Our Curriculum

Our curriculum covers the history of man over four years with language arts, science, art appreciation & technique, and religion supporting the chosen time period. This interdisciplinary approach invites students to deeply immerse themselves in the events, people, culture, and discoveries of the past. The 4-year cycle allows families to educate their children with a "one-room schoolhouse" approach. Skill-based subjects, like math, reading, spelling, and handwriting are taught at the student's developmental level and pace.

Our base packets include lessons for history, religion, geography, language arts, science, art, and classical languages (Latin and Greek). Packets also include a weekly checklist, memory work, and a book/supplies list. Math and phonics/reading packets are available for purchase per grade level.

History

Our history curriculum is chronological and literature-based.

Studying history chronologically puts the events of history into proper perspective and promotes greater understanding. Learning from a variety of literature sources trains students to think critically rather than simply digesting information fed to them from one source.

The history of our faith is an integral part of world history. Each of us has a mission and a purpose - our actions affect the history of others' lives.

Science

Students gain a greater understanding of God’s creation through observation, inquiry, and experiential learning. Units of study include astronomy, animal biology, plant biology, mycology, microbiology, hydrology, meteorology, chemistry, physics, genetics, taxonomy, and scientific investigation. Topics rotate based on the timeline specified in the history curriculum to give students a greater appreciation for the scientists, inventors, and discoveries that occurred in the given time period.

Music

Our music program aims to deepen our student’s appreciation of music by grounding the greatest pieces composed in their historical context, and by introducing the foundational musical concepts of notation, rhythm, pitch, form, and melody to give a fuller understanding of the inner workings of the pieces and of music in general. The students' Latin studies are bolstered as they listen to hymns and sacred music.

Literature & Grammar

Literature and poetry are the primary ways that we pass on the ideals and values of the church and culture. Students encounter a multitude of characters through literature and develop a natural affection for the virtuous and good (protagonist) and natural dislike for the bad (antagonist). Vocabulary and grammar are increased through exposure to the great books.

Assigned reading is based on the timeline specified in the history curriculum, further immersing students in the culture and language of the given time period.

Religion

Bearing in mind our mission to know, love, and serve God, our religion curriculum is interdisciplinary and not limited to a specific block of time. Students come to know the Lord through prayer, study of the scriptures, and regular reception of the Sacraments.

In addition to studying the Baltimore Catechism, students learn about virtues, the life of Christ, lives of the saints, and history of the church.

Mathematics

Students complete arithmetic and mathematics lessons at their own developmental level. This allows each student to learn at his or her own pace. The academy has different curriculum options available and families can select the option that is best for each child. Overall, it is our goal to ensure students build and retain mastery of mathematical concepts.

Classical Languages

The English language is really a marriage of two languages - English and Latin. The phonics taught to early learners only helps with the germanic rooted English words, but phonics will not help students as they encounter words with larger syllables and different pronunciation patterns. Learning Greek and Latin helps students in their understanding of the English language, scientific terminology, and other foreign languages. Studying Latin, much like studying math, sharpens the mind, cultivates mental alertness, creates keener attention to detail, develops critical thinking, and enhances problem solving abilities.

Art

Our art curriculum covers both appreciation and creation. By studying the great masters, students learn history and culture, shape and proportion, detail and technique. As students progress in their study of art, their eyes will be trained to evaluate art objectively, in relation to truth, beauty, and goodness. The creation of art encompasses a variety of media that complement the history timeline being studied.

Geography

Our geography curriculum introduces students to continents and countries as they exist today. Students not only memorize the names of countries, oceans, rivers, landforms, US states, and capitals, but also learn about the biodiversity and cultures of these regions.

Students learn how to use a compass, read grid maps, and find locations from coordinates.

The Classical Model

Ancient philosophers and saints taught that the study of 7 arts were necessary for a man to know wisdom and live virtuously. The first 3 arts (grammar, reasoning, and rhetoric) are known as the “Trivium.” The Trivium is designed to provide a student with the language, reasoning, and communication skills necessary for the pursuit of true wisdom. The Quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy) provides a foundation in mathematical knowledge.

At Agnus Dei, it is our goal to lay a solid foundation in the early years so that students are prepared to study challenging subjects like Latin, philosophy, and rhetoric as they mature and desire more challenging coursework.

We accomplish this by exposing children to great works of literature and poetry, practicing discussion and debate, solving problems through deductive reasoning and critical thinking, and encouraging students to express educated thoughts and opinions through oral presentation.