3RD & 4TH GRADES
Our formal classical curriculum begins in 3rd grade, carefully preparing students with foundational knowledge and the important academic skills to successfully read and enjoy the rich literature content in a classical education. In addition, analytical and critical thinking skills are developed as 3rd & 4th grade as students begin the study of Latin grammar. In preparation for mathematics, accuracy and automaticity with arithmetic continues to be emphasized in the elementary years.
Students learn from well-designed materials, high quality content, and teacher-directed lessons presented by knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers. Our emphasis on mastery learning motivates students to work and learn, providing them the opportunity to experience the joy of learning. Regular breaks are scheduled each day for physical exercise, recreation, music, drawing, art, and review games.
Mondays and Tuesdays are home study school days facilitated by parents. Students follow reading assignments, review material and practice content taught by the teachers on school days. Teachers partner with parents through weekly newsletters to guide their child’s home study and assist them in developing effective homework and study habits. In 3rd and 4th grade, students spend approximately two hours on Monday and Tuesday completing their home study assignments.
We are blessed by a supportive parent fellowship community that collaborates with teachers and the school to provide various enrichment and co-curricular opportunities that enrich the JK-4 program such as field trips, holiday events and special school activities.
MUSIC AND CHRISTIAN STUDIES
In Christian Studies, students read or listen to Bible stories from the Golden Children’s Bible and memorize Bible verses and prayers. Students receive music instruction once a week in the basic elements of music, including ear training and note reading. All K-4 students participate in Camarata choir once weekly and enjoy performances twice a year.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students have Physical Education once a week. PE provides 30 minutes of exercise as well as the opportunity to play fun childhood games. Our PE instructor works to develop basic motor and motion skills, such as running, skipping, running backwards, and flexibility, as well as sportsmanship and team play.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Fifth and Sixth Grade
In 5th grade, Lower School students transition to our full four day class program and receive additional instruction in Latin and Math. A special emphasis is placed on honing independent study skills and organization as they prepare for the Upper School grades. Sixth grade is a capstone year solidifying content from the lower school as students complete a multi-year study of geography, arithmetic, the Old & New Testament, and are near completion of memorizing the Latin grammar. By the end of 6th grade, students have been uniquely prepared to read classical literature like the Iliad & Odyssey and The Aeneid, begin a study of Shakespeare and continue with advanced language instruction in both Latin and Greek.
New students beginning their classical education in 6th grade assimilate well into our program. Latin courses are available for beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. The review and content embedded in the sixth grade curriculum make this year a solid entry point for new students to be successful at Carmel Latin School.