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
Primary (K-2)
Meets on Tuesdays; Optional Study and Enrichment Day on Wednesdays
Southside Primary Academy is designed to prepare students for the Grammar Level of SCA. Students learn similar material to our Grammar Level, but without the pressure of formal grading. Classical subjects are taught with creative and hands-on methods.
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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 class studies Bible, language arts, science, history, math, Latin, 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.
Lit. and Comp.
Students are introduced to age-appropriate historical fiction during class corresponding with the period of history being studied. Students are led in exercises that identify main ideas, plot, and description of characters and setting.
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.
Latin
Our Primary 1 and 2 students are introduced to the Latin Language through the use of songs, stories, games and activities. We use Song School Latin program specifically designed for young students. This vocabulary-based program provides a foundation for Latin study that continues through the Grammar level.
Language Arts
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 Writing Road to Reading.
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.
History
Primary classes learn about key moments in history within the time period being studied in the Grammar levels through immersing unit studies.
Guided Study
Primary students have the opportunity to come to SCA on Wednesdays to take part in a guided learning day where they can dive deeper into learned material and accomplish one or more days of assigned work under the guidance of a teacher, while also enjoying the opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie.
Grammar (3-4)
Meets on Tuesdays; Optional Study and Enrichment 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, Literature, Science, World History). Questions of who, what, where, and when are the focus, and memorization is a key part of learning. At CCA 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.
Science
All Grammar level students learn the same science subject. Over four years the students 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.
Omnibus
Grammar
Once a student reaches twelfth grade following a classical Christian education, he will be able to think logically and express himself well both on paper and through speech. The foundation of clear communication begins with a strong command of English grammar. The best curriculum we have found to build this strong foundation is Shurley Grammar.
Math
Level 3 students are learning concepts like:
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Multiplication up to four digits
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Division with 2 digit divisors with remainders
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Algebraic equations introduced.
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Level 4 students are learning concepts like:
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Graphs
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Rounding numbers
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Estimation
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Geometry
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Basic algebra
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Mixed fractions
Our Grammar level Omnibus course is an integrated approach to teaching literature, composition, history, and geography and the arts. History is taught in chronological order, integrating biblically recorded history with events not recorded in Scripture. This helps our students know the relationship between what they study in history books and what they read in the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the memorization of key dates, people, and facts. Geography songs and other tools are used to help students commit to memory the relevant geography. Students read purposefully chosen, high-quality historical fiction corresponding with the period of history being studied for each year. Using these texts as a source of inspiration, our students develop the basic skills of solid expository writing to include expository paragraphs, essays, and book reports. Additionally, students complete exercises in fable, narrative, and chreia writing, the beginning levels of the progymnasmata. These exercises were developed by the ancient Greeks and are a valuable tool to help students become proficient, logical, and eloquent writers. Students use imitation of excellent writing models, which allow them to create within a limited framework while paying close attention to the target language skills appropriate for their own developmental level. In addition, students are introduced to the art and music of the time period they are studying.
Latin
The study of the classical language, Latin, is the core of a classical education. In the Grammar stage, the emphasis is on the memorization of Latin grammar by the ancient method of oral recitation and form drills. Additionally, students learn to apply the grammar they are learning by doing weekly Latin readings where they see the grammar in context.
Guided Study
Grammar level students have the opportunity to come to SCA on a second day to take part in a guided learning day where students accomplish one or more days of assigned work under the guidance of a teacher, while also enjoying the opportunity for fellowship and camaraderie. The study schedule covers history and geography, mathematics, science, biblical studies, grammar, Latin and literature, as well as a free reading time, a lunch break/recess, and more.
Curricula choices are specifically curated to fit the lifestyle of a hybrid model.
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