Programs

Academic Programs at Vandenbark Academy

At Vandenbark Academy, we offer a challenging, flexible, and passion-driven curriculum designed to cultivate academic excellence and real-world readiness. Our students pursue both core academics and enrichment through high-level instruction, independent projects, and nationally recognized competitions.

📖 Language Arts

Our Language Arts program emphasizes critical thinking, eloquent expression, and a love of literature.
Curriculum includes:

• Michael Clay Thompson (MCT) Grammar & Vocabulary
  
  

• Home2Teach Writing Classes (6-week themed sessions)
  
  

• Spalding Method for spelling mastery
  
  

• Completion of the MENSA Reading List
  
  

Students also participate in:

• National writing contests
  
  

• Spelling bees
  
  

• NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), including full-length novel projects
  
  

➗ Mathematics

Our math program develops problem-solving fluency and conceptual depth through:

• Art of Problem Solving (AoPS) curriculum for middle and high school
  
  

• Dual Enrollment with Chandler-Gilbert Community College for advanced courses like Precalculus and Calculus
  
  

Math competitions include:

• MATHCOUNTS
  
  

• AMC 8, 10, and 12
  
  

• Excellence in Mathematics Competition
  
  

🔬 Science

Our science instruction includes hands-on labs and formal coursework through:

• Mesa Community College (MCC) – General Chemistry and lab-based courses
  
  

• Participation in the Future City Engineering Competition, where students apply science, math, and engineering principles to design sustainable cities of the future
  
  

🏛️ History & Government

We provide a deep, critical study of historical and civic topics:

• AP World History (via accredited providers)
  
  

• U.S. History and Government, including civics and constitutional literacy
  
  

🌍 Foreign Languages

Students at Vandenbark Academy study multiple languages with a focus on fluency and cultural appreciation:

• Spanish: Custom Honors Spanish II curriculum built from Complete Spanish Step-by-Step, Quizlet, and immersive tools
  
  

• Latin: Formal instruction through The Lukeion Project
  
  

🏅 Extracurriculars

Our students pursue excellence outside the classroom through:

• Competition Swim Team – Year-round training and meets
  
  

• Future City Competition – STEM-based team project that combines science, engineering, writing, and public speaking