The foundation for St. Johns Classical Academy’s curriculum is the Core Knowledge Sequence. The Core Knowledge Sequence is based upon E.D. Hirsch’s idea of cultural literacy, which makes it the ideal basis for a Classical Liberal Arts school. The Core Knowledge Sequence provides a grade-by-grade sequence of specific topics to be taught in grades K-8. Topics taught include history, geography, literature, visual arts, music, language arts, science and math. The content of the topics is based upon basic principles that are lasting and solid; for example, important events of world history, essential elements of math, and essential elements of written expression.
As learning becomes more meaningful if knowledge is built on prior knowledge, the Core Knowledge Sequence provides a specific outline of the skills and content to be learned grade by grade. Thus, all children are exposed to knowledge needed to be included in a shared literate culture. Teachers and parents are all on the same page, and the chance of repetition and/or gaps as children move from grade to grade are eliminated. The curriculum constitutes approximately 50% of what is taught so teachers have the freedom to develop their own knowledge goals as well.
The Sequence provides content and skill guidelines for all core content areas, recommending coherent, cumulative, and content-specific topics to be taught at each grade level, from kindergarten through eighth grade. It addresses skills-based topics in language arts (decoding, handwriting, spelling, and written composition), geography (spatial sense), history and science. The Sequence is designed so that, whenever possible, related topics in literature, history, science, music, and art are covered together, so that students can create connections and see the rich and varied perspectives provided by each discipline. We have taken great care in selecting specific instructional materials and curriculum resources that are aligned with the content and structure of the Core Knowledge Sequence and that adhere to the framework of a classical educational model.
For specific curriculum mapping and subjects, please visit http://www.coreknowledge.org/.
As learning becomes more meaningful if knowledge is built on prior knowledge, the Core Knowledge Sequence provides a specific outline of the skills and content to be learned grade by grade. Thus, all children are exposed to knowledge needed to be included in a shared literate culture. Teachers and parents are all on the same page, and the chance of repetition and/or gaps as children move from grade to grade are eliminated. The curriculum constitutes approximately 50% of what is taught so teachers have the freedom to develop their own knowledge goals as well.
The Sequence provides content and skill guidelines for all core content areas, recommending coherent, cumulative, and content-specific topics to be taught at each grade level, from kindergarten through eighth grade. It addresses skills-based topics in language arts (decoding, handwriting, spelling, and written composition), geography (spatial sense), history and science. The Sequence is designed so that, whenever possible, related topics in literature, history, science, music, and art are covered together, so that students can create connections and see the rich and varied perspectives provided by each discipline. We have taken great care in selecting specific instructional materials and curriculum resources that are aligned with the content and structure of the Core Knowledge Sequence and that adhere to the framework of a classical educational model.
For specific curriculum mapping and subjects, please visit http://www.coreknowledge.org/.
