Curriculum
Reading, Spelling, and Penmanship
The language arts are the bedrock for all further learning, inside the classroom and without. Kindergarteners spend the year developing their reading, writing, and spelling skills using the Riggs’ Reading and Writing Road to Spelling and Thinking curriculum. Riggs is a comprehensive, one of a kind phonics program which utilizes all areas of learning. Students begin mastering basic letter strokes which then become the foundation for neat and accurate penmanship. Rather than the common one letter a week approach to phonics instruction, students learn several phonograms a week as they learn to hear, write and decode the phonogram simultaneously. The systematic approach ensures students’ ability to leave Kindergarten with a solid foundation with which they are ready to build upon in later grades. Each week students read and study a story in class and at home. Stories include fairy tales, selections from the Beginner’s Bible, and Dr. Seuss favorites. Kindergarteners also enjoy plenty of independent reading time, and especially enjoy teacher read-alouds of more advanced, high-quality literature.
History and Geography
Kindergarteners spend the year reading and hearing stories about great Americans and American events. Students love learning about all 44 presidents of the US. Kindergarteners also spend a significant amount of time learning an abundance of geography. Students love singing songs that ensure the memorization of geography and other fun facts about the world.
Bible
Each morning students hear a Bible story and sing a song. Students also have a scripture verse to memorize each week. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Using Saxon textbook 1, Kindergarteners further their understanding of mathematical concepts through hands-on activities and rich mathematical conversations that actively engage students in the learning process. Concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced over time. Saxon is unique in its daily review of previously learned skills, ensuring comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts.
Science
Kindergarten is a fun time for students to explore the natural world around them. Students enjoy hands-on activities as they begin learning the foundations of scientific thinking and come to better understand God’s natural world.
Music Music I is an introductory class for Kindergarteners. Teaching tools include games, songs, rhythm exercises, elementary theory and a whole lot of fun. We desire that each child will have an opportunity to explore their individual creativity as an act that will bring glory to our Father in Heaven. Beyond music, there is a time of biblical instruction in each class that encourages each child to walk more in the likeness of Christ Jesus – the reason we make music.
Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Composition
The language arts are the bedrock for all further learning, inside the classroom and without. First graders spend the year developing their reading, writing, and spelling skills using the Riggs’ Reading and Writing Road to Spelling and Thinking curriculum. Riggs is a comprehensive, one of a kind phonics program which utilizes all areas of learning. Rather than a workbook based program, Riggs leads students in creating their own English notebook as they write from dictation approximately 30 new spelling words per week in addition to charts and lists of grammar and spelling rules. The systematic approach to reading, spelling and writing instruction ensures students’ ability to leave 1st grade with a solid foundation with which they are ready to build upon in later grades. First grade students practice penmanship in all subject areas and work towards neat, excellent printing. First grade literature includes tried and true children’s classics like Mouse Tales, Frog and Toad, Caps for Sale, Curious George, and Corduroy. Students use McCall-Crabbs comprehension guides to practice reading comprehension regularly. First graders also enjoy plenty of independent reading time, and especially enjoy teacher read-alouds of more advanced, high-quality literature.
History and Geography
First graders spend the year reading and hearing stories about great Americans and American events. With fun and catchy songs they memorize each of the presidents in order, along with various American folksongs. First graders also spend a significant amount of time learning an abundance of geography. Students love singing songs that ensure the memorization of geography and other fun facts about the world.
Christian Studies
Each week students have a memory verse. Students also memorize Psalm 100, Psalm 23, 10 Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer and 1 Corinthians 13. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Using Saxon textbook 2, first graders further their understanding of mathematical concepts through hands-on activities and rich mathematical conversations that actively engage students in the learning process. Concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced over time. Saxon is unique in its daily review of previously learned skills, ensuring comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts.
Science
Bob Jones University Science 1 curriculum presents God as the Creator of all things. Topics include the senses, teeth, animals, plant parts and fruit, matter, forces, heat, sound, air, and the sun, moon and stars. Second graders especially love the hands-on activities and projects used to develop scientific thinking. Students are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and first graders enjoy the introduction of basic Latin vocabulary. Students learn to greet one another as well as their magistra (teacher). A short list of Latin vocabulary in first grade whets the appetite for future Latin instruction and gives the child confidence in learning a foreign language.
Music
Music II is an introductory class for 1st-2nd graders. Teaching tools include games, songs, rhythm exercises, elementary theory and a whole lot of fun. We desire that each child will have an opportunity to explore their individual creativity as an act that will bring glory to our Father in Heaven. Beyond music, there is a time of biblical instruction in each class that encourages each child to walk more in the likeness of Christ Jesus – the reason we make music.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Composition
The language arts are the bedrock for all further learning, inside the classroom and without. Second graders spend the year developing their reading, writing, and spelling skills using the Riggs’ Reading and Writing Road to Spelling and Thinking II curriculum. Riggs is a comprehensive, one of a kind phonics program which utilizes all areas of learning. Rather than a workbook based program, Riggs leads students in creating their own English notebook as they write from dictation approximately 24 new spelling words per week in addition to charts and lists of grammar and spelling rules. The systematic approach to reading, spelling and writing instruction ensures students’ ability to leave 2nd grade with a solid foundation with which they are ready to build upon in later grades. Second grade students are excited to begin cursive instruction as they diligently begin practicing their letters and work towards neat, excellent penmanship. Second grade literature includes tried and true children’s classics like Homer Price, The Courage of Sarah Noble, and Mr. Popper’s Penguins. Students use Memoria Press study guides to aid them in vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension skills. Second graders also enjoy plenty of independent reading time, and especially enjoy teacher read-alouds of more advanced, high-quality literature.
Classical Studies and Geography
Second graders will enjoy a special treat this year as they study the world of the grand Nile, great pharaohs and gigantic pyramids of ancient Egypt. Using Veritas Press history cards, students memorize dates and facts, while coloring costumes and exploring the various customs of the ancient Egyptians. Working closely with the Bible curriculum, students will learn to make connections between the history of Egypt and the history of the Old Testament and learn how God is truly sovereign over all history of the world. Second graders also spend a significant amount of time learning the countries of Africa and the Middle East. Students love singing fun and catchy songs that ensure the memorization of geography and other fun facts about the world. They will also review continents and oceans, creating a solid geographical foundation necessary for future study of the world’s history and geography.
Christian Studies
Teachers will take students through the Old Testament using Veritas Press Bible cards. Students start at the beginning of time and cover through the end of Joshua's life as well as memorize a scripture each week. However, Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the Bible class. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Using Saxon textbook 3, second graders further their understanding of mathematical concepts through hands-on activities and rich mathematical conversations that actively engage students in the learning process. Concepts are developed, reviewed, and practiced over time. Saxon is unique in its daily review of previously learned skills, ensuring comprehension and retention of mathematical concepts. Second graders enjoy the challenge of memorizing multiplication facts as they fortify the foundation necessary for future learning in mathematics.
Science
Bob Jones University Science 2 curriculum presents God as the Sustainer of all He has created. Topics include studies of bones, muscles, plants, measurement, motion, living and non-living things, the structure and movement of the earth, forces, light, and shorelines. Third graders especially love the hands-on activities and projects used to develop scientific thinking. Students are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and second graders love the thrill of memorizing Latin vocabulary. Students learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or books!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Prima Latina books are developed especially for these young ones and presents new vocabulary in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music II is an introductory class for 1st-2nd graders. Teaching tools include games, songs, rhythm exercises, elementary theory and a whole lot of fun. We desire that each child will have an opportunity to explore their individual creativity as an act that will bring glory to our Father in Heaven. Beyond music, there is a time of biblical instruction in each class that encourages each child to walk more in the likeness of Christ Jesus – the reason we make music.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Composition
Third graders will continue developing reading and comprehension skills as they read Farmer Boy, Charlotte’s Web, The Moffats, and Alice in Wonderland, using the corresponding Memoria Press Study Guides. Students will increase their knowledge of spelling rules and patterns of words like earlier, squirrel and kilogram using Rod & Staff Spelling Book 4. The required use of cursive writing in all subject areas ensures regular practice and improved penmanship. A solid foundation in grammar is essential for students to further their skills in writing and reading. Shurley Grammar Level 3 will begin laying the bricks for this solid foundation as students memorize parts of speech, punctuation rules, and sentence structure via various songs and chants. Students will master the structure of a paragraph, but learn to write essays, poems and narratives as well.
Classical Studies and Geography
Third graders enter into an exciting year in classical studies as they venture into the vast world of Greek mythology. Students love the exciting stories in D’Aulaire’s Book of Greek Myths and the illustrations are second to none. From the great Cyclops to Zeus himself, students study and learn how the Greek myths have influenced the thought of Western civilization for centuries and continue to be a large part of our culture today. Teachers use the study of the Greek pantheon to refine students’ Christian worldview, teaching students how to biblically analyze the ancient stories, and lead them with gratitude in understanding the superiority of the one true God of Israel. In geography, students will also spend the year learning US states and capitals through fun and memorable songs.
Christian Studies
Teachers will take students through the Old Testament using Veritas Press Bible cards. Students study the book of Judges through Kings as well as memorize a scripture each week. However, Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the Bible class. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Saxon Math 5/4 presents new concepts clearly while reviewing past concepts continuously through the year. Third graders should enter the year with a solid foundation of multiplication concepts and work towards complete mastery of multiplication facts by the end of the first quarter. They learn concepts in division, two-step multiplication, spend the year developing word problem skills, as well as build a strong foundation for fractions, decimals and percents. Students also begin pre-algebraic concepts as they learn how to find missing parts in simple equations.
Science
Third graders explore God’s natural world when they learn to differentiate between warm and cold-blooded animals, understand the process of photosynthesis, and even dabble in a bit of physics as they understand God-created concepts such as force or gravity. Third graders especially love the hands-on activities relating to rocks and minerals and weather included in Bob Jones University’s Science 3. Students are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and third graders love learning to chant Latin conjugations of verbs: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant! Students will learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or reading assignments!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Latina Christiana Level I presents new vocabulary and grammar forms in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music III is an extension of Music I & II in that our focus is glorifying the Lord through creativity. However, Music III goes much deeper by exploring music composition. We will also be studying music theory to understand more completely the mechanics of what we hear. Overall, this class is a wonderful way for 3rd – 8th graders to discover more about music while also learning about and being challenged to walk in the characteristics of a worshiper.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Reading, Spelling Grammar and Composition
Fourth graders continue developing their reading and comprehension skills as they read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Number the Stars and the classics Heidi and Lassie using the corresponding Memoria Press Study Guides. Students will increase their knowledge of spelling rules and patterns of words like certainly, separate and tomatoes using Rod & Staff Spelling Book 5. The required use of cursive writing in all subject areas ensures regular practice and improved penmanship. Shurley Grammar Level 4 begins with a complete review of all Level 3 skills and content. Students review parts of speech, punctuation rules, and sentence structure via various songs and chants. They learn to properly develop a five paragraph essay as well as write in various modes. They explore the use of indirect objects and continue fine tuning their use of English grammar.
Classical Studies and Geography
Students will stand on the shoulders of the great men and women of the ancient world as they seek to better understand our own culture and history. Fourth graders study the mighty men of Rome, togas, the coliseum and all! Memoria Press’ Famous Men of Rome text includes detailed pictures, timelines and student guides where students will learn that it isn’t that they “loved Brutus less, but that [they] loved Rome more!” Students come to know the culture and people of the Latin language they are learning, while appreciating and connecting Rome’s great influence on Western civilization. They learn how America’s roots extend deeper than Great Britain and enjoy making connections to American history. Fourth graders develop a mastery of geography of the Eastern Hemisphere, as well.
Christian Studies
Teachers will take students through from the Creation to Moses’ last words using Memoria Press’ Christian Studies Book I. However, Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the Bible class. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Saxon Math 6/5 presents new concepts clearly while reviewing past concepts continuously through the year. Fourth graders enter with a mastery of multiplication and division facts as they begin applying the facts to multi-step problem solving including long division. Fourth grade math begins exploring geometric concepts in-depth as they study polygons, angles and degrees. Word problem skills are further developed as students learn to extract and apply information.
Science
Fourth graders explore God’s natural world when they learn to diagram insect parts, explore the moon’s surface and peer into the stomach to learn about digestion. Fourth graders especially love the hands-on activities for insect and spider study using Bob Jones University’s Science 5. Students are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and fourth graders love learning to chant Latin conjugations of verbs: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant! Students will learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or reading assignments!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Latin curriculum presents new vocabulary and grammar forms in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music III is an extension of Music I & II in that our focus is glorifying the Lord through creativity. However, Music III goes much deeper by exploring music composition. We will also be studying music theory to understand more completely the mechanics of what we hear. Overall, this class is a wonderful way for 3rd – 8th graders to discover more about music while also learning about and being challenged to walk in the characteristics of a worshiper.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Composition
Greedy dragons, gallant knights, enchanting princesses - fifth graders love reading Adam of the Road, King Arthur, and Robin Hood! The Memoria Press Study Guides provide a simple format for reading comprehension development and vocabulary improvement. Students increase their knowledge of spelling rules and patterns of words using Rod & Staff Spelling Book 6. The required use of cursive writing in all subject areas ensures regular practice and improved penmanship. Shurley Grammar Level 5 begins with a complete review of all Level 4 skills and content. Students review parts of speech, punctuation rules, and sentence structure via various songs and chants. They learn to master a five paragraph essay as well as write in various modes. They explore the use of indirect objects and continue fine tuning their use of English grammar.
Classical Studies and Geography
Fifth grade students enjoy a special treat as their studies in literature correspond to the Middle Ages they study in history class. Students study famous figures like Attila the Hun and Marco Polo as they make their journey through the Middle Ages using Memoria Press’ Famous Men of the Middle Ages text and study guides. Students carefully analyze cultures and ideas as they trace the roots of American culture and history through time. Fourth graders also master the geography of the entire Western hemisphere.
Christian Studies
Teachers take students from the invasion of Canaan to Jonah, as well as through some of the Old Testament prophets using Memoria Press’ Christian Studies Book II. However, Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the Bible class. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Saxon Math 7/6 presents new concepts clearly while reviewing past concepts continuously through the year. Starting with a thorough mastery of advanced multiplication and division, fifth graders learn to infuse these skills with fractions, decimals and percentages. They spend the year mastering their understanding of advanced equations and expanding knowledge of geometric concepts.
Science
Fifth graders explore God’s natural world when they study fossils, oceans, weather, flight, thermal energy, atomic theory, the sun, and the nervous system using Bob Jones University’s Science 5. Students enjoy hands-on projects and experiments as they cultivate a scientific mind. They are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and fifth graders love learning to chant Latin conjugations of verbs: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant! Students learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or reading assignments!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Latin curriculum presents new vocabulary and grammar forms in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music III is an extension of Music I & II in that our focus is glorifying the Lord through creativity. However, Music III goes much deeper by exploring music composition and the implementation of instruments. We will also be studying music theory to understand more completely the mechanics of what we hear. Overall, this class is a wonderful way for 3rd – 8th graders to discover more about music while also learning about and being challenged to walk in the characteristics of a worshiper.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Composition
Sixth graders enjoy a variety of literary genres as they study The Trojan War, Anne of Green Gables, The Bronze Bow and The Hobbit. The accompanying Memoria Press Study Guides provide a simple format for reading comprehension development and vocabulary improvement. Students increase their knowledge of spelling rules and patterns of words using Rod & Staff Spelling Book 7. The required use of cursive writing in all subject areas ensures regular practice and improved penmanship. Shurley Grammar Level 6 begins with a complete review of all Level 5 skills and content. Students review parts of speech, punctuation rules, and sentence structure via various songs and chants. They begin mastering writing in various modes including narrative, persuasive and poetry. Students enjoy connecting the lessons from their English grammar to Latin grammar as they continue fine tuning their use of the written word.
American Studies and Geography
Sixth graders spend the entire year studying great men and women of American history. The Story of the Great Republic by H.A. Guerber is an exciting and thorough text starting with the framing of the Constitution and covering through the end of the 19th century. Students carefully analyze cultures and ideas as they trace the roots of American culture and history through time. Sixth graders practice mapping out the geography of the entire world, learning countries and capitals as well as interesting facts about Big Ben or the Eiffel Tower.
Christian Studies
Students study the birth of Jesus through Paul’s final years as well as the letters of Peter and the vision of John. Memoria Press’ Christian Studies Book III provides a clear and simple format for students to learn an abundance of facts and knowledge. However, Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the mere memorization of facts and dates or relegated to Bible class alone. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Math
Saxon Math 8/7 with Pre-Algebra presents new concepts clearly while reviewing past concepts continuously through the year. Sixth grades are excited to begin advanced mathematics as they expand their previous knowledge of pre-algebraic concepts. Skills include formulaic geometry, balanced equations, proportions, rates, etc.
Science
Sixth graders explore God’s natural world when they study volcanoes, earthquakes, stars, chemistry, motion, the circulatory system, and the biosphere using Bob Jones University Science 6. Students enjoy hands-on projects and experiments as they cultivate a scientific mind. They are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and sixth graders love learning to chant Latin conjugations of verbs: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant! Students learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or reading assignments!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Latin curriculum presents new vocabulary and grammar forms in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music III is an extension of Music I & II in that our focus is glorifying the Lord through creativity. However, Music III goes much deeper by exploring music composition. We will also be studying music theory to understand more completely the mechanics of what we hear. Overall, this class is a wonderful way for 3rd – 8th graders to discover more about music while also learning about and being challenged to walk in the characteristics of a worshiper.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Omnibus I
Ship wrecks, menacing monsters, and valiant heroes abound in the seventh grade reading list. Students embark on a daring adventure of their own as they begin reading some of the greatest classic works of all time. Veritas Press’ Omnibus I textbook, (Omnibus from the Latin meaning “all-encompassing”), is an intense course combining the study of literature, history and theology into one grand adventure. Homer’s Odyssey, Virgil’s Aeneid, and Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar are just a few of the books students read as they explore the history, culture, philosophy, religion, tales, heroes, villains and even foods of the ancient world. Students also read various books of the Bible and enjoy connecting the history of the Old Testament to the secular history of the ancient scholars, such as Herodotus. Students discuss a myriad of issues presented in the various writings, from justice to hospitality, and learn to analyze each one through the lens of a Biblical worldview. Theological discussions encourage students to solidify their faith while providing a Biblically-based forum for questions and friendly debate. Students are encouraged to develop a solid, systematic theology, rather than simply memorize basic Bible facts. Omnibus I begins with Genesis, follows the history of the ancient world and ends with the early days of the Roman Empire. Students also read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis to create a perfect balance of primary historical sources, foundational literary classics and enjoyable, quality literature. Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the mere memorization of facts and dates or relegated to a Bible class alone. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Logic
Seventh graders seem to have a natural aptitude for argument, and at HRA students are permitted to argue, so long as they do so logically! Seventh graders depart from the grammar stage of their classical education and begin the dialectic, or logic, stage where questions (and logically organized answers) are the basis of teaching and learning in all subject areas. Classical Academic Press’ The Art of Argument: An Introduction to the Informal Fallacies helps students identify false thinking, such as the straw man, bandwagon and appeal to fear fallacies.
Composition
The Circe Institute’s The Lost Tools of Writing program is second to none in writing instruction. Students learn to use Aristotelian logic as they develop, organize and execute their thoughts in persuasive writing. Seventh graders learn to defend a thesis using a variety of tools such as an exordium, narratio, exposition, enumeration, and refutation. When students learn to master the classical tools of Invention, Arrangement and Elocution, they will never again fear the intimidation of a blank page! Students increase their knowledge of spelling rules and patterns of words using Rod & Staff Spelling Book 8. The required use of cursive writing in all subject areas ensures regular practice and improved penmanship.
Mathematics
Saxon Algebra ½ presents new material clearly while reviewing past concepts continuously through the year. Students build on previously learned pre-algebra skills. Seventh graders work towards mastery of advanced order of operations equations, involving fractions, decimals, and percents. Students are also challenged by advancing concepts in geometry.
Science
Seventh graders explore God’s natural world when they study cells, creation, life processes, microbiology, zoology, and ecosystems using Bob Jones University’s Science 7. Students enjoy hands-on projects and field trips as they cultivate a scientific mind and explore the wonders of life. They are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and seventh graders love learning to chant Latin conjugations of verbs: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant! Students learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or reading assignments!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Latin curriculum presents new vocabulary and grammar forms in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music III is an extension of Music I & II in that our focus is glorifying the Lord through creativity. However, Music III goes much deeper by exploring music composition. We will also be studying music theory to understand more completely the mechanics of what we hear. Overall, this class is a wonderful way for 3rd – 8th graders to discover more about music while also learning about and being challenged to walk in the characteristics of a worshiper.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
Omnibus II
What happened to the Jews after the death and resurrection of Christ? Who were these barbarians who sacked the great Rome? Were giants really the original inhabitants of the island of Britain? Should we nail our complaints to the door of the church when we’re unhappy? Eighth graders enjoy discovering answers to some of the most interesting questions in history and embark on a daring adventure as they read the greatest classic works of all time. Veritas Press’ Omnibus II textbook, (Omnibus from the Latin meaning “all-encompassing”), is an intense course combining the study of literature, history and theology into one grand adventure. St. Augustine, Beowulf, Eusebius, Martin Luther and Shakespeare are just a few of the books students read as they explore the history, culture, philosophy, religion, anecdotes, heroes, and villains of the early church, middle ages and Protestant reformation. Students also read various books of the Bible and enjoy connecting the history of the New Testament to the secular history of the fall of Rome and the beginning of Great Britain. Students discuss a myriad of issues presented in the various writings, from the warrior code of the Anglo- Saxons to the Gnostic teachings found in the early church, and learn to analyze each one through the lens of a Biblical worldview. Theological discussions encourage students to solidify their faith while providing a Biblically-based forum for questions and friendly debate. Students are encouraged to develop a solid, systematic theology, rather than simply memorize basic Bible facts. Omnibus II begins with the life of Christ, traces the history of the early church and ends with the Protestant reformation. Students also read the entire Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis to create a perfect balance of primary historical sources, foundational literary classics and enjoyable, quality literature. Biblical instruction at HRA is not limited to the mere memorization of facts and dates or relegated to a Bible class alone. Teachers use every opportunity in all subject areas to teach, model and help students develop their own Christian worldview. Students learn to see God’s unchanging nature in math class, His sovereignty in world history, and His creative hand in science.
Logic
Eighth graders seem to have a natural aptitude for argument, and at HRA students are permitted to argue, so long as they do so logically! Eighth graders are in their second year of the dialectic, or logic, stage where questions (and logically organized answers) are the basis of teaching and learning in all subject areas. Classical Academic Press’ The Argument Builder textbook builds upon the five common topics, introduced by Aristotle, and helps students learn how to create sound and solid arguments using everyday examples and anecdotes.
Composition
The Circe Institute’s The Lost Tools of Writing II program is second to none in writing instruction. Students continue using Aristotelian logic as they develop, organize and execute their thoughts in persuasive writing. Eighth graders review the execution of a persuasive essay from the previous year, then continue to build upon that foundation until mastery of this form of writing is achieved. While students increase their vocabulary through the Omnibus class readings, grammar and spelling are taught in writing class. The required use of cursive writing in all subject areas ensures regular practice and improved penmanship.
Mathematics
Saxon Algebra I presents new material clearly while reviewing past concepts thoroughly and continuously through the year. Students build on the foundation established in Algebra ½ and are further challenged by advancing material dealing with rational and irrational concepts.
Science
Eighth graders rigorously explore God’s natural world when they study the solar system, weather, rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, and oceans using Bob Jones University’s Science 8. Students enjoy learning about earth and space as they cultivate a scientific mind. They are taught how the natural, scientific world glorifies God, the Creator, and how scientific thinking can support our faith, rather than hinder it.
Latin
Latin instruction is one of the distinctive qualities of a classical education and eighth graders enjoy the thrill of memorizing Latin conjugations of verbs: amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant! Students learn over one hundred Latin vocabulary words (many of which they love finding in everyday conversation or reading assignments!) and bolster their understanding of English grammar as they dive into the world of Latin grammar. Memoria Press Latin curriculum presents new vocabulary and grammar forms in an easy to read format along with workbooks for practice and mastery.
Music
Music III is an extension of Music I & II in that our focus is glorifying the Lord through creativity. However, Music III goes much deeper by exploring music composition. We will also be studying music theory to understand more completely the mechanics of what we hear. Overall, this class is a wonderful way for 3rd – 8th graders to discover more about music while also learning about and being challenged to walk in the characteristics of a worshiper.
Art
Helping students understand the true, good and beautiful are important tenets of a classical education. Students take art weekly as they develop their own art skills as well as learn how to identify the truly beautiful.
