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FAQs

Higley Students

HTA Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Why is the Spalding method beneficial?

Students who learn language using the Spalding method learn the sounds letters or groups of letters make. This approach helps them to quickly understand the rules of spelling and reading. Those rules help them to learn “why” certain letters or letter groups make a certain sound (phonemic awareness). Students also receive a lot of practice in writing, which can better improve their handwriting and help build lifelong applicable skills for writing, spelling and reading. Students also attain mental actions and skill strategies from a structured learning environment.

FAQ: What are the homework expectations for my child?

  • Kindergarten: Students can complete unfinished worksheets, practice sight words and phonograms. Students need to read 10-15 minutes a day.
  • First Grade: Students can choose to work on either math, spelling and reading for up to 30 minutes a day.
  • Second Grade: Students need to read for 20 minutes a day and spend about 10 minutes on math homework.
  • Third Grade: Students need to read 20 minutes a day, finish any math homework, practice handwriting and spelling.
  • Fourth Grade: Students need to read 30 minutes a day and work on spelling and math facts. Several times a year, students will have a science or reading project.
  • Fifth Grade: Students need to complete any unfinished math assignments and read 30 minutes a day.
  • Sixth Grade: Students need to work on ELA for 45 minutes a day and complete any unfinished classroom work. Occasionally, students will work on science projects and once a week students will get a social studies assignment.

FAQ: Why choose HTA?

HTA is the only traditional, public school option in Higley Unified School District.
On top of its great rigorous and research based curriculum, HTA has talented staff that are experienced and dedicated. HTA has been a neighborhood school for over 100 years!

FAQ: What is the difference between a traditional academy and a regular school?

  • Spiraling curriculum
  • Direct instruction and small group instruction
  • Uniforms, desk arrangement and no program pull-outs during class

FAQ: Does HTA offer extra-curricular activities?

Yes! Students can participate in arts club, running club, robotics, color guard, student council, band, orchestra, yearbook, chess, golf, and more! Fifth- and sixth-grade students can participate in the Higley Youth Sports League, with a variety of sports offered throughout the school year.