Academics

Literacy

Bessemer Academy was awarded the Early Literacy Grant from the Colorado Department of Education. This grant is a "comprehensive approach to improving early literacy, focused on implementing and sustaining scientifically and evidence-based reading instruction." Although teachers are already attending training (May 2019), the grant will take full effect in the 2019-20 school year; lasting for three years.

Wit and Wisdom is the Literacy core curriculum resource implemented, with Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) being used in K-3 for phonemic awareness & phonics foundational skills.

Mathematics

Bessemer Academy will be using Engage New York for the 3rd in 2019-20. Pueblo School District 60 as a whole will be adopting the same curriculum as a whole in the school year 2019-20. Engage New York is a very rigorous, Common Core-based mathematics curriculum that builds strong foundational skills beginning in Kindergarten. Engage New York has resources for Parents & Families as well as an online video library through Embarc.Online.

Science & Social Studies

Bessemer Academy is a "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math" (STEM) school. Students complete Project Lead the Way (PLTW) modules throughout the year. These modules are project-based, units that engage students "in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge."

Technology

Through a STEM grant, Bessemer Academy was awarded a great deal of technology. Each student has access to a Chromebook and/or an iPad during the day. In addition to those items, the school has a "MakerSpace" where students can research, design, explore, and evaluate projects. In the MakerSpace, we have a vinyl cutter, t-shirt and hat press, light table, magnetic craft boards, VR goggles, and a wealth of tools and science materials!