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. This is all oriented towards preparing them to study the seven liberal arts.
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]
Boys Adrift and Girls on the Edge, both by Leonard Sax [Link here]
Curriculum:
Humanities (History and Language Arts):
World History/US History
Geography
Literature (Other readings as assigned):
listed below
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
Literature
Lower Studio (grades K - 3):
Aesop’s Fables
Fairy Tales
Little House on the Prairie
Charlotte’s Web
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Bible Stories
Lives of the Saints
Upper Studio (grades 4 - 10):
The Chronicles of Narnia
Treasure Island
A Christmas Carol
The Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings
Illiad
Odessey
Aenid
Romeo and Juliet
Hamlet
Dante’s Divine Comedy
Count of Monte Cristo
Les Miserables
And other books and readings as assigned.
Below is a brief glimpse at some of our curriculum at St. Joan of Arc Academy.