Students learn and are evaluated on the county-widc academic curriculum objectives with a continuing emphasis on basic skills, acquisition of knowledge and thinking proficiency. The primary difference between Kenmore and other Arlington middle schools is the infusion of the art disciplines and communications technology throughout the curriculum. Academic excellence sets high expectations for every student, excellence in all areas, including the skills of communication, creative and critical thinking, problem solving and technology. Social growth is crucial during the young adolescent years and is necessary to enable students to develop positive interpersonal relationships, intercultural understanding, mutual respect and the ability to work together toward a common goal. Motivation is essential for academic excellence.
Empowered students are enthusiastic learners with a positive attitude and sense of pride.
Exploration capitalizes on adolescents' natural curiosity and allows them to maximize their individual options, abilities and opportunities. Since the arts and communications technology is integrated throughout the curriculum, students can expect to learn a rural African dance honoring the main economic resource of the region in a Geography class. Then, based on what they've learned through the dance, students can expect to use maps and photographs to discuss the economic and cultural differences in rural and urban Africa. Rather than learning new science vocabulary through memorization, students may learn a song with motions which define the vocabulary words. Using a language CD-ROM program, students may identify language families distributed throughout Europe and recognize how language can create barriers between cultures and prevent economic movement.