At W. W. Irby Elementary School, academics are a top priority. All of the curriculum is based on Florida's Sunshine State Standards (SSS) and Grade Level Expectations (GLEs). Sunshine State Standards in reading are addressed through Treasures from MacMillan McGraw/Hill, the district adopted core reading program for elementary students. Teachers supplement this program with Scientific Research Associates, Inc. (SRA), Reading Mastery, Early Interventions in Reading, and other children's literature. A 90 minute uninterrupted block is set aside each day to address reading instruction. Literacy centers, guided reading, direct instruction and small group instruction are methods used to deliver reading instruction in the classrooms. State Standards in Science are addressed through the use of the Scott Foresman science program. Harcourt publishing serves as the basis for our math program. Great Source Calendar Math is used as a supplement. Harcourt publishing also provides the core for our social studies program. Teachers use creative and engaging means to enhance all subject areas.

The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test is not given to Kindergarten, First or Second Grade students in the state of Florida. All students are assessed three times a year with the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) as well as the STAR Reading and Literacy Assessments. These tools help determine a students reading level and guide instruction for their specific needs.

As part of a students' day, they also receive instruction in co-curricular areas such as Art, Music, PE, Media and Technology. The resource teachers design their curriculum based on the Sunshine State Standards for their respective areas.

Students slated to begin Kindergarten in the fall are assessed with a basic skills screening tool in late spring and summer. The information gained from this tool helps guide instruction for individual's specific needs as well as helping our placement team make the best placement possible for your child.