Curriculum
"I can not teach anybody anything, I can only make them think"
- Socrates -
The Socratic method of learning is named after the Greek philosopher Socrates and is focused on stimulating critical thinking skills through open dialogue between the teacher and students. The teacher leads the discussion by asking probing questions to draw out the ideas and underlying beliefs of the students, thereby guiding them towards a faithful and factual conclusion. This style of learning keeps students active and engaged as they develop their thoughts and opinions and share them with others. They learn logic and the art of having respectful dialogue with both charity and humility. Students in the logic stage (grades 6th-8th) have their tables arranged in a rectangle allowing them to face each other for frequent group discussions. The Socratic method is also introduced and incorporated in our younger grades during the grammar stage.
Socratic Method
EMBRACING THE CATHOLIC FAITH
The academic program at Archangels Academy places an emphasis on an authentic Catholic education. We believe that the kind of education that best serves this purpose is one rooted in the ancient past and is tested by the passage of time. This is why we have chosen to educate our students in the classical model of education.
PARENTS AS PRIMARY EDUCATORS
Parents are the primary educators of their children. Archangels Academy enters into a partnership with parents to educate and form their children. Archangels respects this fundamental principle of education.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Finally, we believe that the faculty and staff are to model the minds and hearts of our Catholic parents, who expect the school to help form their children in the faith and prepare them for a life of virtue and reason. Archangels is dedicated to finding the absolute best faculty to fulfill this mission: passionate Catholics, dedicated to learning, experienced in the classical model of education, and those who understand the close partnership with parents that undergirds an authentic model of education.
"The great tragedy of life is not death but what we allow to die inside us while we live"
- Norman Cousins -
Religion
Our students study religion taught in complete faithfulness to the magisterium of the Catholic Church. Our material will provide students with authentic Catholic teaching, and often incorporate beautiful Catholic art and illustrations throughout the year. The Catholic liturgical calendar and saint feast days are also incorporated throughout the year. At Archangels Academy, religion is not just one subject among many within the curriculum, but rather it is the key to its unity and integration.
Classic Literature & Poetry
Our curriculum includes classic literature starting in kindergarten. In the grammar stage classic literature is read aloud. We believe it is important for children to be exposed to beautiful literature and illustrations starting at a young age. Our study of literature is tied to the study of history and the rest of the humanities. Students also are exposed to a range of classic poetry and work on memorizing and reciting poetry.
Latin
Latin is introduced in kindergarten and studied throughout a student's time at our school. Latin is, first and foremost, the sacred, teaching, and historical language of the Church. Learning Latin is an opportunity for the students to participate in the life of the Church more fully. Furthermore, Latin is the “passport to the proper understanding of the Christian writers of antiquity and the documents of the Church’s teaching” (Veterum Sapientia). Our goal is for students to understand and utilize the Latin language. Lastly, Latin offers an excellent opportunity to learn grammar in a detailed and concrete way and it helps one to gain a richer understanding and to foster a higher use of the English language.
History
History, ultimately authored by God, teaches us about human nature and equips us to understand the present and to face the future. Our curriculum is historical in its framework, with each grade level focusing on a particular era of history. Students will cycle through each era multiple times, gaining an historical view of the world in the process. Students read grade-level appropriate material from classic picture books to biography to primary sources.
Math & Science
Students at Archangels Academy follow a math curriculum that is spiral in method, allowing students to learn and retain math concepts throughout the school year. In science students have an engaging curriculum that helps them to appreciate the beauty and mechanics of God's creation and incorporates hands-on learning and experiments.
Language Arts
In the grammar stage there is emphasis on the students learning the spelling rules and mastering the 70 phonograms with an Orton-Gillingham approach. Having this spelling and phonics foundation leads to strong readers and proficient spellers. Starting in second grade and continuing through eighth grade students begin a formal writing program with Institute for Excellence in Writing where they learn proper techniques for writing an outline and forming an essay.
Handwriting
Handwriting is started in Kindergarten and continues through fifth grade using a Catholic handwriting program. Cursive is introduced in second grade.
Fine Arts
At Archangels Academy there is an equal emphasis on the fine arts. All students attend choir class twice a week and learn Catholic hymns in both Latin and English which are occasionally sung at the school mass. Students also perform at the Christmas and spring choir concerts. Music appreciation and music theory are also incorporated within the music curriculum. All students attend an art class once a week. Students of all ages develop art skills, learn to appreciate the beauty of art, and study art history.
Tenets of our Curriculum
Physical Education
Physical education cultivates discipline, instills order, and teaches the student that the body is a noble, good, and God-given temple of the Holy Spirit. Students of all ages participate in physical education twice a week, where, in addition to the above, they learn to engage in a range of activities and grow in camaraderie and team work.