From learning to read to ready for middle school.
Smithson Craighead Academy is organized into two learning communities, kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade, led by co-principals for the lower and upper grades. This model recognizes the critical transition that takes place in third grade, when scholars move from learning to read to reading to learn. It allows our teachers to concentrate on the literacy instruction each stage demands: building independent readers in the lower grades, and building the content knowledge those readers need to understand and reflect on what they read in the upper grades.
Three things you will not find in most elementary schools.
Research shows that pre-K gains often fade once children enter elementary school. Our Honors Kindergarten program is designed to prevent that loss. Kindergarteners are grouped with peers of similar skills so teachers can close gaps and build on what each child already knows.
Our learning materials are chosen to help scholars gain real knowledge about the world beyond the classroom, not just skills or test prep. Scholars read literature, participate in art and music classes, and learn foundational math concepts while building a rich vocabulary. Computer use is limited and designed to teach productivity and digital responsibility.
Our scholars in grades 3-5 earn their way toward middle school by demonstrating they have the academic knowledge, habits and behaviors needed for success at the next level of their education. Our Middle School Permit allows scholars to take ownership of their middle school readiness.
Smithson Craighead Academy is a program of Project Reflect, a nonprofit serving Madison and Northeast Nashville. Our scholars and families have access to Project Reflect’s other programs, including support that extends past the school day.
Afterschool programming was Project Reflect’s first initiative, launched in 1992. PREP offers a safe, structured place for scholars to learn and grow after dismissal, with homework help, reading support, and enrichment activities until pick-up.
Itty Bitty City is Project Reflect’s affordable, full-day pre-K program for children ages 3-5. Pre-K students have a direct pathway into our Honors Kindergarten. Scholarships are available through the Sister Sandra Memorial Fund.
Through Project Reflect’s Community Hub, our families have access to a food pantry, a diaper closet, and youth sports.