Books teach. Stories and characters immerse readers in experiences that influence their lives. VALUES-BASED LITERATURE sets proper examples for our students to follow as they develop personal character, form relationships, overcome hardships, determine right and wrong, and deal with life. INFORMATIONAL TEXT provides an important knowledge of the natural and the social world. It offers students exposure to various subject areas such as history, science, art, music, and math thus increasing their learning. Children who read informational text may progress more quickly in reading level, become better writers, be better prepared for real-life reading thus preparing them for success in later schooling. Ideally, students will “learn to read” and then they will “read to learn.”

VOCABULARY is the primary indicator of student academic potential and the primary skill reflected on national IQ and college entrance exams. Increased vocabulary is effectively acquired through INDEPENDENT READING. It is estimated that to be academically proficient over time, students need to learn 3,000 new vocabulary words each year. This is obtainable if students read independently every day. Students who become excellent readers and who perform well academically read independently an hour a day or more. Thus, it is vital to the goals of American Preparatory Academy that each student becomes a prolific independent reader.