General Information

General Information

The Fei Tian Academy of the Arts (FTAA) provides a rigorous academic program and strives to prepare students to graduate with the Advanced Diploma endorsed by the New York Board of Regents. Besides the standard (i) English, (ii) social studies, (iii) science (life sciences and physical sciences), (iv) mathematics, (v) visual arts, music, dance, and theatre, (vi) health education, and (vii) physical education requirements, students are required to complete additional electives selected from foreign languages, fine arts, and science. Wherever applicable, the State-recommended syllabi for public schools shall be used as reference. Special emphasis is placed on traditional Chinese history, culture, and arts.

As a general rule, most entering students will need to prepare to take Regents exams in Living Environment offered in Grade 9, Mathematics A and Global History and Geography in Grade 10, Mathematics B, a second science, and US History and Government in Grade 11, and English Language Arts and a foreign language in Grade 12.

In addition to the above Regents requirements, to fulfill its function as an institution of the arts, the Fei Tian Academy of the Arts has a number of extra artistic and advanced coursework requirements. Some of these additional courses that are required for graduation include Art History, Music Appreciation and Theory, Elements of Performance, Journalism, and Computer Art Design.

Curriculum Areas

Outlined below are the academic classes offered at different grade levels. One unit below is equivalent to 36 weeks of instruction, 180 minutes per week.

At Fei Tian Academy of the Arts, middle school includes grades 6 through 8 and high school is grades 9 through 12.

Grade 6: Classes in the following curriculum areas are offered. Classes are structured and taught in a manner that facilitates fulfillment of U.S. education requirements.

  • English language arts (3 units)
  • Social studies, including geography and history (3 units)
  • Chinese language and culture (3 units)
  • Mathematics, science, and technology (3 units)
  • Health, physical education, and family and consumer sciences (2 units)
  • Arts (at least 6 units, not categorized as part of the academic program at Fei Tian)

Grades 7 and 8: Classes in the following curriculum areas are required. Students are expected to achieve the U.S. intermediate education standards by the end of grade 8.

  • English language arts (3 units)
  • Social studies (2 units)
  • Chinese language and culture (2 units)
  • Mathematics (2 units)
  • Science (2 units)
  • Health and safety (1/2 units)
  • Physical education (2 units)
  • Technology education and career skills (1/2 units)
  • Library and information skills (1/2 units)
  • Arts (at least 6 units, not categorized as part of the academic program at Fei Tian)

Grade 9-12: High school students are required to take classes in the following curriculum areas. These classes are designed to meet or exceed all U.S. high-school diploma requirements.

  • English language arts (4 units)
  • Social studies (4 units)
  • Science (3 units)
  • Mathematics (3 units)
  • Health and safety (1/2 units)
  • Physical education (2 units)
  • Chinese language, culture, and literature (2 units)
  • Electives (2 units)
  • Arts (at least 12 units, not categorized as part of the academic program at Fei Tian)

Physical, Health, and Safety Education

A unique feature of the health and physical education at Fei Tian is its emphasis on developing students' knowledge, skills, and habits in order to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit, as well as developing a healthy and responsible lifestyle. Students will obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to create and maintain a safe and healthy environment and learn to manage their personal and community resources as responsible citizens.

Included in the safety classes are highway safety and traffic regulations, fire drills, fire/arson prevention, and the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. The importance of conserving natural resources is also taught.

Physical education is required for all grade levels. Through physical education, students acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to establish and maintain physical fitness, participate in physical activity, and maintain personal health. A daily Falun Dafa exercise routine also helps students to tone their bodies and tackle their busy schedules without feeling stress.

Bilingual Education

As part of Fei Tian’s unique bilingual education philosophy, teaching materials will be provided in both English and Chinese where appropriate. For example, while the Declaration of Independence may be taught in a history or English language arts class, a Chinese translation will be introduced in the Chinese class. While the Three Character Classic (三字經) is taught in a Chinese class, students will be asked to write commentaries in English. Bilingual textbooks with side-by-side English and Chinese will be used where possible.

Talented and Gifted Students

At Fei Tian, talented and gifted (TAG) students who master a subject significantly more quickly than their classmates will be exposed to some of the material covered by the next grade. For example, math TAG students in middle school might take the equivalent of a high school level algebra course. Elective courses are also provided for TAG students in high school.