Curriculum

Our approach to learning stems from what has become known as the “classical model” of education. Emphasis is given to helping students read, think, and write well so that they can gain an understanding of the big ideas that have shaped Western Civilization. We read good books, take time to discuss great ideas, and practice communicating our insights in meaningful discussion. Students learn what great minds have thought about living a good life, excellence, habits, and virtue.

We also believe that kids need to be outdoors, exploring, encountering reality, and working on meaningful projects. The work we do outdoors is integral to the work we do inside the classroom. Each complements the other.

If you would like to read some of the books that have had a major impact on the formation of our view of education, here are a few:

  • Leisure: The Basis of Culture by Joseph Pieper [Link here]

  • The Restoration of Christian Culture by John Senior [Link here]

  • The Heart of Culture: A Brief History of Western Education by the Habiger Institute for Catholic Leadership [Link here]

  • Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson [Link here]

  • Boys Adrift and Girls on the Edge, both by Leonard Sax [Link here]

Below is a brief glimpse at some of our curriculum at St. Joan of Arc Academy.

Curriculum:

Humanities (History and Language Arts):

World History/US History
Geography

Literature (Other readings as assigned):

Fiction:
Beauty and the Beast
Alice in Wonderland
A Christmas Carol
Chronicles of Narnia
Treasure Island

Non-Fiction:
Diary of Anne Frank
The Story of My Life: Helen Keller
How to Win Friends and Influence People
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States
”I Have a Dream” Speech

Theology and Philosophy

Old Testament/New Testament
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Lives of the Saints

Mathematics:

At grade level

Science:

Earth Science
Biology
Meteorology
Astronomy
Agriculture

Outdoor Adventures/Sprint Courses


 

Skills continuously developed:

In every subject of study, SJAA continually helps students improve their skills of:

Reading for enjoyment and understanding

Writing to convey information and persuade

Listening in academic and social settings

Speaking to a diversity of audiences

Thinking clearly and logically

Time management to accomplish goals



(We use the word Catholic here to describe our particular perspective on the human person and educational philosophy. Although I have met with the bishop and he does enjoy what our Academy is doing, we are not part of the formal Catholic Community Schools network so cannot formally call ourselves a Catholic School. This is by design and we do continue to have a good relationship with the diocese of St. Cloud. Parents ought to know that our perspective on who the human person is and what they ought to aim at in life is uniquely drawn from the Catholic intellectual tradition. Again, we are not suggesting we are a formal Catholic school.)