Curriculum

Preparing Young Men for the Future

At LIFE Male STEAM Academy, our curriculum is designed to equip scholars with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the 21st-century global workforce. We offer a rigorous, standards-based academic program with a strong emphasis on STEAM—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—integrated across all subject areas.

Our approach combines core academics with hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Scholars engage in project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and cross-curricular instruction that connects what they learn to who they are and where they’re going.

Each scholar receives individualized support and enrichment through small class sizes, data-informed instruction, and academic interventions tailored to their needs.

Our goal is not only to prepare scholars for high school and college—but to develop young men who lead with integrity, think critically, and strive for excellence in all they do.

What is STEAM?

Laboratory interaction, the infusion of technology, knowledge, the ability to be precise and have an expanded understanding of how things work and grow that helps young men use their imaginations to develop skills beyond what you typically see among students in the public school system. LIFE Male STEAM Academy’s individualized approach allows our Young Kings to work in an interactive format and have facilitators who can give attention to each scholar, based upon his specific needs.

— Dr. Darryl Canady, Founder

S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)

STEAM is the core philosophy of LIFE MSA. According to TeachHub.com, STEAM is about applying creative thinking to STEM projects and sparking students’ imagination through the arts.

Aligned with Pennsylvania Core and Academic Standards, infused with technology, and delivered with cutting-edge best practices, LIFE MSA ensures scholars are well-prepared for the future.

Project-based learning in STEM areas
Inquiry-based approaches to learning in all subjects
Individualized assessments to define scholar needs and interventions
Extended learning opportunities beyond the classroom
Creative arts instruction, integrating art into literature, history, and math
Character education, supporting social and emotional development

Why STEAM?

We believe a STEAM-focused curriculum equips scholars with the academic skills needed to compete globally in the 21st-century job market.
We address the critical need to educate male scholars from underrepresented groups on how to use technology for creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
We focus on elevating and solidifying each scholar’s confidence through proactive, individualized support systems and our signature whole-child environment.

We added the arts intentionally because our children are so artistically gifted. We must offer them the opportunity to be as creative as their abilities and minds allow.

— Reverend Taleeta Canady, Founder

The result is a Young King with mastery. Our integrated, project-based curriculum paired with our whole-child environment fosters scholars to grow into the Kings they are meant to be.

Curriculum Design & Instructional Approach

Our curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and whole-child development through:

Project-based learning in STEM and core content areas
Inquiry-based instruction across all subjects
Creative arts integration within literacy, history, and mathematics
Individualized assessments to identify scholar strengths and needs
Targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities
Extended learning beyond the classroom
Character education and social-emotional development

Small class sizes and data-informed instruction allow educators to meet scholars where they are while pushing them toward excellence.

Credits & Graduation Requirements

LIFE Male STEAM Academy follows a structured credit and course progression aligned with Pennsylvania graduation expectations. Scholars earn credits through successful completion of required coursework and must demonstrate mastery of academic content and core skills.

Graduation requirements emphasize:

Completion of required core academic courses
Consistent academic progress and credit accumulation
Engagement in enrichment, leadership, and experiential learning opportunities

Specific credit requirements and course pathways are communicated to families as scholars progress through grade levels.

College Readiness & Progress Monitoring

Preparing scholars for college begins early. LIFE Male STEAM Academy tracks academic progress, attendance, behavior, and engagement to ensure each scholar remains on a strong trajectory toward postsecondary success.

College readiness supports include:

Academic progress monitoring and goal-setting
Tutoring and intervention supports
Leadership development and enrichment programs
Exposure to college expectations and academic habits

Career Pathways & Real-World Learning

Our curriculum connects learning to life beyond the classroom by exposing scholars to diverse career pathways and future opportunities. Through STEAM-focused projects, career exploration experiences, and partnerships, scholars begin to see how their interests and skills align with real-world careers.

Career pathway exploration includes:

Technology and engineering fields
Creative and digital arts
Science and health-related careers
Entrepreneurship and leadership pathways

These experiences help scholars develop vision, purpose, and direction as they plan for the future.