Lecture Notes: Reinventing Education at Alpha School

Introduction

• Focus: Enabling real-world success for students
• Method: 2-hour academic learning + life skills development
• Three commitments:
  1. Students will love school.
  2. Learn twice as much in just 2 hours.
  3. Develop lifelong skills.

Curriculum Overview

Kindergarten to 1st Grade

• Instill limitless mindset and growth mindset
• Academic focus: Fast-paced learning in 2 hours
  • Mastery of skills like presentations, sight words, math fluency
• By end of 1st grade, students rank in top 1% nationwide
• Life skills: Independence and community respect
  • Activities: Shoe tying, swimming, puzzles, bike racing
  • Workshops: Better Together for community respect

2nd Grade

• Reinforcement of limitless mindset
• Academic: Fastest learners, prefer efficient learning model
• Life skills:
  • Completing 'impossible' tasks like 5K runs, spelling bees
  • Public speaking through fun activities
  • Entrepreneurial skills: Business creation and financial literacy
• Outcome: Students become athletes, broadcasters, master spellers, and entrepreneurs

3rd and 4th Grade

• Focus on independence
• Academic: Overcoming "stuck points" in learning
• Life skills:
  • Financial literacy and independence
  • Afternoon activities: Coding, drones, Rubik's Cube, triathlons
  • Student-run town halls for community impact

5th and 6th Grade

• Emphasis on teamwork
• Workshops:
  • Hype Squad for peer encouragement
  • Entrepreneurial activity: Launching a food truck
• Community contribution and global awareness
  • Example: Fundraising gala for Ukrainian refugees
• Academic: Introduction of comprehensive writing program

Middle School Overview

• Preparation for high school academically and socially
• Academic goals:
  • Students in top 5% of ISE and SSAT tests
  • Preparation for selective high schools
• Social Skills:
  • Navigating high school social scenes
  • Workshops: Cafeteria social exercises
• Personal Development:
  • Finding passions and values
  • Workshops: Jae Se Ikigai and You Are What You Do

Conclusion

• Alpha School leverages AI to optimize learning
• Potential for creative development
• Vision: Redefine parental expectations in private education
• Exciting future for K-8 education