via individual and group activities, culturally relevant texts at reading level, and access to an ever-expanding library. Additionally, we help our students hone their writing skills with direct instruction and appropriate scaffolding – encouraging them to record weekly journal entries and to make text-to-self and real world connections. Our high schoolers also practice creative and informational writing to prepare them for college.

Legacy math teachers provide appropriate grade-level instruction that is tailored to meet the individual needs of students. Our elementary school students utilize the IXL online learning program, while high schoolers receive individualized tutoring and SAT prep. Tutors from area colleges and universities, including through a partnership with Math Motivators at the Actuarial Foundation, regularly provide additional academic support.

Science instruction for our elementary and middle schoolers encompasses the scientific method principles, experiments, environmental science and sustainability, and principles of engineering. Our science teachers, along with guest presenters from area corporations such as Turner Construction and Pratt & Whitney, challenge students with hands-on projects and experiments to help them build critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Our high schoolers learn advanced skills related to engineering and coding through activities and demonstrations.

Another vital cog in the Legacy Foundation educational platform is social justice. Our fact-based, informed social justice classes focus on exploring real-world issues, including racism, sexism, homophobia, economic inequity, and the criminal justice system. Importantly, students discuss current events and politics, and debate issues and possible solutions. They also learn about significant historical figures of color and their contributions to America. Our social justice education framework is designed to encourage students to exercise analytical thinking, learn persuasive speech and debate tactics, and develop public speaking skills.