Grammar School (Grades 3-6)
Grammar school continues to reinforce the important academic and social skills emphasized in the primary school:
Students learn from well-designed materials, high quality content, and teacher-directed lessons. Classrooms are quiet, disciplined, and orderly, with minimal visual distractions. Students are motivated to work and learn because they are led by knowledgeable, enthusiastic teachers. Students work hard and are rewarded every day with breaks for physical exercise, music, drawing, art, and review games. Students in grades 3-6 are carefully prepared for the reading of classic literature and history, and for advanced math and science which begin in the Upper School in grade 7.
For the traditional curriculum:
For the classical curriculum:
Classwork: All lessons are teacher directed. Students are given ample time to complete classroom assignments, which are carefully monitored so that students learn to do quality written work in a timely fashion.
Composition: Using IEW methods and materials, and classical composition resources, students will develop their composition skills in a logical progression. Immitation in Writing, Key Word Outlines, and providing students with the matter (using subjects across the curriculum) and the tools necessary to gain proficiency in writing, enables students to progress through the higher levels and reach the rhetoric stage able to communicate clearly and effectively. Students will practice with the tools of writing, beginning with the early exercises of the progymnasmata: fable and narrative.
Homework: All material is covered carefully in class. Students who are attentive and work diligently in class should have no more than 30-45 minutes of homework each night and 2-3 hours on Mondays.
Grammar school continues to reinforce the important academic and social skills emphasized in the primary school:
- quality written work completed in a timely manner
- legible penmanship and accurate spelling
- speed and accuracy in arithmetic
- reading comprehension and vocabulary acquisition
- memorization of poetry and Scripture
- appropriate classroom behavior
- discipline and self-control
- good manners and respect for adults and classmates
Students learn from well-designed materials, high quality content, and teacher-directed lessons. Classrooms are quiet, disciplined, and orderly, with minimal visual distractions. Students are motivated to work and learn because they are led by knowledgeable, enthusiastic teachers. Students work hard and are rewarded every day with breaks for physical exercise, music, drawing, art, and review games. Students in grades 3-6 are carefully prepared for the reading of classic literature and history, and for advanced math and science which begin in the Upper School in grade 7.
For the traditional curriculum:
- For English and math, traditional textbooks provide uncluttered pages and clear instructions. Spelling, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Composition are taught using materials from Logos School, IEW, Harvey's Grammar, Shurley English and Memoria Press. The very best in literature and poetry are taught in depth using Memoria Press and Logos study guides.
- The science curriculum develops the observational skills that lie at the heart of the scientific endeavor. Students study constellations, the solar system, invertebrates, insects, vertebrates, birds, plants, and tree identification.
- In American/Modern Studies students focus on states, capitals, and world geography in grades 3-6, and American history in grades 7-8.
For the classical curriculum:
- Latin - Students memorize the complete Latin grammar and a Latin vocabulary of about 800 words.
- Classical Studies - Students study Greek myths and Greek, Roman, and Medieval history.
- Christian Studies - Students learn all major Bible stories and memorize more than ninety of the most memorable and poetic verses. They learn the chief teachings of the Church and memorize the Baltimore Catechism in question and answer format. Religion is integrated throughout the curriculum.
Classwork: All lessons are teacher directed. Students are given ample time to complete classroom assignments, which are carefully monitored so that students learn to do quality written work in a timely fashion.
Composition: Using IEW methods and materials, and classical composition resources, students will develop their composition skills in a logical progression. Immitation in Writing, Key Word Outlines, and providing students with the matter (using subjects across the curriculum) and the tools necessary to gain proficiency in writing, enables students to progress through the higher levels and reach the rhetoric stage able to communicate clearly and effectively. Students will practice with the tools of writing, beginning with the early exercises of the progymnasmata: fable and narrative.
Homework: All material is covered carefully in class. Students who are attentive and work diligently in class should have no more than 30-45 minutes of homework each night and 2-3 hours on Mondays.