Academics
The basic components of the Grammar School curriculum are described below. The academic material presented is appropriate for each grade level.
Saxon Phonics (K-2)
Saxon offers an advanced, intensive phonics program which not only teaches the child to read, but also includes spelling, introduction to grammar, handwriting and introduction to writing.
Saxon Math (K-6)
Saxon presents a unique incremental approach to math which is highly regarded and extremely well suited to the grammar stage of learning.
History (K-6)
The Grammar School’s history program gives the students an overview of history – from creation to modern day. Kindergarteners and first graders will explore basic geography, other cultures, and general history. In second through sixth grades, the students will walk through history focusing on one major event per week. The students read Susan Wise Bauer’s The Story of the World and cycle through the history in a four year cycle. The first year, students study Old Testament and Ancient Egypt. The second year, students study New Testament, Greece and Rome. The third year focuses on the Renaissance and Reformation while sixth graders study American History from the early explorers to present day. Each year in second through sixth grade, the students use cards to chronologically memorize 32 significant events from the relevant time period, The Story of the World history as well as a timeline notebook, a history sound-off and Read Aloud books that enhance their vocabulary. Thus the students gain a framework for all of history.
Latin Primer (3-6)
The goals of this course, among others, include:
- Acquiring a vocabulary of approximately 350 words
- Recognizing Latin derivatives in English
- Developing facility in the use of a dictionary for etymology
- Growing an English vocabulary
- Increasing in understanding of Latin and English grammar
English Grammar (3-6)
We use the ABeka Grammar workbook with Daily Grams as a supplement
Spelling (3-6)
With a variety of teaching techniques and a weekly spelling test, children are encouraged to improve their spelling proficiency.
Vocabulary (3-6)
From choosing words to create personal study lists to learning words from their literature books, students steadily increase the scope and breadth of their vocabulary.
Institute for Excellence in Writing (3-6)
The curriculum emphasizes modeling as a method for learning to write. Children begin by making outlines of previously written paragraphs and then rewriting them from these outlines. Various techniques for improving writing are required as the child gains skill. These include the use of stronger verbs, adjectives, the addition of adverbs and clauses and the variation of sentence structure, just to name a few. The program expands to paragraph structure, creative writing, and research papers.
Literature (K-2)
The school provides a suggested reading list of great children’s literature. Each family will be asked to real aloud to their children a minimum of two books per semester. Further reading will be encouraged.
Literature (3-6)
Reading comprehension will be strengthened as the children read classic books and discuss in class. In addition, the children choose at least one book per semester from the school’s reading list to read themselves. Family read-aloud will still be encouraged.
Art (K-2)
Exploring and Experimenting with the Elements of Art.
Art (3-6)
Techniques and Experience with the Elements of Art.
Science (K-6)
Interactively Exploring God’s Creation.
Music (K-2)
Appreciation of Music with Melody Lane and Making Music Workbooks.
Music (3-6)
Appreciation of Music with the Kodaly method.
Violin (3-6)
Small Group Lessons.
Spanish (1-6)
Learning Spanish through Story, Activity and Song.
Bible
The school intends to maintain a Christian atmosphere and to integrate prayer as well as Biblical passages and principles into daily activities.