Work is catered to each student and they move through at their own pace through individualized curriculum and instruction. Our Middle/Upper level students also follow an online accredited curriculum. A course guide and graduation plan is created based on existing transcripts and students will continue to update transcript through this program. Grades are reported using a combination of scores from this program as well as day to day individualized and small group classwork aligned with Sunnyside's curriculum programming.

A micro school setting allows an increase of opportunities to learn, discuss and grow within a small setting.  At Sunnyside Academy we prioritize novel studies throughout the year with a minimum goal of 6 novels read each school year. Reading takes place collectively. Outside activities through art, play, community engagement, meals, historical studies and films all add to the in-depth study of our different novels.

Using project based learning to support instructional goals is a fantastic way for students to practice interpersonal skills while learning to work in a team or small group.  In addition to the learning done at Sunnyside that is virtual and supplemental, ensuring there are elements of project based learning and presenting is an important part of our curriculum and instructional plans.

One of the many advantages of a micro school is the small class size.  Students are able to work in a comfortable setting where they are safe, where movement and discussion are encouraged and where they feel at home.  Meeting these basic needs first allows for all students to have the highest changes of success.

At Sunnyside Academy we believe that all too often, especially as students get older, some of the best parts of school are removed from educational programming.Regardless of your student's age, ability or academic level, being outside is part of our everyday curriculum.  Whether it's a walk through the neighborhood, backyard games, gardening or caring for our. yard space, we recognize and prioritize the benefits of outdoor time.

We believe in the importance of character education, social emotional learning and engagement within our larger community. All community service hours are tracked to add to college applications & other school/work opportunities. From trips to Congaree National Park as we studied Teddy Roosevelt & the start of the National Park System to a day at Riverbanks Zoo during our Animal Farm novel study, making learning meaningful and fun is a goal we have at Sunnyside Academy.

We know the benefits of being outdoors and of the lessons learned through hands on experiences in natures. We strive to be outside daily and utilize as many outdoor field studies, group games, botany, gardening, hiking and observational experiences in nature as we can.

It takes a village and we love to utilize and treasure those in our larger Sunnyside and Columbia community. Whether we have Science teachers bringing in a hands on lab experience, gardeners sharing their green thumbs, or local artists and instructors teaching lessons in their areas of expertise, a micro school program offers the ability to participate in and to access a multitude of individuals able and willing to offer mini-classes across a wide variety of learning fields.

When instruction is individualized for each student, multi-age class make-up is not only possible, it allows students to learn with and from each other.  At Sunnyside we have students enrolled in grades 3-12 and while there are independent work spaces, individualized age and ability appropriate instruction, there are also many benefits to the multi-age community building opportunities that are able to exist under this model.

Every child learns differently. We prioritize the importance of learning through art, music, manipulatives, play, movement, research, technology, nature, peer groups, independent studies. It is important for us to always be willing to think outside of the box and provide multi sensory modalities of instruction in order to best meet each student's individual instructional needs