Academics at SCA

Southside Classical Academy teaches students to become independent learners, logical thinkers and articulate speakers. But more than just academic skills, we build love of God's wisdom and strong character into our program so that our students are "equipped for every good work" - 2 Timothy 3:17.

Hybrid Schedule

Our hybrid schedule offers the support of traditional schooling blended with much of the flexibility homeschooled families appreciate.

TUESDAY

Tuesdays are a day of required on-site instruction. Time is spent learning from Christian teachers using a blend of Classical and Charlotte Mason methodology.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesdays, which are optional for Primary and Grammar students, serve as a guided study day. Necessary academic practice is mixed with creative, real-world application of knowledge through projects and problem-solving, all while fostering a foundation of faith and developing character. Wednesday learning blocks include:

Guided Homework Studio
Multi-Age Project/Concept Workshop
Targeted Skill Tutoring Pods

THURSDAY

Thursdays are an optional add-on for academic families. Many surrounding families who independently homeschool also join us on Thursday making for a fun and enriching day of art, music, P.E., foreign language, science lab, and unit studies. Learn more about our Thursday enrichment program here.

Primary (K-2)

Meets on Tuesdays; Optional guided study on Wednesdays
Southside Primary Academy is designed to prepare students for the Grammar Level of SCA. Students learn similar material to our Grammar Level. Classical subjects are taught with creative and hands-on methods.

Each class day begins with circle time, where we pray and focus our day on God, spend time talking about our highs and lows of the past week, and prepare for the day ahead. Our classes study Bible, language arts, science, history, math, Latin/Greek roots, and literature. Our curriculum has been chosen specifically to prepare students to enter the Grammar Level. Our class also enjoys time playing outside (when the weather allows). At-home work is posted for families to do during the week.

Biblical Studies

The focus of our biblical studies at the Primary stage is on how God worked in and through the people of the Bible. Students will also be learning and memorizing key Bible verses.

Language Arts - Literature, Composition and Phonics

In the tradition of classical education that attempts to leverage the connection between subjects to help students learn faster and better, we use an integrated approach to teaching phonics, reading, grammar, spelling, handwriting, and writing through Learning Language Arts Through Literature.

Students are introduced to age-appropriate historical fiction during class corresponding with the period of history being studied, as well as classical literature. Students are led in exercises that identify main ideas, plot, and description of characters and setting.

Math

During our time together, our focus is on arithmetic. We chant addition, subtraction, and multiplication math facts and sing skip counting patterns. We learn about time, currency, measurement, and mental math and play fun math games that sharpen our skills. We encourage families to explore math concepts throughout the week through daily tasks and real life applications.

Science

In our class, we cover the same general science subject as Grammar level students but through engaging, age-appropriate unit studies. Students learn through hands-on experiments and projects.

History

Primary classes learn about key moments and people in history within the time period being studied in the Grammar levels through exciting readings, recitations, and role play.

Latin/Greek Roots

Our Primary students are introduced to the Latin and Greek languages through the study of roots. This will help them better understand English through its connection to these roots. Stories, songs, games, and activities will be used to teach them. This will be a powerful tool to prepare our students for a lifetime of learning. All students will study the same roots, but the complexity will be appropriately differentiated.

Guided Study

Guided Homework Studio
Multi-Age Project/Concept Workshop
Targeted Skill Tutoring Pods

Detailed Curricula

Grammar (3-6)

Meets on Tuesdays; Optional Study day on Wednesdays

The Grammar stage provides the foundation for future classical studies by building a framework of knowledge through each subject area (Art, Bible, Grammar, Latin/Greek, Literature, Science, History). Questions of who, what, where, and when are the focus, and memorization is a key part of learning. At SCA we give students context for what they're memorizing because it lays a strong foundation for future learning in the Logic level.

Biblical Studies

In this course, students move through the entire Bible during a four-year cycle. This class focuses on the people, events, and chronology of the Bible. Biblical study is enriched by an understanding of the history of the time. Special emphasis is placed on the memorization of key dates, people, facts, and Bible verses. In addition, older Grammar students will be introduced to basic theology and how to identify theological themes.

Language Arts - Literature, Composition, and Grammar

Using an integrated approach, students learn grammar, spelling, composition, penmanship, and editing by engaging them in quality literature selections. By students seeing the concepts in actual texts, they gain a deeper understanding of the skills and their retention is strengthened.

Science

All Grammar level students learn the same science subject. Over four years the students may cover Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy and Botany, Zoology: Flying Creatures, Zoology: Marine Biology, and Zoology: Land Animals using Apologia science curriculum. Science classes include labs.

Math

Math 3 Concepts:

Multiplication and division
Customary and metric measurement
Fractions and decimals
Money
How math follows God’s amazing design

Math 4 Concepts:

Build on Math 3 concepts
Estimation
Problem-solving and real-life applications
Geometry
How math helps people do work and helps us meet others’ needs

Math 5 Concepts:

Build on Math 4 concepts
Pre-algebra concepts
Data skills
STEM lessons
Biblical methods for using math in our world today

Math 6 Concepts:

Build on Math 5 concepts
Solidify understanding of Primary math concepts
Introduce key concepts coming in math at the Logic stage
Probability
Abstract and quantitative reasoning
A Biblical view of mathematical modeling

Latin/Greek Roots

Our Grammar students are introduced to the Latin and Greek languages through the study of roots. This will help them better understand English through its connection to these roots. Students learn to deconstruct words into their component roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode meanings. They will be taught through exercises, collaborative activities, word puzzles, and practical application. This will be a powerful tool to enhance vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and literacy skills across subjects, as well as prepare our students for a lifetime of learning. All students will study the same roots, but the complexity will be appropriately differentiated.

History

Students at Grammar level will learn and experience history in interesting and memorable ways through well-written texts, rich discussion, and hands-on application with geography, timelines, and appropriate projects. American history, biblical history, and world history will be introduced and developed during these 4 years.

Guided Study

Guided Homework Studio
Multi-Age Project/Concept Workshop
Targeted Skill Tutoring Pods

Detailed Curricula

Logic (7-8)

On-site Tuesdays and Wednesdays are required.

The Logic stage builds upon the Grammar stage. The goal is to equip students with the critical thinking skills necessary to recognize sound arguments and ideas, and to detect and correct fallacious ones. This stage addresses the questions of how and why across all subjects.

Christian Studies

A classical approach to learning about God includes a study of biblical chronology (Grammar level), theology (Logic level) and apology (Rhetoric level). Building on their knowledge of biblical chronology, in this course, students learn to understand, explain, and scripturally support the basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Where applicable, students are introduced to divergent views that exist in orthodox Christianity and encouraged to discuss these with charity and grace, at all times relying on the Holy Scriptures as the ultimate source of authority. Students learn the importance of “catholicity” among the people of God, being able to appreciate the unity of the church in the past, present, and future.

Church History:

Since the biblical understanding of history is the record of God working to redeem a people for His Son, it should be argued that all of history is church history and not a mere subset of secular history as is often supposed. Rather, seeing with the eyes of faith, the history of the Church drives the rest. The objective of this course is to help students catch a vision that is sorely lacking in our day: that the Church has an awe-inspiring history and a glorious and certain future.

Logic

The Masterbooks logic curriculum, Introduction to Logic, is a biblical worldview course that guides students in reliable ways to defend the Truth of God’s Word and refute untruths that are claimed as fact. Classical logic will also be included, covering logical statements, opposing propositions, and determining the validity of syllogisms. Students will learn the principles of correct reasoning, preparing them for what they will face in and from the world.

Language Arts - Literature, Composition, and Grammar

Students will strengthen their skills in grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, dictation, composition, editing, and speechmaking through a comprehensive and integrated use of quality, classical literature selections. These skills are taught through a unified approach instead of in isolation by using actual books as models. This will better equip our students for lifelong, effective communication in writing and speaking.

Science

General science is an informative survey of the wonders of Creation through the study of astronomy, geology, meteorology, chemistry, physics, biology, and environmental science. Students are taught the principles of the scientific method, scientific inquiry, and analysis. Classes include labs.

Math

The suggested math curriculum is BJU Press Fundamentals, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, or Geometry. However, at this age, your child may be using an effective curriculum with which you would like to continue. If that is the case, your student may bring math curriculum from home to work on in class under the guidance of a teacher. All students will work together at the start of math class to review key concepts that can be applied to any level. Then, they will have time to work on their own material while being taught and supported by qualified math instructors.

History

Logic students will focus on American history their first year, informed by Biblical and world history. They will experience, understand, and learn history in interesting and exciting ways through well-written texts, rich discussion, and hands-on application through geography, timelines and appropriate projects. Through in depth study, students will appreciate the founding of our great nation, significant events as our country grew, and the continuing impact this all has on us today.

Latin/Greek Roots

Our Logic students are introduced to the Latin and Greek languages through the study of roots. This will help them better understand English through its connection to these roots. It will also provide a framework for deeper understanding of Scripture in its languages of origin, as well as prepare students for learning other foreign languages. Students learn to deconstruct words into their component roots, prefixes, and suffixes to decode meanings. They will be taught through exercises, collaborative activities, word puzzles, and practical application. This will be a powerful tool to enhance vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and literacy skills across subjects, as well as prepare our students for a lifetime of learning. All students will study the same roots, but the complexity will be appropriately differentiated.

Guided Study

Wednesdays are required for Logic students due to the amount and depth of material to be covered in a week. Along with academics, their days will involve creative, real-world application of knowledge through projects and problem-solving, all while fostering a foundation of faith and developing character. Wednesday learning blocks include:

Guided Homework Studio
Multi-Age Project/Concept Workshop
Targeted Skill Tutoring Pods

Detailed Curricula

Curricula choices are specifically curated to fit the lifestyle of a hybrid model, well-suited for families with learners at multiple grade levels.