ACADEMICS

MCA Academic Programs

Overview

MCA’s curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12 is based on the U.S. Common Core programs and guided by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), ensuring a strong foundation in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

The common core curriculum is reinforced with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education and a Project-Based Learning (PBL) approach featuring year-round events such as the World Heritage Day, Winter Festival, Literacy Fair, Math Fair, Science Fair, and Spring Concert. MCA academic programs are supplemented by independent study programs such as STAR Reading, WIDA, Khan Academy, and VHS Learning (high school) to ensure MCA students are given full opportunities to develop their academic abilities.

K~G2

Kindergarten and Lower
Elementary School(K to G2)

During these crucial years of laying an academic foundation, students build essential academic skills while developing curiosity and confidence as learners.
Through the PBL approach, students explore real-world topics in hands-on, meaningful ways. PBL events are thoughtfully woven into the curriculum, allowing students to inquire, create, and collaborate while showcasing their learning.
In addition to core academics, students enjoy a well-rounded education with specialist classes including Art, Music, Physical Education, Chinese, and Korean.
The STEAM program is designed to foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to become future-ready global citizens. These subjects support creativity, cultural understanding, and physical development, enriching the student experience.
Team Character Building is central to the MCA experience. We place strong emphasis on collaboration, empathy, and foundational social values. That’s why we hold daily advisory lessons to support students’ social-emotional growth, nurture positive behavior, and build a caring classroom community.
For holistic development, students are also actively engaged in Physical Education (PE), orchestra program, athletic programs, and other extracurricular activities.

Upper Elementary (G3 & G4)

The Upper Elementary program focuses on nurturing well-rounded students by integrating strong moral character development with a rigorous academic curriculum.
We follow the Common Core State Standards, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and the C3 Framework for Social Studies, ensuring a comprehensive and future-ready education across all core subjects.
Our students also benefit from a rich selection of special subjects, including Art, Physical Education, and Music, which contribute to their creative expression, physical well-being, and emotional growth.
The focus of the PBL approach in these years is building both academic knowledge and essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.
At the heart of our program is the belief that education should support not just the mind, but also the heart. We intentionally weave character education into daily learning through advisory lessons and other opportunities in our curriculum to help students grow as responsible, respectful, and kind individuals.
The program prepares students to thrive both academically and personally, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and good citizenship.
For holistic development, students are also actively engaged in Physical Education (PE), orchestra program, athletic programs, and other extracurricular activities.

G3~G4

Middle

Middle School (G5~G8)

The middle school program is designed to guide students through the transitional years from childhood to adolescence. We combine academic rigor with a strong emphasis on character development, helping students become self-aware, responsible, and increasingly independent learners.
The academic curriculum emphasizes core subjects such as English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, aligned with national and state standards such as CCSS and NGSS.
Instruction is interactive and engaging, with opportunities for students to explore topics through project-based learning, inquiry, and interdisciplinary units. Enrichment classes in the arts (Art and Orchestra), technology (Computer Science), physical education, and world languages (Chinese or Spanish) round out the academic experience.
Character education is embedded into daily activities, encouraging students to build emotional intelligence, practice responsibility, and develop empathy. Advisory hour, mentorship opportunities (reading to elementary), and community service projects reinforce these values and provide social-emotional support.
Extracurricular programs—including student council, clubs, performing arts, and athletics—offer outlets for creativity, leadership, and team-building. While some students face challenges with academic expectations or peer relationships, we strive to provide a responsive, inclusive environment that supports each learner’s growth.

Our goal is to prepare students not only for high school academics but also for life, equipped with a strong sense of self and a foundation for responsible decision-making.
For holistic development, students are also actively engaged in Physical Education (PE), orchestra program, athletic programs, and other extracurricular activities.

High

High School (G9~G12)

The high school curriculum is centered on academic excellence and practical preparation for college, careers, and life beyond graduation. Students are challenged to achieve their personal best while developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue their future goals.
Core academic subjects include English, mathematics, sciences, and social studies, with advanced course options such as Honors, and AP classes. In addition, students select from a diverse range of electives in areas like business, fine arts, technology, and world languages, allowing them to explore interests and develop career pathways.
For balanced academic and personal growth of our students, MCA offers students extracurricular life featuring clubs, sports teams (soccer and basketball), academic competitions (Quiz Bowl, debate competition, NHD, Owlypia), service projects (songpyeon and kimchi, NJHS/NHS), and leadership programs (SCO - walkathon). Students are encouraged to take on active roles in shaping school culture and their communities.
We recognize that some students may face difficulties with the academic demands or the social-emotional challenges of adolescence. Through a strong support network—including counselors, advisors, and dedicated faculty—we work to ensure all students have the resources they need to succeed.
Ultimately, our high school program prepares students to graduate with more than a diploma—it equips them with the mindset and skills for lifelong success.
For holistic development, students are also actively engaged in the orchestra program, athletic programs, and other extracurricular activities.

Common Core Programs

MCA adopts Common Core Programs ( www.corestandards.org ) from Kindergarten to 12th grade

- What is Common Core?
■ A set of high-quality standards in English language arts, literacy, and mathematics
■ Outlines what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grad

- Why Common Core?
■ Emphasizes critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills
■ Prepares all students who graduate from high school to succeed in college, career, and life,
regardless of where they live

STEAM

STEAM is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) plus the Arts.

STEM and STEAM are both interdisciplinary approaches to learning where academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons. Students apply science, technology, engineering, and math in contexts that make connection between the classroom and the world around them.

By adding the arts, teachers create an essential tool for attracting students who otherwise would have found more traditional STEM education inaccessible. MCA is adding the A to STEM with Makers Education. This opens a new level of creativity where students' artistic abilities can be expressed through the use of technology.

STEAM education at MCA includes Robotex International - Robo League Competition and MCA Science Fair. MCA students participate in robotics-related programs such as WeDO 2.0, Spike Prime, Mindstorms EV3., Arduino Platform, and C++ & Python coding languages.

Strong Math Program

With the MCA's strong math program aided by ILP (Individual Learning Program), our students will be able to fully enjoy what math education can provide - nurturing their power of reasoning, creativity, abstract or spatial thinking, critical thinking, and even effective communication skills.

Independent Study Programs

■ STAR Reading

STAR Reading is a comprehensive reading assessment system (developed by Renaissance, a renowned educational solution provider) that helps our students reach high levels of literacy. MCA students read carefully-selected books and their comprehension levels are assessed by STAR.

■ WIDA

WIDA is probably the most widely used resource hub for educators supporting multilingual learners. MCA adopts WIDA reading comprehension assessment tool to help our students increase their reading comprehension abilities.

■ VHS Learning (www.vhslearning.org)

VHS Learning is a nonprofit organization providing teacher-led high school online courses in a wide variety of disciplines. MCA arranges its students to take VHS classes for the courses not available at MCA.

■ Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org)

Khan Academy is a well-known non-profit organization that provides free, top-class education for anyone, anywhere. Its online program is utilized for students’ self-study or homework assignments to complement MCA’s ILP-based curriculum.

Project-Based Learning (PBL )

PBL is an instructional approach designed to give students the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills through engaging projects set around challenges and problems they may face in the real world.

Students learn how to use their knowledge and skills acquired from various subjects in the process of completing PBL projects. Throughout the year, MCA organizes various PBL events, including Literary Fair, Science Fair, Music Concert, World Heritage Day, etc.

Physical Education (PE )

MCA believes that PE is an important part of the educational experience. Our PE teachers will create an atmosphere for leadership development, sportsmanship, and congeniality while teaching the students. In addition, classroom teachers may do activities with students to complement PE education if required.