Preparing Minds, Shaping Character: The Power of NLA’s "Becoming..." Curriculum

“Who you BECOME is as important as what you ACHIEVE.”

Our mission calls us to foster the development of the whole student body by supporting their emotional and behavioral intelligence (the “EQ”) and their academic intelligence (the “IQ”) to unlock their full potential as a student while at North Lakes Academy. We do this in support of our mission to support students’ diverse needs and crafting a vision for their future as active leaders in a global society. This innovative approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) has been refined over more than a decade to fit our unique student body and is founded on the principles first created by Top 20 Training.

K-6 “Becoming…” Program

The “Becoming…” curriculum at the K-6 Campus centers on a monthly character trait designed to shape both personal growth and community culture. Each month emphasizes honoring the absent, navigating conflict with respect, and recognizing “star qualities” that bring out the best in ourselves and others. The framework also reinforces clear expectations through shared language, positive framing, and an intentional approach to addressing negativity. By focusing on “The Line” between acceptable and unacceptable behavior, “Becoming…” helps establish accountability while nurturing a strong culture of learning where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

7-12 “Becoming…” Program

The “Becoming…” curriculum at the 7-12 Campus is responsive to the needs of middle school and high school students at different phases of their development. Visualize a student’s success as a bicycle, where the back wheel - a student’s IQ - propels the student forward and the front wheel - a student’s EQ - manages the steering. In life, where we end up is determined by our ability to master our EQ in tandem with our IQ and finding that balance is how we encourage our students to put forward the best versions of themselves every day.

Grades 7 & 8: Who Am I?

Students in these grades focus on strengthening their EQ by engaging with the foundational principles of the “Becoming…” curriculum and better understanding how these concepts apply to their own lives. Examples include learning skills to navigate the social dynamics of middle school, identifying their “star qualities,” and developing confidence and a positive self-concept.

Grades 9 & 10: What Do I Want?

Students in these grades focus on building on their EQ skills gained in previous grades to maximize their IQ through practical experiences in order to explore possible paths and set goals for their success after high school. Students will be asked to reflect on possible outcomes for their lives after high school and begin developing the academic skills needed to reach those goals.

Grades 11 & 12: How Do I Get It?

Students in these grades bring together their IQ and EQ to re-examine their opportunities and develop a plan for their future after graduation from North Lakes Academy. They’ll be asked to explore postsecondary institutions, apply for scholarships, and seek out internships or jobs, while reflecting on their greatest accomplishment  and preparing for the new challenges ahead.

A Curriculum That Goes Beyond the Classroom

The Becoming Curriculum is what makes NLA truly unique. By intentionally developing both academic skills and social-emotional growth, we help students build confidence, character, and clarity for the future.

At NLA, we prepare students not just for graduation, but for life because who you BECOME is just as important as what you ACHIEVE.