Syllabus

Pedagogy

HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY & SCIENCE

Philosophy & Structure

We operate using three curriculum cycles, highlighting specific periods & connecting those historical facts to world maps for geographical context. Our science topics also pair with this cyclical approach to learning, giving students a comprehensive academic experience that encourages them to connect the physical world (Science) to the record of human experience (History). This chronological and thorough approach provides the student with a broad-reaching understanding of the world and their place within it.

This cyclical approach enables flexibility to combine grades based on the enrollment needs of our community each school year. Families with children in Kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th grade can all learn about ancient Egypt together using minor, age-appropriate lesson modifications. We have found this approach adds a level of ease and enjoyment to your family’s homeschool experience.

Lastly, following a three-cycle learning approach ensures that students moving through our K-6 program cover all three cycles twice. It is important to us that our students build a solid academic foundation before moving on to the upper levels.

Cycle 1 Creation-Ancient Kingdoms & Biology (Animal Kingdom, Human Body & Plant Kingdom)

Cycle 2 Medieval-Modern Earth & Sky Science (Earth Science, Astronomy)

Cycle 3 U.S. History, Chemistry, & Physics 

All three cycles will include a timeline song including 128 historical events & people. In addition, we include US History lessons within each cycle. (Cycle 1: US Presidents, Preamble to the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Cycle 2: US Wars and Gettysburg Address. Cycle 3: 50 States and Capitals. The goal is to memorize these pieces of US history and geography).

STEM/Technology

We have implemented monthly “STEM STATION” workshops giving our elementary students hands-on experience with technology. It is our belief that children growing up in the technological age need exposure to this kind of learning. With that said, our general philosophy of learning, especially in the younger years of cognitive, social and physical development, is book study, verbal communication, and writing. 

It is our goal to cover the majority of content for History, Geography, & Science during our 2-Day program. You are encouraged to use our quarterly lesson plans (shared with enrolled families) to follow up with weekly topics at home; there is a great deal of flexibility for these three subjects. We encourage recitation/memorization, reading (use your local library to order topic-based, age-appropriate books!), field trips, etc.. Have fun with it!

MATHEMATICS

Philosophy & Structure

Saxon math is a straightforward curriculum that has passed the test of time and is highly utilized in the world of classical education. This was one of our primary reasons for choosing Saxon. We also know that there are resources such as “Nicole The Math Lady” (online grading & resource) available for use with Saxon. At Creo, we want to support parents & families in every way possible. Everybody loves help with math!

While we often combine grades, students will use the Saxon math level that best suits their skill and ability. Your student may be in our K/1 class, but will use either the Kindergarten or Grade 1 Saxon curriculum depending on which one is appropriate. We use small groups, within the same classroom, to facilitate multi-level math classes (Example: The teacher and TA may split up and work with the separate groups during the math portion of the class schedule)

Home Study

Students will need to complete math lessons (some tests & quizzes) on the three days they are home in order to keep up with math studies and complete the Saxon curriculum for the school year. We will help keep you on track by sharing our quarterly lesson plans!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS & LITERATURE

Philosophy & Structure

In keeping with our classical approach to learning, we have chosen an ELA program including curriculum recommended by Classical Education experts and Classical Programs who already have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our ELA program is a comprehensive blend of Spelling, Writing, Reading, & Literature. We have mixed in Charlotte Mason pedagogy, particularly in our literature component. 

“To introduce children to literature is to install them in a very rich and glorious kingdom, to bring a continual holiday to their doors, to lay before them a feast exquisitely served. But they must learn to know literature by being familiar with it from the very first.” Charlotte Mason —Volume 6, p. 52

Each grade has a link for your ease to review and shop for the curriculum needed for each student.