Academics at CCA
Classical Consortium Academy teaches students to become independent learners, logical thinkers and articulate speakers. But more than just academic skills, we build love of God's wisdom and strong character into our program so that our students are "equipped for every good work" - 2 Timothy 3:17.
Growing at Classical Consortium Academy
Primary (k-2nd grade)
Meets on Mondays; Optional Study and Enrichment Day on Wednesdays
Classical Consortium Primary Academy is designed to prepare students for the Grammar Level of Classical Consortium Academy. Students learn similar material to our Grammar Level, but without the pressure of formal grading. Classical subjects are taught with creative and hands-on methods.
Each class day begins with circle time, where we pray and focus our day on God, spend time talking about our highs and lows of the past week, and prepare for the day ahead. Our class studies Bible, language arts, science, history, math, Latin, and literature. Our curriculum has been chosen specifically to prepare students to enter the Grammar Level. Our class also enjoys time playing in the gym and outside (when the weather allows). At-home work is posted for families to do during the week.
Biblical Studies
The focus of our biblical studies at the Primary stage is on how God worked in and through the people of the Bible. Students will also be learning and memorizing key Bible verses.
Language Arts
In the tradition of classical education that attempts to leverage the connection between subjects to help students learn faster and better, we use an integrated approach to teaching phonics, reading, grammar, spelling, handwriting, and writing through Writing Road to Reading.
Literature and Composition
Students are introduced to age-appropriate historical fiction during class corresponding with the period of history being studied. Students are led in exercises that identify main ideas, plot, and description of characters and setting.
Arithmetic
During our time together, our focus is on arithmetic. We chant addition, subtraction, and multiplication math facts and sing skip counting patterns. We learn about time, currency, measurement, and mental math and play fun math games that sharpen our skills. We encourage families to use Horizons Math curriculum throughout the week.
Science
In our class, we cover the same general science subject as Grammar level students but through engaging, age-appropriate unit studies. Students learn through hands-on experiments and projects.
History
Primary classes learn about key moments in history within the time period being studied in the Grammar levels through immersing unit studies.
Latin
Our Primary 1 and 2 students are introduced to the Latin Language through the use of songs, stories, games and activities. We use Song School Latin program specifically designed for young students. This vocabulary-based program provides a foundation for Latin study that continues through the Grammar level.
OPTIONAL
Guided Study and Enrichment Day
Primary students have the opportunity to come to CCA on a second day to take part in a guided learning day where they can dive deeper into learned material and accomplish one or more days of assigned work under the guidance of a teacher, while also enjoying the opportunity for fellowship and comraderie. In addition to accomplishing school work, students enjoy physical education, strategic games, art, music, free reading time, and an unstructured time where students can pursue creativity: crafts, games, puzzles and such.
Grammar Levels (3rd-6th grades)
Meets on Mondays; Optional Study and Enrichment Day on Wednesdays
The Grammar stage provides the foundation for future classical studies by building a framework of knowledge through each subject area (Art, Bible, Grammar, Latin, Literature, Science, World History). Questions of who, what, where, and when are the focus, and memorization is a key part of learning. At CCA we give students context for what they're memorizing because it lays a strong foundation for future learning in the Logic level.
Latin
The study of the classical language, Latin, is the core of a classical education. In the Grammar stage, the emphasis is on the memorization of Latin grammar by the ancient method of oral recitation and form drills. Additionally, students learn to apply the grammar they are learning by doing weekly Latin readings where they see the grammar in context.
Biblical Studies
In this course, students move through the entire Bible during a four-year cycle. This class focuses on the people, events, and chronology of the Bible. Biblical study is enriched by an understanding of the history of the time. Special emphasis is placed on the memorization of key dates, people, facts, and Bible verses. In addition, older Grammar students will be introduced to basic theology and how to identify theological themes.
Language Arts
Once a student reaches twelfth grade following a classical Christian education, he will be able to think logically and express himself well both on paper and through speech. The foundation of clear communication begins with a strong command of English grammar. The best curriculum we have found to build this strong foundation is Shurley Grammar. Because of the importance of English grammar in a classical Christian education, we require all CCA students to follow the Shurley Grammar series through levels 3, 4, and 6. In our Applied Grammar class, we rely on a variety of resources to teach students to easily identify parts of speech, edit/proofread, build vocabulary, document sources, and take notes. Grammar Level students also work to master spelling rules through the Phonetic Zoo spelling curriculum. In addition, students in this class will engage in valuable exercises in fable (G1), narrative (G2-3), and chreia (G4), the first three stages of the progymnasmata. These progymnasmata exercises were developed by the ancient Greeks and are a valuable tool to help students become proficient, logical, and eloquent writers. Students will imitate excellent writing models, which allow them to create within a limited framework while paying close attention to the target language skills appropriate for their developmental level. In addition, during the last quarter of the year, students will spend time composing their own creative writing project.
Science
All Grammar level students learn the same science subject. Over four years the students cover Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy and Botany, Zoology: Flying Creatures, Zoology: Marine Biology, and Zoology: Land Animals using Apologia science curriculum. Science classes include labs.
Omnibus
Our Grammar level Omnibus course is an integrated approach to teaching literature, composition, history, and geography and the arts. History is taught in chronological order, integrating biblically recorded history with events not recorded in Scripture. This helps our students know the relationship between what they study in history books and what they read in the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the memorization of key dates, people, and facts. Geography songs and other tools are used to help students commit to memory the relevant geography. Students read purposefully chosen, high-quality historical fiction corresponding with the period of history being studied for each year. Using these texts as a source of inspiration, our students develop the basic skills of solid expository writing to include expository paragraphs, essays, and book reports. In addition, students are introduced to the art and music of the time period they are studying.
Other Subjects
At home, parents must teach students math, and may choose to teach spelling and penmanship on their own. To help ensure that students are prepared well in the area of math, assignments from Horizons math are included on weekly spreadsheets.
OPTIONAL COURSES
Guided Study and Enrichment Day
Grammar level students have the opportunity to come to CCA on a second day to take part in a guided learning day where students accomplish one or more days of assigned work under the guidance of a teacher, while also enjoying the opportunity for fellowship and comraderie. The study schedule covers history and geography, mathematics, science, biblical studies, grammar, Latin and literature, as well as a free reading time, a lunch break/recess, physical education, chess, art, and music.
Logic Level (7th-8th grades)
Meets on Mondays; Optional Study and Enrichment Day on Wednesdays
The Logic stage builds upon the Grammar stage. The goal is to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to recognize sound arguments and ideas, and to detect and correct fallacious ones. This stage addresses the questions of how and why. Instructors focus on showing students how to ask the right questions and think through the implications of their ideas. Classroom time is spent on discussion and small group work, including the Socratic method (critical thinking questions) to help students refine their ideas.
Christian Studies
A classical approach to learning about God includes a study of biblical chronology (Grammar level), theology (Logic level) and apology (Rhetoric level). Building on their knowledge of biblical chronology, in this course, students learn to understand, explain, and scripturally support the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Where applicable, students are introduced to divergent views that exist in orthodox Christianity and encouraged to discuss these with charity and grace, at all times relying on the Holy Scriptures as the ultimate source of authority. Students learn the importance of “catholicity” among the people of God, being able to appreciate the unity of the church in the past, present, and future.
Church History
Since the biblical understanding of history is the record of God working to redeem a people for His Son, it should be argued that all of history is church history and not a mere subset of secular history as is often supposed. Rather, seeing with the eyes of faith, the history of the Church drives the rest. The objective of this course is to help students catch a vision that is sorely lacking in our day: that the Church has an awe-inspiring history and a glorious and certain future.
Formal Logic and Critical Thinking
Logic and the disciplines of critical thinking and building a clear and well-supported argument teach students to think clearly and argue well. L1 students study Formal Logic, the science and art of reasoning well. L2 students study the process of critical thinking and argument building and learn how to apply it to all aspects of their lives.
Science
We teach students the fundamental principles of the scientific method and use the various disciplines within science as a way to practice thinking like scientists. L1 students take an Introductory Chemistry and Physics course and L2 students take an Intro to Biology course. Science classes include labs.
Omnibus History
Omnibus History is designed to introduce students to significant eras and events in world history. The course follows an alternating two-year schedule - Year 1: Ancient/Medieval and Year 2: Modern Era. Students are led through their studies with a focus on analyzing original sources and understanding the impact of ideas over the centuries. The instructor uses a combination of resources to help students develop into thoughtful and well-informed students of history. The Omnibus History course content is integrated with Omnibus Literature & Composition content to help students develop a comprehensive picture of each era of history.
Omnibus Literature & Composition
This course focuses on literary analysis of the key books for the historical period being studied. In addition to literary analysis, students create original pieces of writing which highlight their understanding of the texts. By the end of the Logic level, students are able to create expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive essays. Additionally, this course builds upon the foundation previously formed and challenges students in their next step of the progymnasmata. Students focus on refutation / confirmation and common topic. In doing so, students are better able to apply the tools learned in Formal Logic and Critical Thinking by examining how gifted writers from the past have used writing to construct solid arguments.
Latin I & II
The study of the classical language, Latin, is the core of a classical education; as a result, we require students to continue their study of Latin at the Logic level. Students must complete Latin I or II before they are able to take a different foreign language in the Logic and Rhetoric levels.
Intro to Spanish
The course is intended for L2 level students as a ground-level introduction to the Spanish language. It introduces basic vocabulary and grammar concepts that will be further developed in Spanish I through Advanced Spanish. Throughout the year, students learn the Spanish phonetic alphabet, learn and memorize essential vocabulary, and practice simple conversation using basic grammar concepts. After completing this class, students are well equipped for success in our Rhetoric Level Spanish coursework.
OPTIONAL COURSES
Math (Wednesdays (in person) and Fridays (virtual) - CCA
Pre-Algebra and Integrated Math I (Algebra I and Geometry I) classes are offered to Logic level students. Those interested in the math class join at a specific class time for their level. Participating students receive grades.
Guided Study and Enrichment Day
Logic level students have the opportunity to come to CCA for a second day to take part in a guided learning day where students will be able to accomplish one or more days of assigned work under the guidance of a teacher, while also enjoying the opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie. In addition, students enjoy a lunch break, physical education, chess, art, and music.
Rhetoric Levels (9th-12th grades)
Meets on Mondays and Wednesdays
The Rhetoric stage is the capstone stage at CCA. Synthesizing both the knowledge from the Grammar stage and the critical thinking skills of the Logic stage, Rhetoric students focus on developing strong communication skills, using both written and spoken language to express their thoughts eloquently and persuasively. As students create content and develop their ideas, teachers focus on the development of each student's ability to ask good questions, tackle tough problems, and express their viewpoints clearly and biblically.
Our Rhetoric Program is a required two-day program. This allows our students to have more in-depth class discussions, mentoring time with their instructors, and extended time for labs and course integration.
Foreign Language
Spanish is taught using Descubre. This program offers CCA students the opportunity for daily language practice utilizing many online components such as vocabulary and grammar tutorials with practice activities, audio, video, and digital voice recording. Students use a workbook and lab manual for their weekly assignments, which are designed to build competency in all four of the language acquisition areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. CCA’s four-year program prepares students for advanced study of the Spanish language. Spanish is taught twice a week. If your student is interested in taking a different foreign language, please contact Jennifer Burns.
Math
We teach math as a way to understand God's order and how to logically think like a mathematician. Math is taught twice each week by skill level – Integrated Math I (Algebra I and Geometry I), Integrated Math II (Algebra II and Geometry II), Pre-calculus, and AP Calculus. In AP Calculus, a special emphasis will be given to preparation for the National AP Exam.
Science
We teach students the fundamental principles of the scientific method and use the various disciplines within science as a way to practice thinking like scientists. R1 students are scheduled to take Fundamentals of Physics, R2 students are scheduled to take Chemistry, and R3 students are scheduled to take Advanced Biology.
Systematic Theology and Biblical Worldview
All of Scripture is breathed out by God, which means everything in the Bible matters. There is a fundamental unity in the Bible since it is all written by the same author. Systematic theology seeks to make the comprehensive unity understood and enjoyed. We all do theology, but it may not be very well organized or incorporate verses from the whole Bible. We must study the entirety of what God reveals about a particular doctrine. This is why systematic theology is important to teach and relate to our world today.
Personal Finance and Economics
Our one-semester economics course is designed to give students a basic understanding of economic principles. Students are encouraged to apply their logic and critical thinking skills to the area of global finance and recognize that political and economic actions have consequences. Our one-semester personal finance course is designed to help students take a biblical approach to personal finance. In this course, they learn about saving, investing, credit, debt, money management, and much more.
Fundamentals of Professionalism
This class teaches the practical skills required for launching well into the next phase of life. The course covers: goal setting, gifts and talents assessments, translating skills and gifts into a career, becoming a self-directed learner, exploring interest areas, marketing yourself, finding where to learn after CCA, finding mentors, and landing internships. In this course, students are introduced to professionals in their fields of interest and learn how to translate the education they’ve received into marketable skills.
Omnibus
The word omnibus comes from Latin “for all” and truly embodies the heart of our classical curriculum. This course integrates history, literature, theology, composition, philosophy and art/music history. 9th grade (R1) students study these topics through the lens of our American heritage in Omnibus: American Studies. 10th-12th grade (R2-R4) students study these topics in a three-year rotation of Ancient, Medieval, and Modern Times. The curriculum for the course is based upon Great Works with a sharp focus on the ideas rather than just the facts. Subsequently, the reading material and class discussion provide a rich resource for in-depth and integrated instruction including a variety of composition tasks.
Critical Writing
Building on the foundations of Introductory Formal Logic and Critical Thinking, Critical Writing is a course designed to develop students’ abilities to become effective and eloquent persuasive writers. As a part of this process, students analyze a variety of texts, practice classic methods of argumentation, and learn rhetorical strategies that enhance their abilities to think and write critically in upper-level coursework.
Classical Rhetoric I
In CR1, students are trained in the art of oral expression. Students learn how to construct powerful speeches and deliver them with great confidence and poise. At the end of the class, students are well-versed in the Branches of Oratory, the tools of oral rhetoric, and have had the opportunity to put them into practice.
Classical Rhetoric II
Students are introduced to the field of apologetics. The goal of this class is to give students tools for defending the Christian Faith against common objections raised by non-believers. Students learn to analyze and refute arguments raised against Christianity by integrating knowledge learned from Formal Logic, Critical Thinking, and Classical Rhetoric I. Students learn the distinctions between Classical and Presuppositional Apologetics. Students write extensively and have many opportunities for argumentation. During the second semester, students create a 20-30 page thesis on a theological topic of their choice and defend the thesis orally before a panel.
Applied Math and Science (By Invitation Only)
Our Applied Math and Science class is designed for students with an aptitude and interest in the math, science, constructive and critical thinking, and problem solving. Applied Math and Science is a project-based course that focuses on teaching through problems found in the world. In this class, students will wrestle with concepts from civil/structural engineering; mechanical engineering; industrial engineering; electrical engineering; sound engineering; finance; behavioral economics; macroeconomics; microeconomics; statistics/modeling; and, probability.
Quadrivium (R4 ONLY)
In classical education, based in antiquity, the Quadrivium is the integration of the four “sister sciences”(Pythagoras) of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. The relationships between these subjects have been studied and taught since the earliest days of Greek education. This course moves beyond the preparatory work of the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) to explore the deep interconnections between numbers, space, and time. In doing so, R4 students have the opportunity to complete their personal journey through the seven core liberal arts.
Independent Study (R4 ONLY)
Independent Study (IS) provides an individual R4 student the opportunity to pursue a passion or explore a particular topic of interest and to gain considerable knowledge in that topic area. Participation in this course serves to enhance skills in curating, analyzing, synthesizing, and integrating information from diverse sources and experiences. The Independent Study student works closely with a CCA faculty member who agrees to be the IS supervisor and who approves the plan of study, directs the study in a mentorship role, and evaluates the outcome. Because IS requires greater self-discipline and a more developed sense of purpose and direction than a traditional course, the student who elects to take IS should be a highly motivated learner who seeks a unique and personalized educational experience that helps shape and inform further studies at the collegiate level. During this course, students create a 35-40 page thesis paper and defend it orally before a panel.