Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) 

At Muskegon Maritime Academy, we believe that strong literacy skills are the foundation for academic success. That’s why we use the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum, a comprehensive, research-based program that builds students’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities from kindergarten through fifth grade.

A Balanced Approach to Literacy

CKLA integrates foundational skills—such as phonics, decoding, spelling, and grammar—with rich knowledge-building lessons in literature, history, science, and the arts. This approach ensures students not only learn how to read but also develop the background knowledge and vocabulary needed to understand what they read.

Why CKLA Works

• Systematic Skills Development – Step-by-step instruction in reading fundamentals gives every student the tools they need to become confident, independent readers.

• Knowledge-Rich Content – Engaging units explore topics from ancient civilizations to ecosystems, building a broad base of understanding that fuels comprehension.

• Integrated Writing Practice – Students learn to write clearly and effectively through daily practice connected to meaningful content.

• Listening & Speaking Skills – CKLA’s emphasis on discussion and oral language prepares students for academic collaboration and leadership.

Preparing Leaders Through Literacy

By combining strong literacy instruction with our maritime and leadership focus, CKLA equips our cadets with the communication skills, curiosity, and critical thinking needed to excel both in school and beyond.

Open Up Resources Math 

At Muskegon Maritime Academy, we equip our cadets with the mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities needed to navigate the challenges of the future. We proudly use the Open Up Resources Math Curriculum, a nationally recognized, high-quality program that develops deep conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, and real-world application skills.

A Comprehensive, Student-Centered Approach

Open Up Math is designed to engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning where they explore, question, and collaborate to solve problems. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build strong mathematical foundations, from number sense and operations to geometry, measurement, data, and algebraic thinking.

Why Open Up Works for Our Cadets

• Interactive Learning – Students learn by doing, participating in rich mathematical discussions and group problem-solving.

• Real-World Connections – Activities tie math concepts to everyday life, maritime themes, and leadership challenges.

• Growth Mindset Focus – Encourages persistence, risk-taking, and creative thinking in tackling complex problems.

• Equity & Access – Designed to ensure all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality mathematics instruction.

Preparing Future Leaders Through Mathematics

Open Up Resources Math empowers our cadets to think critically, reason logically, and approach problems with confidence—skills essential for leadership in school, careers, and life.

Sea Cadet/Character Education Curriculum 

At Muskegon Maritime Academy, leadership is more than a lesson—it’s a way of life. Through our Sea Cadet Curriculum, cadets are immersed in a program modeled after the traditions, discipline, and honor of maritime service. This curriculum builds confidence, character, and a sense of responsibility in every student, preparing them to lead in the classroom and beyond.

Leadership Through Maritime Education

The Sea Cadet program integrates character development, leadership training, and maritime skills into our daily learning environment. Cadets participate in structured lessons and activities that promote discipline, teamwork, and respect for self and others—hallmarks of our academy’s culture.

Key Components of the Program

• Military Science & Customs – Learning the structure, discipline, and respect of maritime and naval traditions.

• Leadership Skills – Hands-on experiences in leading peers, making decisions, and problem-solving under guidance.

• Physical Training – Promoting resilience, health, and confidence through fitness and drill.

• Team Building & Collaboration – Activities that strengthen communication and cooperative problem-solving.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

The Sea Cadet Curriculum instills in cadets the values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. These principles guide our students in becoming not only strong academic performers, but also responsible citizens and leaders ready to serve their community.

STEM Curriculum

At Muskegon Maritime Academy, we inspire curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on STEM experiences in robotics. Our robotics curriculum is tailored to meet the developmental needs of each grade level, giving cadets the skills to design, build, and program with confidence.

Sphero Robotics – Grades K–2

Our youngest cadets are introduced to coding and engineering concepts through Sphero robots—programmable, app-enabled devices that make learning fun and interactive. Students explore basic coding commands, experiment with motion and speed, and solve challenges that encourage critical thinking and teamwork. By integrating storytelling and creativity, Sphero builds a strong foundation for computational thinking while keeping learning engaging and age-appropriate.

SeaPerch Underwater Robotics – Grades 3–6

Older cadets dive deeper into engineering with SeaPerch, an underwater robotics program that challenges them to design, build, and operate remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Students gain hands-on experience with concepts such as buoyancy, circuitry, propulsion, and design optimization. They also develop problem-solving, collaboration, and project management skills as they prepare their ROVs for underwater missions and competitions.

Building Skills for the Future

From early coding adventures to advanced engineering challenges, our robotics curriculum equips cadets with STEM skills, teamwork, and resilience—essential traits for leadership both in and out of the classroom. Whether on land or under the sea, MMA cadets are building the future one innovation at a time.