Curriculum
Students perform and present their research on priests and religious orders.
The Academy of St. Therese teaches a classical curriculum which is devoted to providing a philosophy and method of education that is thoroughly Catholic and academically challenging. Our curriculum is dedicated to forming the whole individual-mind, body and soul-with deep educational, moral, civic and spiritual values. We make connections between ancient and modern, between classical and Christian civilization. We implement the Socratic Method that emphasizes the use of inquiry through individual interaction between student and teacher that is both age and skills appropriate. (Our student-teacher ratio is 5 to 1.)
The study of a classical curriculum serves several purposes
- Focuses on the highest spiritual, literary and artistic achievements of Western civilization, elevating the mind and soul;
- Introduces students to the greatest books in their original sources, not biased textbook summaries;
- Integrates the study of different subjects, showing the interrelationships that exist among them;
- Provides a solid grounding in the basics, emphasizing the technique of learning for mastery by memorization in K-3, conceptualization in Grades 4-6, and rhetoric in the middle grades;
- Improves language skills through the study of Latin;
- Improves self discipline and the ability to focus through the study of violin.
Our curriculum is based principally on the texts published by Kolbe Academy but also Seton, Emmanuel, and Mother of Divine Grace.
Religion is not only studied through the Baltimore Catechism, the Faith and Life Series, the Holy Bible, and the lives of the saints, but also recognized as a life to be lived. We apply what we study in religion to the rest of our curriculum, both the arts and the sciences, and also to the way we treat others and make decisions. We learn to seek truth in love. We learn to heed Jesus’ words to “love God with all your heart and mind and strength and your neighbor as yourself.” We learn to defend the truths of our Catholic faith as opportunities arise and in the middle grades formally through the use of The Art of Argument by The Classical Academic Press.
Traditional logic or learning to think within the boundaries of common sense is taught informally in K-6 and formally in Grades 7-8.
Our literature/reading program embraces the classics beginning with the Bible, the lives of the saints and such authors as Mark Twain, William Sydney Porter, Esther Forbes, and G.K. Chesterton, as well as a wide variety of poets. Responding to literary works in an analytical, interpretive way is as important as the reading.
Students master the tools for writing coherently: editing skills to improve spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and writing complete sentences; revising skills to improve the written word in a myriad of ways such as including specific detail, interest, precise vocabulary, concise format.
Writing in different genres is accomplished by daily writing in response to literature, reading assignments and planning biweekly essays/letters that are narrative, expository, persuasive, compare/contrast, journalistic and descriptive. Students master the process of writing first drafts that are revised and edited to produce a final copy of quality. Students are introduced to — and have opportunities to write — different types of poetry. Middle grade students also write research papers.
Public speaking and sharing what they write allows for a personal appreciation of the student’s own work, as well as that of others. Students often write to dramatize what has been read or studied.
Classical Latin is taken by all children just as they take English or mathematics. Students delight in learning Latin because it is so different and, ultimately, fun. Teachers delight in teaching Latin because it drastically increases students’ vocabulary and gives children a competitive edge on college entrance exams. Church Latin is interwoven into the curriculum though prayer and song.
Arithmetic is taught with the use of manipulatives, repetition and song in order that students in grades K - 3 have a firm foundation in number concepts and problem solving which allows them to move into higher order mathematics in grades 4 - 8. Students work at their ability level and have daily opportunities to reinforce concepts with timed tests and consistent review, as well as to attain mastery in pre-algebra and algebra. Mathematics calls to mind the Old Testament verse, “…You ordered all things by measure, number and weight.” (Wisdom11:21)
History is taught through the lives of people, the decisions they made, and the consequences and impact of those decisions even into the twenty-first century. Our historical timeline begins with the most important event in all of history, the birth of Jesus Christ, and then, events that preceded and followed it.
Geography, past and present, gives us a deep appreciation of where people lived both in biblical and non-biblical eras and how their lives were and still are impacted by their surroundings.
Science is a wonderful way to see part of God’s world — from His first creation of man until the present. Our studies incorporate such branches as biology, astronomy, physics and nutrition. Becoming the best stewards of our own health and Earth is understood as one of our most urgent responsibilities. Students demonstrate what they have learned in an annual Science Fair.
Cursive writing begins in Kindergarten.
Violin instruction offers students the joy of becoming musicians who can share their beautiful music. These lessons also enhance students’ ability to focus and follow directions while building self-esteem and giving students an appreciation for each other. Every year students participate in two violin concerts and perform several times within the community.
Music class is taught in addition to the daily violin instruction. In a lively, hands-on environment, studens learn to read music and to play the hand bells and the recorder. They are taught fun tunes, classical music and traditional Latin hymns. Students also learn about composers and their music.
Art class allows students to learn form, pattern, and design while exploring their creativity. They share their achievements with each other and the community in an annual Art Show. Students learn to recognize and appreciate famous painters and paintings.
Physical education encompasses strenuous exercise, jump rope, tennis, bowling, and a wide variety of fitness activities including the Presidential Fitness Assessment and good nutrition training. Students have a Field Day at the end of the year.
State Achievement Tests are administered annually in winter.
Ignatian Method of Education
The immediate end of an Ignatian education, which is the same as that of Catholic education in general, is to develop, discipline, and direct the capacities of the human personality.
The end can be achieved by means of a properly guided and integrated program, through the cooperative effort of the home, the child, and the school.
The purpose of this end is to achieve active and faithful participation in a human society and the child’s supernatural destiny of union with God.
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