Literacy is a high priority of instruction at NCA with 90 minutes devoted to literacy each day. Literacy includes reading, writing, grammar, spelling, handwriting and communication skills. Reading instruction takes a balanced approach using strong phonics, word attack skills, comprehension strategies, differentiated learning and small group instruction. Beginning in Kindergarten, reading comprehension, cursive, computer keyboarding and writing skills are accelerated in 3rd grade. Comprehending complex texts, concepts and reading documents are mastered by 8th grade. With the strong reading and writing skills, our graduates successfully tackle advanced high school classes.