Our intermediate program includes grades four through six because we believe that these are such pivotal years for learning study skills to prepare for the increased expectation of independence experienced in junior high school. All classes are based on the NC Standard Course of Study. Teachers use accommodations and modifications where appropriate to ensure that the curriculum is accessible to all students. Small class sizes and the fact that students are taught using direct instruction, as well as a hands-on approach, make learning rewarding for all students. The family atmosphere and our safe, supportive environment help improve self- confidence, which in turn helps our students be in a better frame of mind to learn.
Other key features of our intermediate school are enhancement, ORB, the advisor/advisee relationship, organization, and the Academic Plan.
Academics
Language Arts
Students are placed into language arts classes based on their individual needs. Two periods per day are devoted to language arts, one for reading and one for English. When possible, students have the same teacher for reading and English.
English
Writing is taught using the University of Kansas writing strategies. Students progress from Proficiency in the Sentence Writing Strategy to The Paragraph Writing Strategy. The writing focus in intermediate school is narrative and expository. Students in grades five and six take the Noble Academy writing test, which is similar in nature to the NC state writing test. English classes frequent the computer lab, in order to get valuable practice time on word processing skills. English teachers often incorporate projects into their lessons, such as poetry writing and class newspapers.
Reading
Students are placed into a reading class that best meets their instructional needs. Group Wilson classes instruct students who need extra support in decoding and encoding in the Wilson Reading System, while also incorporating additional practice on reading comprehension. Literature classes are for students who do not need instruction in phonics but still benefit from being taught reading strategies. Novels are frequently the method of delivery in literature classes and students are taught the parts of the novel and the difference between simply reading a novel and studying a novel. Combination classes support students who need a lot of instruction in reading strategies. These classes may contain some instruction in phonics and spelling while also incorporating novels and short stories to improve reading comprehension. Vocabulary is also stressed in combination classes. 
Math
Math is taught using a multi-sensory approach. Class typically begins with a review of previously taught skills through class discussion, dictation, and daily facts practice. There is a focus on math facts fluency and vocabulary, and students are frequently assigned flash cards or online math facts practice to aid in their memorization. Hands-on activities are used whenever possible. Teachers in fourth and fifth grade primarily use CINCH Mathematics. Sixth graders progress from CINCH into Algebraic Thinking, which is a program that prepares students to be successful in Algebra. All math teachers consistently pull in other materials when appropriate to best serve the needs of our students.
Science/Social Studies
Fourth and fifth grade students take science one semester and social studies the other. Sixth graders have a full year of both. Classes are based on the NC Standard Course of Study; science and social studies classes frequently contain a mix of fourth and fifth graders, so the curriculum rotates from year to year. The focus in fourth grade science is on analyzing systems; the fifth grade science curriculum centers around using evidence to support scientific explanations. The fourth grade social studies curriculum focuses on North Carolina geography and history and the fifth grade focuses on the geography and history of the United States. In sixth grade science, students study natural and technological systems with the curriculum centering around earth science. In sixth grade social studies, students connect and compare what they have learned about North Carolina to the study of Latin American and European countries.
Specialists
Students follow a rotation schedule that includes physical education, drama, and art and healthy living. Students in physical education classes are introduced to fitness and team sports. Drama explores the world of theatre through student productions, attendance at professional productions, and critiques of peer productions. Drama performances are held at the end of each rotation. Art classes provide students with an understanding of the elements of art and the principles of design through a variety of media. Art exhibits are on display throughout the school year. Healthy living focuses on choices students can make in order to lead a more healthy life.
Guidance
There are two guidance counselors at Noble Academy. Students are assigned to one counselor who is available for many different needs. The counselor meets with all students several times each semester as a class to cover the guidance curriculum. She is also available for one-on-one or small group counseling sessions. Please see the “Guidance” tab under the “Academics” menu for more information on our guidance program.
Technology
There are two computer labs and a mobile laptop cart at Noble Academy that are available for class use. English teachers usually visit the computer lab one to three times per week to work on writing and word processing skills. Social studies and science classes frequent the computer lab for research, as well as to work on PowerPoint presentations. Each classroom contains a SmartBoard and many are also equipped with a class set of clickers for even more student interactivity.
Enhancement
Fourth and fifth graders attend enhancement as their last period of the day. Offerings vary yearly but can include: movement, keyboarding, library, Spanish, study skills, life skills, community service, healthy living, music, and musical theatre.
Other Key Features
Outside Reading Book (ORB)
Every night, students are assigned 15 to 20 minutes of ORB, during which time students read a book of their choosing or a certain genre that the reading teacher has assigned. The rationale behind ORB is that the more exposure students get to text that they are interested in, the better readers they will become, with higher rates of fluency and increased vocabulary. Parents are encouraged to be involved with students’ ORB, by reading together or talking to their child about what they have read that night. Depending on their reading class, students may also be required to complete a reading journal as part of their ORB.
Advisor/Advisee
All students are placed into an advisee group for the year. In most cases, the advisor teaches his/her advisees in at least one other class. Students report to their advisor for the first 15 minutes before school instruction starts to ensure readiness for the day. Advisors check for planners to be signed off, pencils to be sharpened, and help take care of any other “business”. Students return to them at the end of the day for checkpoint. Since advisors see their students so many times during the day, they get to know them very well and can often identify and address global emotional and organizational needs. Advisors usually act as advocates for their advisees and are also often the teacher who is in closest contact with the family.
Organization
Since disorganization often goes hand in hand with ADHD and other learning disabilities, we have many strategies to address this problem. Intermediate school students carry the “Perfect Notebook” to all of their classes. The Perfect Notebook is a strategy that is enforced across the board, as all teachers make sure that all handouts are hole-punched, and they leave time at the end of class for students to file their papers before leaving class. Another key part of the Perfect Notebook is the assignment book. At the end of each class, students are responsible for writing down their assignment. Teachers come to each student and initial that the assignment is written down correctly. At the end of the day, all students attend checkpoint, a six-minute period with their advisor. The advisor’s job at checkpoint is to make sure that students have been signed off in each of their classes and that they have all the materials packed that they need to get their homework done. Students who do not complete their homework stay 20 minutes after school for detention.
Academic Plan
Each student at Noble Academy has an Academic Plan. The Academic Plan includes a list of accommodations and modifications that we use at Noble Academy, the Steps to Academic Success that the team is focusing on for the year, and the student's most recent MAP score. Parent-teacher conferences are held twice per school year to review the Academic Plan, receive the updated MAP scores, and discuss the student's progress in each class. Students are included in their IEP conferences beginning in seventh grade in order to promote self-advocacy skills and increase knowledge of their disability area.
Athletics
Students in sixth grade are eligible to participate in any (or all) of the five Junior Varisty sports teams: soccer, flag football, volleyball, basketball, and cross-country. Basketball and cross country are also open to fifth grade. Teams are co-ed, are open to athletes of any skill level, and do not involve try-outs. Teams play against four other local independent schools, and each sport includes a championship tournament.