Grammar Curriculum

Caldwell Academy’s curriculum reflects the content and methodology of a classical Christian school. A curriculum committee, comprised of teachers, parents, and community members who are thoroughly acquainted with the goals of our school, researches, recommends, and evaluates the curriculum.

The Grammar School

In a classical school, the instructional goal for grammar school students is mastery of the fundamental facts and rules of each subject. The students are to accumulate a broad core knowledge. The methodology involves memorization, repetition, songs, and chants. Listed below are the publishers / programs / curricula which are used by Caldwell Academy to support the goals and methodology adopted for Caldwell Academy’s grammar grades.

Caldwell Academy has a half day, academic kindergarten. Teachers provide a nurturing and orderly learning environment in which students participate in group (16 children) instruction for phonics, math, Bible, art, music, and thematic activities for social studies and science. The phonics and math lessons require the student’s attention for an extended period of time. Readiness for this type of kindergarten is evidenced not so much by what the child knows (letters, numbers, etc.), but by developmental markers such as the ability to sustain attention, follow directions, monitor his/her own behavior, and use a pencil without easily tiring. Preschool evaluations (when applicable) and Caldwell Academy’s admission screening assist parents and staff in determining readiness for this type of kindergarten program.

Subject: Language, Phonics
Grade: K-2
Publisher / Method: Saxon Phonics
Description: Saxon Phonics teaches the sound-symbol associations and rules of our language. These skills are presented in incremental and sequential steps with reading, comprehension, and spelling exercises to apply the learned skills. It assures competence and produces students who are confident reading and writing their language.

Subject: Reading / Literature
Grades: K-5
Publisher / Method:
Description: Caldwell Academy uses a literature-based reading program, drawing primarily from trade books and the anthology included in the Open Court Series. The focus is on exposing the student to an abundance of rich and enduring literature. Caldwell Academy has developed an approved literature list for each grade that includes selections for class instruction, selections for independent/summer reading, and selections to read aloud to the students.

Subject: Spelling
Grades: 3-5
Publisher / Method: A Reason for Spelling
Description: A Reason for Spelling uses a multisensory approach to help students individually master the 5000 most commonly used words in our language.

Subject: English Grammar & Writing
Grades: K-5
Publisher / Method: BJU Press
Description: This text develops the correct use of grammar in written & oral communication, coupled with teaching the writing process to expose students to different types of compositions.

Subject: Math
Grades: K-5
Publisher / Method: Saxon
Description: Saxon Math uses incremental steps to teach math facts and concepts. Students begin with hands-on manipulation of objects and move to pictorial representation and then to the symbolic representation of the Math operation or concept. Timed drills assist students in the mastery of math facts. Saxon’s daily practice sets include a mixed review of previously learned material that ensures retention and confidence.

Subject: Bible
Grades: K-5
Publisher: CSI (Christian Schools International)
Description: CSI provides a survey of all major sections of the Bible with target truths illuminated by practical applications and character traits. Scripture memory, sacred music, map work, and biblical vocabulary supplement the Bible study.

Subject: History
Grades: K-5
Publisher / Method: A timeline orientation using many primary source materials, biographies, and historical fiction is used to teach history and social studies.
K - Creation, families, communities
1 - North Carolina History & Geography, U.S. & World Geography, Holidays
2 - Ancient civilizations (Greece, Rome, and Egypt)
3 - The Middle Ages, Byzantine (500 -1500)
4 - Spread of Western Civilization (1500 - 1750)
5 - Western Civilization / U.S. colonization (1750 - 1870)
Description: Greenleaf Press teachers’ guides and recommended reading for grades 2-4, Joy Hakim’s History of the United States, Kingfisher’s Illustrated History of the World, Peace Hill Press Story of the World, and Veritas Press History Series serve as key sources. This method provides a broad foundation in world history.

Subject: Science
Grades: K-5
Publisher / Method:
K: Gardening, nature walks, and thematic units utilizing Charlotte Mason ideas.
1-5: A Beka
Description: A Beka’s science textbook series has three major goals: to learn about God as Creator of His orderly universe; to learn about human beings and their role in creation; and to learn to care for God’s world as good stewards. Each grade has 8 to 10 units covering life, earth, and physical science. It involves hands-on activities, extensions (good for gifted students), and cross-curricular activities.

Subject: Latin
Grades: 3-5
Publisher / Method: The Grammar of Latin I, Rachel Rogers / The Grammar of Latin II, Rachel Rogers (grades 3-4)
Description: Students learn the foundation of Latin Grammar and an extensive amount of vocabulary in their Latin classes during grades 3rd – 5th. Two declensions of Latin nouns and all six Latin cases are studied in addition to two of the conjugations of Latin verbs and four verb tenses. As students learn the Grammar and vocabulary of Latin, there is a purposeful examination of how English Grammar is similar to Latin Grammar as well as learning many of the English derivatives which have arisen through the Latin language. Along the way, students are also exposed to the geography, culture, religion, and literature of the Romans. By the time students exit fifth grade, they are translating Latin stories, writing in Latin, listening and responding to Latin, finding Latin derivatives in the English world, and comparing the mythological Roman deities with our God.

Subject: Physical Education
Grades: 1-5
Publisher/Method: On the Move by Mayfield Publishing Company
Description: A physical education specialist provides instruction for two 35 - 45-minute classes per week. The On the Move curriculum is designed to develop competence in combining locomotor and manipulative skills into specific sport and rhythmic activities. Developing and maintaining positive attitudes regarding personal physical fitness is promoted.

Subject: Music
Grades: K-5
Description: In keeping with the Trivium, students in grades K-5 learn the grammar of music through developmentally and sequentially appropriate lessons and activities. Beginning in kindergarten, history is incorporated into music through the study of composers and historical time periods. A different hymn is introduced to the students each month by which they learn information on the origin and the composer of the hymn. Students begin using simple rhythm instruments in kindergarten and are introduced to recorder in the 3rd grade. By the 2nd grade students are reading music on a staff. The music curriculum is taken from Praise Hymn, Music You Can Read, and Music Fundamentals, Methods, and Materials for the Elementary Classroom Teacher.

Subject: Art
Grades: K-5
Description: Grammar Art students at Caldwell explore God’s order and beauty found in the basic elements of the principles of design. Students learn the basics of art found in the art alphabet and are shown how to apply them to their drawings, paintings, mosaics, sculptures and others. Each grade is also exposed to an introductory level of art history that corresponds with their classroom studies - learning how art can express a culture’s worldview. Art is taught as group instruction on a regular basis.