AGS’ empowering SOAR promotes academic excellence and personal growth
05 Jun 2025 | Photos by KEMC
The Ateneo de Manila Grade School officially launched its 2025 Summer Offerings for Advancement and Reinforcement (SOAR) on 2 June 2025, welcoming hundreds of eager learners to a summer of academic growth and personal discovery. With 345 students enrolled in non-academic programs and an additional 566 participating in academic courses, SOAR 2025 has drawn nearly 1,000 students—a testament to the Ateneo community’s strong commitment to continuous learning. SOAR caters to students from incoming Kindergarten to Grade 6, offering a wide range of programs that address academic advancement and holistic development.
Mathematics Excellence Track
One of the program’s cornerstones is its comprehensive math curriculum, designed to strengthen foundational skills and build confidence. Grade-specific courses for incoming Grades 1 to 6 focus on essential mathematical concepts, while also emphasizing problem-solving and critical thinking to ensure students are well-prepared for the upcoming school year.
Literacy and Language Development
Language and literacy take center stage through multiple specialized tracks. The “Eager Reader” program for ages 4½ to 7 fosters early reading and comprehension skills. “Read, Think, Write” courses for Grades 2 to 6 build analytical thinking and writing proficiency. “Ways with Words,” also for Grades 2 to 6, enhances vocabulary and language arts mastery. Meanwhile, “MAKA-Filipino” for Grades 1 to 3 and “Wagi sa Wika” for Grades 4 to 6 strengthen Filipino language fluency and appreciation.
School Readiness Programs
To ensure smooth transitions into formal education, SOAR also offers dedicated programs for incoming Kindergarteners and new Grade 1 students entering Ateneo. These courses provide a supportive environment for young learners to develop the foundational skills and confidence they need to succeed.
21st-Century Learning
SOAR’s innovative approach extends beyond traditional academics, integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), arts, and life skills into the curriculum.
In the area of STEM and innovation, robotics courses for ages 6 to 8 introduce coding and engineering through engaging, age-appropriate projects, while game coding and advanced robotics classes prepare older students for the digital future.
Creative arts and expression are also central to the program. The Kids' Arts & Crafts Lab, designed for ages 5 to 12, encourages creativity through hands-on artistic activities. Performing arts offerings—including theater, dance, and manga/anime art classes—help students build expressive and artistic confidence. Acrylic painting and visual arts classes provide additional outlets for imagination and personal expression.
Holistic Development
SOAR nurtures the whole child, promoting physical, emotional, and social growth. Programs in physical fitness and sports—including Mixed Martial Arts, Taekwondo, Baseball, Futsal, and Athletics—promote fitness, discipline, and teamwork. Mind sports such as chess and other strategic games cultivate patience, foresight, and decision-making skills. Camps focused on social-emotional learning, mindfulness, and life skills—like the “Bon Appétit” cooking program—help build resilience and emotional intelligence.
A Transformative Experience
As the SOAR 2025 program unfolds over the next few weeks, students are not only accelerating their academic journey but also discovering passions, nurturing talents, and building lifelong skills. The program's wide-ranging offerings reflect Ateneo's enduring vision: to educate the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
With SOAR 2025, Ateneo de Manila reaffirms its unwavering commitment to educational excellence and innovation. More than just a summer program, SOAR is a movement—a bold step in shaping confident, compassionate, and capable learners ready to face the challenges of the future.