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Academics

What we teach, and why

A mastery-based, Christ-centered curriculum organized in four grade bands. Here’s what your child will learn in each subject, and a few opinions we hold strongly.

Foundations · K–2Builders · 3–5Explorers · 6–8Leaders · 9–12
Scope & sequence

Subject by subject, band by band

Because classes are multi-age and mastery-based, students work at their level within each band. Grades 9–12 are served through Homeschool Enrichment.

MathematicsMath is the language of an orderly Creator. We want students fluent, not just finished.
Foundations · K–2
  • Counting and place value to 1,000
  • Addition & subtraction fluency within 20
  • Time, money and measurement
  • Hands-on manipulatives every day
Builders · 3–5
  • Multiplication & division fluency
  • Fractions, decimals and percents
  • Area, perimeter and volume
  • Multi-step word problems
Explorers · 6–8
  • Ratios, rates and proportions
  • Integers and expressions
  • Pre-algebra to Algebra 1
  • Geometry and statistics basics
Leaders · 9–12
  • Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry support
  • Consumer math: budgets, loans, taxes
  • Math lab for homeschool families
  • Test prep for ACT math
Reading & Language ArtsStrong readers become strong thinkers. We start with systematic phonics and end with great books.
Foundations · K–2
  • Systematic, explicit phonics
  • Decodable readers, then read-alouds
  • Handwriting, including cursive by 2nd
  • Oral narration
Builders · 3–5
  • Literature circles and novel studies
  • Grammar in context
  • Paragraph to five-paragraph essays
  • Spelling through word study
Explorers · 6–8
  • Classic and modern literature
  • Persuasive and research writing
  • Public speaking and debate
  • Typing and digital citizenship
Leaders · 9–12
  • Worldview through literature
  • Research papers and rhetoric
  • Creative writing workshop
  • College-ready writing
ScienceScience explores the world God made. We learn it by doing it, with our hands and our questions.
Foundations · K–2
  • Seasons, weather and Kansas skies
  • Plants, animals and habitats
  • Simple machines
  • Nature journaling
Builders · 3–5
  • Earth science and geology
  • Human body systems
  • Electricity and magnetism
  • The scientific method, start to finish
Explorers · 6–8
  • Life, physical and earth science rotation
  • Lab reports
  • Science & Portfolio Showcase projects
  • Creation, design and ethics discussions
Leaders · 9–12
  • Biology and chemistry labs (Thursdays)
  • Robotics and engineering
  • Field studies at Great Plains Nature Center
  • Science fair mentoring
History & Social StudiesHistory is His story. Students learn where they came from and how to love their neighbors well.
Foundations · K–2
  • Family, community and Derby
  • American holidays and heroes
  • Maps and globes
  • Kansas symbols
Builders · 3–5
  • Kansas history
  • U.S. history and geography
  • Government and citizenship
  • Timeline projects
Explorers · 6–8
  • Ancient to modern world history
  • Church history
  • Civics and the Constitution
  • Current events with a biblical lens
Leaders · 9–12
  • U.S. and world history seminars
  • Economics and personal finance
  • Missions and world cultures
  • Mock trial and debate
BibleEvery student should know the whole story of Scripture and where they fit in it.
Foundations · K–2
  • Bible stories, Genesis to Revelation
  • Memory verses weekly
  • Prayer and worship
  • Fruit of the Spirit
Builders · 3–5
  • Old and New Testament surveys
  • Books of the Bible
  • Scripture memory challenges
  • Serving others
Explorers · 6–8
  • Apologetics basics
  • Life of Christ and Acts
  • Spiritual disciplines
  • Missions projects
Leaders · 9–12
  • Biblical worldview
  • Apologetics and ethics
  • Leading devotions
  • Mentoring younger students
Our take

Six things we believe about teaching

Every school has a philosophy. Here’s ours, in plain English.

01

Mastery beats the calendar

Moving on at the end of a unit whether or not a child understood it is how gaps are made. We move on when the skill is solid.

02

Cursive is worth it

It builds fine motor skills and reading fluency, and your kids will be able to read historic documents and Grandma’s letters.

03

Screens are tools, not babysitters

Adaptive programs help us personalize practice. They never replace a teacher, a book or a conversation.

04

Portfolios over report cards

A folder of real work tells you more than a letter grade. Parents review portfolios at every conference.

05

Multi-age is a feature

Teaching a younger student is the best way to master a skill, and learning beside older students raises the bar.

06

Homework should be light

Reading together at home matters more than worksheets. Families need evenings too.

How we measure growth

Mastery checks, portfolios, and a nationally normed assessment each spring so you can see progress over time.

Extra support

Small groups for students who need more time, and referrals for evaluations or interventions when needed.

Room to run ahead

Students who master skills quickly move on. No waiting for the rest of the class.

See our programs

Come see a school day for yourself

Tours take about 30 minutes. Bring your questions and your kids. Shadow days are welcome in both tracks.

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