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Fairmont Private Schools’ curriculum is dynamic in nature. Grounded in traditional academics, Fairmont’s curriculum is constantly being updated and enhanced by the needs and desires of today’s students. Fairmont provides a wide array of courses and instructional programs, ranging from core academics and required courses to special programs like Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math as well as the International Baccalaureate Program and Medical and Engineering Magnets at the high school level.
Using nationally accepted best practices, standards that meet or exceed California Standards and the expertise of our own experienced educators, Fairmont’s curriculum reflects a commitment to academic excellence. The curriculum conforms to UC requirements and enables our students to take on the challenges of the nation’s best colleges and universities. From preschool to grade twelve, our students are encouraged to take advantage of all that our rigorously academic curriculum has to offer and to develop a passion for the pursuit of knowledge.
School Psychologist
Fairmont employs a school psychologist who is Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)-certified. She is available to meet with students experiencing educational or emotional issues. She is also a resource for helping to support and educate students and families on common topics of concern.
ASSIST Teachers
Maximizing the potential of each student is the hallmark of Fairmont’s educational philosophy. ASSIST teachers partner with classroom teachers to further challenge students who are exceptionally advanced. ASSIST teachers also provide one-on-one help to students in need of remediation. Students are identified for the ASSIST program through teacher referral, test scores, assessment and classroom observation.
School Counselors
Starting in grades 7 and 8 students meet regularly with an academic counselor who provides insight and support on a range of issues from selecting courses and preparing for high school and college to social and emotional concerns. At the high school level, Fairmont has five total counselors: two academic counselors, one college counselor, one magnet programs counselor and one international student counselor. Fairmont’s five high school counselors serve a student body of approximately 500 students allowing for highly personalized student interaction and support.
Math Specialist
This Fairmont teacher supports all of the K-8 campuses in the area of math instruction and in the effective use of Accelerated Math (AM). Fairmont has developed a highly individualized approach to math instruction that allows highly advanced students to complete high school level coursework at the junior high level. Students who are working at-grade level also receive benefit from classroom grouping and the additional support in mastering key concepts from AM.
Master Teacher (Elementary)
Fairmont’s Master Teacher coordinates the elementary Language Arts Program and meets regularly with teachers to improve their teaching practice across all subjects. At Fairmont, we stress the importance of good writing and reading skills as the basis for success in a variety of academic subjects.
Instructional Technology Coordinator
The IT Coordinator works closely with the Chief Technology Officer and the Director of Education to research and test instructional technology and provides ongoing training and support to teachers with regard to technology in the classroom.
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Field Trips
Fairmont offers a multitude of experiences that extend learning far beyond the classroom. Students participate in day and overnight study trips throughout the year including trips to Sacramento, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, Washington, D.C., and more. High school students participate in Travel Week each year where they broaden their horizons through trips to South America, Britain, France, China and other US and international destinations.
Community Service
All Fairmont students participate in some form of community service. Starting in junior high 12 community service hours becomes a requirement for promotion. In high school, the yearly requirement is 24 hours. Visiting area nursing homes, serving at local food kitchens, volunteering at area hospitals, and cleaning-up the beaches are just a few of the ways our students give back to the community.
Clubs
Junior high and high school students participate in a wide variety of student-initiated, faculty-sponsored clubs.
ASB
Preparing our students to be leaders in the future, Associated Student Body (ASB) gives them first-hand experience in the elective process, representative leadership, organizational skills, and service to the school community.
Academic Competitions
Fairmont students participate in and, quite often, walk away with top honors in the following:
Character Counts
Character education begins with Fairmont’s three year-olds as they learn to share and be respectful and extends throughout Fairmont with the implementation of Character Counts, the nation’s most widely used character education framework. Students learn the importance of Responsibility, Fairness, Citizenship, Respect, Caring and Trustworthiness through hands-on learning.
Arts & Athletics
Fairmont believes in educating the whole child and that as important as academics are, students need the opportunity to explore other avenues to learning. Art and music are special classes made available to all students beginning in preschool.
Performing Arts
Students may participate in band, orchestra, ensemble, choir, musical and dramatic stage productions.
Fine Arts
Instruction begins in the early grades and extends through AP Art in high school. Many student works are entered in area and national competitions. Two students recently had their artwork exhibited in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Athletics
Fairmont maintains a comprehensive program of DSL , interscholastic JH teams, and junior varsity and varsity teams in the CIF league. Due to our smaller student body and wide offering of teams, students often make the team for the sport of their choice and even have the opportunity to play numerous sports each year.
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Early Childhood
At Fairmont, we inspire and empower young minds to achieve their full potential by offering an academically stimulating curriculum, developmentally appropriate activities, and daily opportunities to develop social skills as well as independence. In order to meet each child at his or her level of development, ability grouping begins with our preschool classes.
PreschoolOur methods of teaching allow young children to learn skills at an advanced pace, so in most instances, children are learning skills a year earlier than peers in other schools and programs. This teacher-guided learning experience sparks children’s natural curiosity by incorporating art, music, movement and play into each day.
Junior KindergartenOur Junior Kindergarten is designed for students who have a late birthday or who need an extra year to develop and mature before entering Kindergarten. It has its own unique curriculum and materials of instruction that target the developmental needs of this age group.
KindergartenThe majority of our Kindergartners will have mastered key literacy and numeracy skills by the time they promote from Kindergarten. A typical Fairmont Kindergartner will be able to read, write and compute at least at the first grade level. This gives them the edge when entering even the most academically rigorous elementary school programs.
PrimaryIn the primary years, student progress in reading and writing is the most dramatic. Fairmont’s first grade students, for example, are introduced to cursive handwriting and the fundamentals of writing composition. Our second and third grade students continue to hone their literacy skills through our advanced reading program as well as Accelerated Reader. But our rich educational program doesn’t stop there. In math, for instance, our students are introduced to Accelerated Math and Math Facts in a Flash in first grade, which individualizes the program and allows students to progress at their own pace. Science and social studies lessons are enhanced with specially tailored field trips that bring classroom lessons to life. Weekly specialty instruction in Spanish, computer science, art and music, further deepen our primary students’ learning experiences.
Elementary
Fairmont’s elementary education program provides a solid foundation in reading, writing and math, enabling students to achieve at their highest levels. Students continue developing key skills through our advanced instruction, with specific emphasis placed on written communication. Accelerated Math, Math Facts in a Flash and Accelerated Reader programs help to individualize instruction and allow students to progress at their own pace. Science and social studies curricula are enhanced by enriching field trips such as Outdoor Education, Astro Camp, and a visit to Sacramento. And weekly specials, like computer science, science lab, Spanish, art and music round out the rich offerings of Fairmont’s elementary education program.
At Fairmont, we realize that a well-rounded education includes giving students occasions to shine in their areas of interest and talent. National competitions, like WordMasters and Scripps National Spelling Bee, give our students the opportunity to receive recognition, build self-confidence and develop academic skills. Many of our students perform very well in these competitions, and quite often receive top honors.
Junior High
To help students successfully transition from the elementary years and prepare them for success in high school, Fairmont’s junior high program addresses the academic and developmental needs of older children at this pivotal period in their lives. Teachers, coaches, administrators and counselors provide a supportive learning environment enriched with opportunities for personal growth. Both English language and literature classes continue to be taught at an advanced pace, and mathematics course offerings range from on-level math to pre-calculus, depending on student ability. Science and social studies courses are enhanced by field trip opportunities to the Grand Canyon, San Francisco and Washington, D. C.
To aid in the overall growth of the junior high student, elective courses and academic competitions are expanded and enhanced from the earlier grades. Specials such as debate, Pentathlon, instrumental music as well as drama, give young people opportunities to develop their competitive and creative sides. In fact, many of our students who are involved in competitions receive top awards and honors, some at the national level. Overall, a Fairmont junior high student graduates from eighth grade with polish, confidence and competence in key skills areas.
High School
Fairmont Preparatory Academy provides a one-of-a-kind high school education through a student centered, highly individualized approach. Expansive extracurricular activities combine with highly qualified faculty and small class sizes to create extraordinary opportunities.
Medical Magnet
Fairmont Preparatory Academy’s Medical Magnet is unique in the country, attracting bright and highly motivated students from across
Southern California who wish to pursue collegiate Pre-Med studies and go on to careers in medicine and the life sciences. In addition to a rigorous curriculum and extensive hands-on learning, students have the opportunity to participate in summer programs such as health and science research camps, leadership enrichment, camps and health volunteer programs in area hospitals and medical clinics. A devoted faculty with special training in biological research and medicine mentors tomorrow’s young doctors and researchers as they progress through the program. Students may select from a range of Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses.
Engineering Magnet
The Engineering and Applied Sciences Magnet Program prepares motivated students to succeed at highly regarded engineering colleges and applied science programs. Through this rigorous course of study, students will explore the core areas of math, science and engineering including mechanical, electrical and civil engineering. Coursework includes college-level statics, dynamics, thermodynamics and other concepts central to an engineering degree. Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in internships through a partnership with Boeing.
Advanced Math Program
Fairmont Prep offers an elite mathematics program that is among the top high school programs in the country. The advanced math program is especially beneficial for students who excel in mathematics and who may wish to study math or a related field in college. Students of Fairmont Prep’s advanced math program can earn up to 22 units of actual college credit while enrolled in high school.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
Fairmont Preparatory Academy’s International Baccalaureate Program is an internationally acclaimed, integrated two-year curriculum with an international perspective, which adheres to worldwide standards of excellence. Based in Geneva, Switzerland the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. More than 90 percent of students in the Prep’s IB program earn full IB diplomas upon graduation. Fairmont Prep currently offers 21 IB courses. As one of only two Orange County private schools with IB Diploma programs, Fairmont Prep is pleased to provide this unique educational opportunity for the world’s future leaders.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program
Fairmont Preparatory Academy’s extensive AP courses allow students the opportunity to earn substantial credit hours toward their degrees. Many students who choose to integrate AP courses into their high school coursework are able to complete their undergraduate credits in less than 4 years. Students may select from among 17 AP courses in creating an individualized path of study.
Fairmont International Academy
FIA offers a one year program as a bridge between academic programs throughout the world and elite college preparatory high schools within the United States. Students who take advantage of this program benefit by developing their English language skills through an intensive English and literary curriculum integrated with mathematics, American culture electives and physical education. Additionally, students gain the study skills, vocabulary base and cultural understanding necessary to succeed in the American high school environment.
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