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 in other subjects, such as history, science, art, and literature.
Classic Literature & Poetry
Our curriculum includes classic literature starting in kindergarten through eighth grade. 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 taught through eighth grade. Since nearly half of all English words are derived from Latin, students will greatly expand their vocabulary and help them to write and read with greater ease and clarity. Additionally, Latin is the language of the Catholic Church, so as a school in the Catholic tradition, we see learning Latin as an opportunity for the students to participate in the life of the Church more fully.
History
Literature and religion are integrated with our history curriculum. Students read novels and books that bring the time period they are studying to life. In the grammar stage classic picture books from the time periods allow the students to learn history in an engaging manner. The curriculum is as follows: Kindergarten/1st grade: The Cradle of Civilization and Greek history 2nd/3rd grade: Roman and Medieval history 4th/5th grade: Modern and American history 6th-8th grade: Ancient, Christendom, and New World history
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 allows for the incorporation of 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. Kindergarten through third grade create watercolor paintings and art with oil pastels while studying art from the 16th to 20th century. Fourth through eighth grade learn elements of art and vocabulary, color wheel, and color mixing with watercolor pencils.