The Academic Curriculum

An Introduction to What We Teach Academically

Because all knowledge ultimately links together under the umbrella of God's truth, we seek to present the curriculum in a way that keeps ideas linked together in their natural context. Therefore, books and activities making use of rich literature, primary sources in history for research, and hands-on experiences with nature and sciences are preferred over textbooks, which often break living ideas down into dead bits of out-of-context information. We constantly explore and review existing and available materials for classes. Our desire is to use the best available materials in each subject area. Academically sound and morally acceptable books and resources rich with ideas in context are sought out whether or not the authors of the materials make reference to God, the Bible, etc. Sometimes, the ideas in such materials are better presented than those that do make such references. However, teachers guide children into an understanding of how the materials are ultimately related to God's truth, whether authors accept or reject God, explicitly or implicitly. Overall, we believe that any curriculum is only as good as the teacher who uses it and applies it correctly.

Kindergarten
Using a developmentally appropriate curriculum, kindergarteners are allowed to safely test, observe, and explore their environment in a community that nurtures and respects each individual child. The program is structured so that children may mature at their own rate in a language-rich and activity-oriented environment. The program is rich in all domains of the developing learner: affective, cognitive, social, physical and spiritual.

Grades 1 - 3
In grades 1 - 3, the curriculum is organized around themes related to history, science, or literature. The primary skills of grades 1 - 3 (reading, writing, and math) are learned within the context of these themes. The themes are typically undertaken for approximately one month. The curriculum is further explained in our curriculum guide contained in An Abundant Feast.

Grades 4 - 8
In grades 4 - 8, the core curriculum of history, literature, fine arts appreciation, language arts, science, and math are organized around historical time periods. Whenever possible, all of the content is linked to the period of history being studied. The broad sweep of history begins with Ancient Civilizations in 4th grade and continues with the study of the Middle Ages in 5th grade, Renaissance, Reformation, and Age of Discovery in 6th grade, Expansion and Revolution in 7th grade, and concludes with Modern Times in 8th grade. Often, the necessary mathematical principles that are developmentally appropriate for children of this age do not mesh well with the themes. Because of this fact and the nature of mathematical content, math is often taught (through Algebra in 8th grade) by using textbooks and may not fully relate to the historical time period being studied. The curriculum is further explained in our curriculum guide, An Abundant Feast.

Exploratory Subjects
As children transition from half-days in the primary grades to fuller days at school, they begin to attend classes with exploratory subjects. Exploratory subjects enable children to continue to experience a rich curriculum that is broad and deep. Teachers gifted in specialized areas lead children in classes with concentrated exploration in the following areas: music, art, drama, foreign language (Latin & Spanish), and physical education. Furthermore, middle school children take another class one hour per week that varies from year to year, but has included such things as computer programming, web design on the Internet, yearbook, handicrafts, and computer keyboarding.