School of Grammar Overview
The School of Grammar at Grace Academy consists of grades K-6. The School of Grammar can be described in terms of its teaching method (pedagogy), curriculum, and culture.
School of Grammar Teaching Method
During the Grammar years, students are taught important information by means of songs, chants, jingles and rhymes. Historical facts and timelines, science facts, math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication), Latin vocabulary, rules of grammar--all are taught using songs, chants, jingles, and rhymes. The classical pedagogy also favors review and repetition, which occurs frequently, but without boring students, who love to sing various songs over and over again until it is a part of their deep, long-term memory. Other traditional teaching methods are also present in the School of Grammar, including: teachers reading to students, students reading in and out of class, math instruction with manipulatives and flash cards, written assignments, direct instruction, discussion, projects and oral reports.
The School of Grammar has a multi-modal pedagogy as well--students learn by seeing (there are many visual aids of all types in each classroom), hearing (many songs and chants), and moving (children sing with hand and body motions, including learning some Sign Language). Therefore, students who are primarily visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners all learn well at Grace Academy. While much of progressive education in America rejects the classical pedagogy, Grace Academy embraces rote, repetition, and review in the School of Grammar, providing our students with a lively, enjoyable, and successful foundation for their future education.
One application of the classical teaching methodology is the use of a catechism in teaching basic Christian doctrine to our grammar school students. Our catechism has been adopted from the Chidren's Catechism, from the Westminster Shorter Catechism.
School of Grammar Curriculum
The Curriculum of the School of Grammar is challenging, but well within the reach of students with average ability who put forth reasonable effort. Students in the early grades (K-2) focus especially on the subjects of reading and math--two subjects which must be mastered early to insure success later in the curriculum. English grammar is introduced beginning in first grade, introducing students to the 8 parts of speech and basic sentence classification. Latin is introduced in the 3rd grade. Latin is taught at a time when students are able to quickly learn language; the study of Latin both enriches their English vocabulary (50% of English words come from Latin) and reinforces their study of grammar.
Students in the Grammar School also study history, science, Bible, music, and art. To view a chart listing all the courses at Grace, click the following link: Scope and Sequence.
School of Grammar Culture
The culture of the School of Grammar is one of order, peace, courtesy, and enthusiasm. Families and students who come to Grace Academy are interviewed and screened to ensure that respectful, courteous behavior is both taught at home and supported in the school. Our school and classroom behavior guidelines are clear and enforced so that students are secure in an environment that is safe and predictable, even while being lively and robust.
Curriculum Goals
The Board of Trustees has established the following global academic goals for Grace Academy:
Christian:
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Develop Christian worldview thinking, so that students learn to evaluate their entire range of experience in light of Scripture.
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Encourage every student to begin and develop his relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ.
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Provide a clear model of biblical Christian life and culture.
Classical:
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Teach all subjects as part of an integrated whole with Scripture at the center.
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Emphasize the tools of learning - grammar, logic and rhetoric - in all subject matter.
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Emphasize the development and flow of western civilization - history, science, government, art, literature, philosophy and the historic Protestant faith.