Grammar School K-6th
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The first stage of the Classical Trivium model is Grammar School. Children at this age have not yet developed high reasoning skills, but they do have a wonderful faculty for memorization. They are concrete thinkers and sponges for information. Consequently, memorizing the “grammar” of each of the academic disciplines is emphasized: math, (addition, subtraction, division, multiplication); language (letters, grammar rules, vocabulary); history (names, dates, places), etc. Teaching methods in the Grammar School include hands-on work and projects, field trips and dramatizations, integration of various subjects, recitations and memorization. |
Bible
The Classical Academy is a non-denominational, independent, Christian school. In keeping with our non-denominational mission, we will focus on Bible memorization, catechism, and Bible reading. This is consistent both with the classical approach to learning and the advice of Scripture itself. Our students will hide the Word of God in their hearts for lifelong benefit. For Scripture memorization, we use the English Standard Version of the Bible.
The Classical Academy is a non-denominational, independent, Christian school. In keeping with our non-denominational mission, we will focus on Bible memorization, catechism, and Bible reading. This is consistent both with the classical approach to learning and the advice of Scripture itself. Our students will hide the Word of God in their hearts for lifelong benefit. For Scripture memorization, we use the English Standard Version of the Bible.
History
In classical education, history is not a subject it is the subject. Everything about the human experience unfolds through history, and classical education rests on its spine. The central idea about history in the classical school is that history is a story.
In most school traditions, historical events, time periods, people, and places, are taught out of order. As a result, most adults leave their formal schooling years and encounter difficulty putting it all together chronologically. At The Classical Academy, history is studied chronologically. Literature, art, music, and other disciplines are interwoven so that children see the story of mankind unfold across the human experience. Students also memorize historical facts based on a timeline that sets the framework for later studies.
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Math
Students at The Classical Academy receive a solid foundation in mathematics by focusing on visual understanding, connections, number sense, mastery, and word problems. Hands-on manipulatives or real life objects are used to demonstrate the concept, then students use and create pictorial representations. The goal is always to use the concrete and visual components to get to a standard algorithm. To gain number sense, students are taught to make connections between topics as well as focusing on place value to provide a deep knowledge of numbers. As students work with and manipulate numbers, they work towards fluency by learning and using mental math strategies. All math classes at the Academy are grouped according to ability, not grade-level. This allows students to work at their own pace with confidence. |
Phonics/Spelling
The Classical Academy uses an intensive phonics approach to reading and spelling. Students progress through learning letter names, sounds, blends (called special sounds) and words. Spelling corresponds directly to the phonics rules and sounds students are learning, making one cohesive program with maximum benefit.
The Classical Academy uses an intensive phonics approach to reading and spelling. Students progress through learning letter names, sounds, blends (called special sounds) and words. Spelling corresponds directly to the phonics rules and sounds students are learning, making one cohesive program with maximum benefit.
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Science
Science in the classical grammar school encourages awareness and exploration of the natural world through use of the senses. During the grammar stage, The Classical Academy amplifies a child’s natural curiosity about the world, filling them with numerous scientific facts to store in their memory. Hands-on demonstrations, experiments narrations, and colorful notebooking, give grammar students the opportunity to record what they see, hear, and observe. The building blocks needed to complete and report on scientific experiments during the Logic and Rhetoric years are thus established. Children also benefit when given sufficient time within a single discipline to develop a deep understanding. Thus, The Classical Academy approaches science by covering one major area of the basic sciences each academic year. |
Literature/Narration
Classical education thrives on deep, rich literature using the Great Books. The Great Books are limitless and in classical education we use them one by one as teaching experiences to train self-directed, life-long learners. At the Academy, we use the socratic method beginning in our kindergarten classes right up through the rhetoric (highschool) grades. Simply put, the Socratic method is the art of teaching by asking questions. This method teaches students how to learn, rather than simply what to think. By asking the right questions of a work of literature, Socratic teachers model this style of inquiry, teaching their students to do the same on their own. At The Classical Academy we will be using the best children's literature, along with the socratic method, to give our students a method of learning that doesn't just transfer information from one brain to another, but instead, allows students to teach themselves even after the class is over.
Along with the socratic method, grammar students are taught to process literature beginning with narration. Narration is the art of telling the story back in his or her own words. As a student narrates, they naturally begin to recognize the characters, themes, and elements of literature. Narration helps retention, inspires a love of knowledge, strengthens mental powers, and evaluates what a student knows without the laboring boredom of worksheets. Narration gradually extends into written narrative summaries, developing a child’s ability to write and tell stories in their own words.
Writing
Students in K-2nd grade will practice narration, dictation, and copywork to develop early writing skills. Beginning in 3rd grade, students will learn writing skills through methods employed by the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Students will receive all main writing instruction in school, followed by the independent application work on the home days.
Classical education thrives on deep, rich literature using the Great Books. The Great Books are limitless and in classical education we use them one by one as teaching experiences to train self-directed, life-long learners. At the Academy, we use the socratic method beginning in our kindergarten classes right up through the rhetoric (highschool) grades. Simply put, the Socratic method is the art of teaching by asking questions. This method teaches students how to learn, rather than simply what to think. By asking the right questions of a work of literature, Socratic teachers model this style of inquiry, teaching their students to do the same on their own. At The Classical Academy we will be using the best children's literature, along with the socratic method, to give our students a method of learning that doesn't just transfer information from one brain to another, but instead, allows students to teach themselves even after the class is over.
Along with the socratic method, grammar students are taught to process literature beginning with narration. Narration is the art of telling the story back in his or her own words. As a student narrates, they naturally begin to recognize the characters, themes, and elements of literature. Narration helps retention, inspires a love of knowledge, strengthens mental powers, and evaluates what a student knows without the laboring boredom of worksheets. Narration gradually extends into written narrative summaries, developing a child’s ability to write and tell stories in their own words.
Writing
Students in K-2nd grade will practice narration, dictation, and copywork to develop early writing skills. Beginning in 3rd grade, students will learn writing skills through methods employed by the Institute for Excellence in Writing. Students will receive all main writing instruction in school, followed by the independent application work on the home days.
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Penmanship
As a classical school, we do not believe that beautiful handwriting is a relic to be discarded in a digital age. In fact, quite the contrary, as handwritten correspondence has more of an impact because it is so uncommon today, and is superior to typing for composition in young children. The New American Cursive curriculum will help our students master this nearly lost art, a lifelong skill that will lend distinction to their handwritten notes. Numerous research studies also indicate that handwriting results in significantly greater knowledge retention than typing, as it engages more of the brain in the learning process. |
Latin
Classical education includes Latin in their studies for many reasons. Latin trains the mind to think in a logical, orderly fashion and encourages attention to the detail of grammar. It also improves English skills, and prepares students for the study of other foreign languages. Latin in the grammar years exposes children to Latin grammar and lays a solid foundation of Latin vocabulary.
Poetry
While the recent educational trends have left poetry out of education, classical education recognizes its value and beauty. Poetry is a deep expression of thought and feeling, providing a mechanism to connect children to the experiences of others. Poetry is an essential component of classical education, displaying truth, goodness, and beauty--three elements which knit together all disciplines of a classical education. Students at The Classical Academy will memorize roughly 10-12 poems each year, in addition to enjoying hearing poetry read aloud. For further inquiry in why we memorize poetry, check out this post. Why Memorize Poetry?
Classical education includes Latin in their studies for many reasons. Latin trains the mind to think in a logical, orderly fashion and encourages attention to the detail of grammar. It also improves English skills, and prepares students for the study of other foreign languages. Latin in the grammar years exposes children to Latin grammar and lays a solid foundation of Latin vocabulary.
Poetry
While the recent educational trends have left poetry out of education, classical education recognizes its value and beauty. Poetry is a deep expression of thought and feeling, providing a mechanism to connect children to the experiences of others. Poetry is an essential component of classical education, displaying truth, goodness, and beauty--three elements which knit together all disciplines of a classical education. Students at The Classical Academy will memorize roughly 10-12 poems each year, in addition to enjoying hearing poetry read aloud. For further inquiry in why we memorize poetry, check out this post. Why Memorize Poetry?
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Artist Picture Study
Classical education involves two basic areas of training in art: learning about art techniques and elements, and studying great artists and their works. Grammar students learn basic art techniques and elements in their applied art class each week. They also develop art appreciation through picture study. Why study artwork in grammar school?
~Charlotte Mason |
Composer Study, Music Appreciation
Just as classical students are given the greatest literature and art, so they should have exposure to the greatest music as well. In music appreciation, children studying the life and works of famous composers. Why study music appreciation in grammar school?
~Karen Andreola
Recite Night
One characteristic of an effective thought leader is someone who can communicate well, and with confidence, using their knowledge, investigation skills, analysis, and evaluation to express themselves logically and persuasively. The beginning training grounds for this type of graduate begins in the grammar and logic school years with Recite Night. Recite Night happens five times a year and students prepare their own recitation piece (poetry, Scripture, narrations, etc) to present to The Classical Academy community.
Just as classical students are given the greatest literature and art, so they should have exposure to the greatest music as well. In music appreciation, children studying the life and works of famous composers. Why study music appreciation in grammar school?
- It broadens a student’s exposure to beauty.
- It allows children to think and feel within a creative realm that they might not otherwise directly encounter.
- Music appreciation stimulates spatial-temporal reasoning which is the brain function behind difficult, complicated tasks like math or chess.
~Karen Andreola
Recite Night
One characteristic of an effective thought leader is someone who can communicate well, and with confidence, using their knowledge, investigation skills, analysis, and evaluation to express themselves logically and persuasively. The beginning training grounds for this type of graduate begins in the grammar and logic school years with Recite Night. Recite Night happens five times a year and students prepare their own recitation piece (poetry, Scripture, narrations, etc) to present to The Classical Academy community.
Campus Day Chapel
In addition to their academic studies, students come together at the start of each campus day for chapel. This is a much loved part of our community school days. Chapel leader, Rick Stump, leads students in songs, catechism, Scripture memory, and Bible teaching. Many of our moms and dads, and sometimes even grandparents, attend our campus chapel time.
In addition to their academic studies, students come together at the start of each campus day for chapel. This is a much loved part of our community school days. Chapel leader, Rick Stump, leads students in songs, catechism, Scripture memory, and Bible teaching. Many of our moms and dads, and sometimes even grandparents, attend our campus chapel time.
Logic School 7th-9th
Click here for logic school curriculum info.
Click here for logic school curriculum info.
PreK
Click here for PreK curriculum info.
Click here for PreK curriculum info.
Do you have an upcoming Kindergartener? Check out our kindergarten readiness information.
