Academic Overview
Corpus Christi Classical Academy offers a traditional liberal arts education within the Catholic intellectual and spiritual tradition and is faithful to the teaching authority of the Roman Catholic Church. Read more about the liberal arts in this article from the Catholic Encyclopedia here.
The academic curriculum consists of an ordered series of courses in religion, phonics-based reading, grammar, literature, Latin, mathematics, history and science. Small classroom size provides the atmosphere suitable for individual development of intellectual skills and moral discipline by optimizing the amount of time that the teacher can devote to each student.
Educating students, in partnership with parents, includes the formation of the whole person. Therefore, in addition to developing the proper foundation for higher intellectual activity, attention is given to the development of virtues and character in daily interactions, as well as full instruction in the doctrines and moral teachings of the Church. The Mass, Rosary, Angelus, and other traditional devotions are part of the school day.
English and Literature
The classical curriculum has a heavy emphasis on the Literature, Grammar and Composition. The skills of reading and competent and artful writing are so essential to the work that follows that these fundamentals are given high priority in the early grades.
Students study English grammar and vocabulary in English and Latin classes, beginning in 1st grade.
Well written literature provides models of correct English and excellence in writing. The very best literature and poetry are chosen which model heroes, virtues, and high ideals. Students learn best by training the mind with constant exposure to proper language usage. Even before students are able to read they are exposed to valuable literature through an extensive Read Aloud program that continues through the elementary grades.
Penmanship
The development of a legible and attractive cursive is a high priority. Further, studies have shown that the process of physical writing assists in the development of ordered thinking and memorization. Serious attention is given to penmanship at every level.
Latin
The study of Latin is central to any classical program. Effective study of the English language is achieved through the study of the structure of Latin from which 50% of English is derived. All students from first grade and up study Latin and are placed according to their individual level. The emphasis in each group is to gain a solid exposure to Latin and a level of comfort with its vocabulary and basic structures in the earlier grades in preparation for the upper levels.
Mathematics
Mathematics is taught using Saxon Math in an ordered way which allows students to move forward or take more time as needed.
History
While modern American history and world history are taught, a heavy emphasis is placed on the study of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome culminating in the life of Christ. These ancient civilizations, along with biblical and early Christian history, were foundational to the development of Western Civilization, and their study allows us to learn the lessons of history with the benefit of distance in time. Because we know the ends of these stories, we are able to see consequences and draw conclusions. This foundation is a basis for understanding the world that we live in today, as well as Salvation History, which is still unfolding.
Science
Science is covered in an in-depth study of one topic at a time, which allows the children to explore, develop their understanding, and marvel at the beauty of creation. The science courses focus on observation and classification, the natural starting point of science. The traditional elementary science curriculum includes topics such as stars, birds, trees and animals, and feeds, in preparation for the higher level study of biology, chemistry and physics.
Catechesis
As the Faith and Life series is firmly grounded in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it not only gives the children a clear understanding of the teachings of the Catholic faith but helps them to see that Christ is as relevant today as when He first called His Apostles to follow Him 2,000 years ago.
Fine Arts
Art: The children explore the use of various techniques including, but not limited to, sketching, painting, watercolor, weaving, and sculpture. All students at all levels are taught a true appreciation for art through the exploration of its various techniques and underlying concepts.
Music: Students at all levels are exposed to beautiful music, including famous composers and Latin hymns. All students will become familiar with the rudiments of music through taking up instruments. In the Montessori classroom and lower grades, the bells are used. In upper levels, depending on the grade, students will be playing various instruments including orchestral instruments.
Drama: Students have the opportunity to learn aspects of drama in the production and performance of plays that correspond with history and literature studies, such as Feast of the Gods in third grade, Famous Men of Rome in fourth grade, and Robin Hood in fifth grade as well as other theatrical productions.
