The Curriculum
It is the mission of Sancta Familia Academy to promote and nurture the intellectual growth and talents of elementary school children through the time-tested classical liberal arts course of study. Students study and learn in a wholesome and rigorous academic environment. The Catholic faculty integrates the Magisterial teaching, Scripture, and the Traditions of the Catholic Church throughout the curriculum. In partnership with their families, boys and girls are taught to be effective Catholic citizens and leaders. They are taught to know, love, and serve God and neighbor, aware of their ultimate purpose in life – eternal happiness with God in Heaven.
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"It is necessary not only that religious instruction be given to the young at certain fixed times, but also that every other subject taught, be permeated with Christian piety." |
The fundamental principles of classical education are based on practical wisdom that has been the foundation of Catholic education from the beginning. The keystone of classical education is the Trivium which simply recognizes the natural development of a child through three stages, grammar, logic (or dialectic) and rhetoric. These can be thought of as the knowledge, understanding and wisdom stages of human development. “The Trivium applies in nearly every educational sphere because it accounts for the entire range of what education is supposed to do: The learner must acquire information, grasp it intellectually, and use it purposefully.”
Core Curriculum
At Sancta Familia Academy, the core curriculum includes the subject areas of English, Latin, Classical & Christian Studies, Arithemtic & Mathematics, Science, Geography & American History. In addition, students study Music and Art and are given time for Physical Education. English starts with early, systematic phonics instruction. Reading, especially the classics, and writing are central to our program and critical to developing the articulation and learning skills that are so vital for success in today’s society. The Catholic Faith is the foundation on which all course work rests and it is a part of its exposition. All branches of knowledge are connected together because they are intimately united to the work of our Creator. Catholic truth, therefore, will complete the appreciation of each subject and demonstrate the wholeness of that truth. For example, history will focus on God’s plan of salvation. Science will place emphasis on what the natural world tells us about God. Reading and writing assignments will include the lives of the saints. Art and music will focus on the sacred as well as the secular.
Latin, mathematics, and music are the basic and universal languages. They develop the intellectual powers of the mind as no other subjects can, enabling students to reach their full intellectual potential. The singing of sacred music awakens the soul to God and assists in creating a school community of faith, hope, joy, and love. A careful reading of the classics, in the light of Christian faith, develops wisdom and virtue.
Core Curriculum
At Sancta Familia Academy, the core curriculum includes the subject areas of English, Latin, Classical & Christian Studies, Arithemtic & Mathematics, Science, Geography & American History. In addition, students study Music and Art and are given time for Physical Education. English starts with early, systematic phonics instruction. Reading, especially the classics, and writing are central to our program and critical to developing the articulation and learning skills that are so vital for success in today’s society. The Catholic Faith is the foundation on which all course work rests and it is a part of its exposition. All branches of knowledge are connected together because they are intimately united to the work of our Creator. Catholic truth, therefore, will complete the appreciation of each subject and demonstrate the wholeness of that truth. For example, history will focus on God’s plan of salvation. Science will place emphasis on what the natural world tells us about God. Reading and writing assignments will include the lives of the saints. Art and music will focus on the sacred as well as the secular.
Latin, mathematics, and music are the basic and universal languages. They develop the intellectual powers of the mind as no other subjects can, enabling students to reach their full intellectual potential. The singing of sacred music awakens the soul to God and assists in creating a school community of faith, hope, joy, and love. A careful reading of the classics, in the light of Christian faith, develops wisdom and virtue.