Liberal Arts

Curriculum

Classical Academy de Lafayette is a Licensed User of the Hillsdale College K-12 Curriculum which guides our instruction. Rather than relying on textbooks and superficial exposure, we defer to original sources and great works and seek to deeply explore issues and texts while instilling in students sound analytical thinking habits. Teachers deliver the curriculum under the direction of the Founder/President and Curriculum Director. Our program establishes a strong foundation in fundamental subjects with steady movement towards mastery, ensuring that students are equipped with intellectual, moral, and civic preparedness, regardless of their future careers or aspirations. Click here to learn more about accreditation at CAL. 

History

A comprehensive program in world and American history and geography, integrating topics in civics and the arts, Core Knowledge History and Geography helps students build knowledge of the diversity of civilizations, cultures, and concepts. Core Knowledge History and Geography curriculum materials aim to prepare students to participate actively in a democratic society.  Interested in viewing these materials? The Core Knowledge Foundation free open-access to their curriculum materials. You may download them here!

Literature

CAL students read literature selected from the best of the Western Canon. CAL has selected timeless classics which teach ageless virtues and speak to the human condition. Our literature is designed to parallel our student's study of history. As students are studying a particular time period, the classical literature corresponds to that same era. The aim is to create a cohesive learning environment where learning in one subject enhances the learning of other subjects.

Reading, Writing, and Spelling

Literacy Essentials is an "Orton-based" multi-sensory, brain-based approach for teaching explicit phonics, reading and language arts.  It uses question and answer analysis and graphic organization to teach writing, spelling, and reading. The curriculum covers phonemic awareness, spelling patterns, vocabulary, writing, grammar, and reading comprehension. Rather than memorize words, students learn to "decode" the English language using 72 common English spelling patterns (what we call phonograms) beginning in kindergarten. This approach gives students the tools they need to approach reading and spelling with a deeper understanding and a broader application. For more detailed information on phonograms, click here

Click here to view supporting research on this approach.

Math

Singapore Math offers a conceptual approach to mathematical skill building and problem solving. This program uses an intentional progression of concepts to instill a deep understanding of mathematics. It follows the same method and design philosophy as the one used in Singapore, which consistently lands their students at the top in international math testing, using layered concepts and a model method. Each year, topics are revisited and additional concepts are added to build a strong foundation and deepen understanding of each topic. Rather than relying simple replication and memorization, students are challenged to think mathematically and draw on knowledge gained from earlier material to solve new problems.

Click here to view supporting research.

Science

Core Knowledge offers a hands-on approach to scientific inquiry with emphasis on fundamentals.

Latin

Prima Latina uses a clear and systematic format to introduce Latin to young students. It teaches important English and Latin grammar concepts as well as vocabulary, sayings, and constellations.