Calendar 09-10Educational Philosophy
Covenant Academy is committed to the development of a Classical Christian educational model. This is a reform movement in the field of education. Like the Protestant Reformation, Classical Christian education is driven by Biblical world and life view as expressed in the slogan sola scriptura, i.e. scripture alone is the Christian's only rule of faith and practice. Of course, the Bible is not the only book we study, but it is the standard by which all else is to be judged.
With the revelation of scripture as the starting point, classical Christian education views students as God's image bearers, not a higher form of animal. Therefore, God best knows and communicates how children learn. Observing the stages of childhood development and being informed by God's word of their psychological and spiritual nature allows for an organized methodology of instruction. The primary avenues of learning employ the five senses, so we incorporate multi-sensory teaching methods. The total being of each student - spiritual, mental, physical, social and emotional - is recognized and affirmed as unique and individual. A profound sense of accountability must be evidence by the teacher in directing the learning activities consistently with these Christian beliefs. The dynamics of grace, sin and redemption in the application of educational goals direct Covenant Academy's educational philosophy.
CHRIST-CENTERED EDUCATION
Classical Education
Covenant Academy’s curriculum has been developed in accordance with the three stages of the Trivium, the foundation of Classical education. The Trivium is divided into three stages that correspond to the natural development of children. The Grammar Stage begins around the age of four as children develop an innate curiosity and love for learning. It is followed by the Logic or Dialectic Stage, which corresponds to the upper elementary and middle school years. The final stage in the Trivium is the Rhetoric Stage and corresponds to the high school years.
The Grammar School (Elementary School)
The Covenant Academy Grammar School continues to demonstrate quality academic standards by adhering to a quality curriculum. The outstanding characteristic of the curriculum is its strength in the core subjects. Language Arts focuses on intensive phonics that promotes the mastery of the basic components of the English language. This methodology not only teaches reading, which is so foundational to academic success, but it also teaches word analysis thus laying the foundation for higher level critical thinking skills. Coupled with our phonics program is an emphasis on grammar and writing; working together these components promote grammatical excellence in thought and expression. Latin is introduced in the 4th grade providing an understanding of the English language as well as the framework for deciphering the terminology of science and technology. The final aspect of the core curriculum is Saxon math, which integrates multi-sensory learning, memorization, and mental word problems with proven success.
The Logic or Dialectic School (Middle School)
Covenant Academy continues to develop a quality academic curriculum for students in the Logic or Dialectic school. This school seeks to establish students in the laws of logic as they study Bible, history, science, English, mathematics, and computer technology. During this stage of development many children begin to challenge authority and question what they have been taught. The Logic School takes advantage of this natural inclination by introducing the rules of proper reasoning as students are taught to think clearly. They learn that disagreement need not be disagreeable and that their opinions must be always seasoned with respect rather than rebellion. Students continue their studies in Latin and are allowed some freedom in selecting their electives.
The Rhetoric School (High School)
With a great deal of pleasure Covenant Academy began establishing a Rhetoric School for high school age students in 2006. The school currently offers classes for ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade students. Covenant Academy will graduate the first class of this new century in 2010. The school is academically intensive in all disciplines with a heavy emphasis upon reading and writing as well as discussion and debate. The Rhetoric School offers both Honors and Advance Placement courses. The fours years of study will culminate with a Capstone course (an interdisciplinary studies course centered on the ideas that have shaped western civilization) for those students who have maintained a B+ average. Those students graduating from the Rhetoric School will receive a College Preparatory Diploma.