Academics

Classical Christian Education

DEFINITION
Classical Christian education is a time-tested educational system which establishes a biblical worldview (called Paideia in biblical Greek), incorporates methods based on natural phases of child development, cultivates the seven Christian virtues, trains students in reasoning through the Trivium (Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric), and engages children in “the great conversation” through the historical Great Books.

CHRISTIAN
Legacy Academy promotes a distinctly Christian and, thus, biblical worldview. We present all subjects as defined by Christian truth and lead students to evaluate all human knowledge and experience in light of the Scriptures. Our graduates will possess a deep understanding of their world, the ability to discern truth from the pattern of the world, and the tools to influence the world for God’s glory.

CLASSICAL 
This proven classical model of education has been refined through the ages and reintroduced in the United States. The classical approach to education trains students in reasoning through the Trivium (Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric), which is the natural way God designed children to learn most effectively, cultivates the seven Christian virtues, and engages children in “the great conversation” through the historical Great Books. This method produces true independent thinkers who recognize the truth, goodness, and beauty in Christ first and His world second.

PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT
As a private independent school district, Legacy Academy does not accept funding from federal governments. Our political and denominational independence permits us to provide a true classical and Christian educational experience that is pure in mission and results, and free from outside oversight or influence.

GRAMMAR-LOGIC-RHETORIC

Learning at Legacy captures the potential in every season of development. 

Grammar Phase (K-5)
Grammar is the foundation that all other learning is built upon.  In the grammar phase recitation helps students memorize facts and basic knowledge creating a very solid educational foundation.  In the grammar phase students love to memorize songs and chants and they can do it with ease.   

Logic Phase (6-8)
At the middle school age students become argumentative, they love to argue.  They become opinionated, they start really thinking for themselves, and they love to ask why.  The Classical approach takes advantage of this.  During this phase students take classes in Logic, and they are taught how to think and how to argue well, with love and respect.  In the Logic phase students are taught to form strong, well-reasoned arguments.

Rhetoric Phase (9-12)
In the rhetoric phase students are taught to write and to speak well.  Students will be taught to debate, to persuade others, and to communicate effectively.  Throughout their senior year students will prepare and present a senior thesis which will be the capstone of the student’s education at Legacy.

See Parent Information for more information on Classical Christian Education. View Memoria's Press Scope and Sequence.

Homework on M-T-TH for School of Grammar (K-5) and Logic (6-8)

Legacy is committed to partnering with parents in every aspect of their child's education. Homework provides parents the opportunity to both assess and participate in their child’s learning journey, but to ensure this adds to family life and not detract, Legacy commits to homework that is consistent, purposeful, predictable, and simply formatted. This commitment maintains standards of academic excellence while avoiding busy work or wasted parent support time.

To accomplish these four elements, communicating clearly is essential. Thus, every Friday, teachers will email a Newsletter/H.A.S. (Homework Assignment Sheet) for the following week of school. The Newsletter/H.A.S. will announce any upcoming school events, quizzes/exams, and homework assignments. This is signed each week by a parent.

Also, to better protect healthy church/family time, we reserve homework for Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights. Please see the chart below for a more specific breakdown of homework times for the average student. 

Grade — Minutes Per M-T-TH Homework Nights
K — 10
1 — 15
2 — 25
3 — 30
4 — 35
5 — 40
6-8 — 40-50

The most common exceptions to these rules include (1) extra review/project time during midterms and finals weeks, (2) intentionally unfinished classroom assignments needing completion at home, and (3) one Scripture memorization recitation on Thursdays (which we permit outside of T-W-F because it is memorized over a two-week period). Also, please note that weekends offer an opportunity for any catching up or getting ahead that might be necessary.   

For students joining athletics, we do not start practice until 4:45, so that students may have a supervised Study Hall to complete their homework before practice.
For students joining Late-Shift Lyceum, we provide supervised time to complete homework assignments.
For students seeking further clarification of an assignment, before school office hours, which are by appointment only, provide a great opportunity for support.
For families looking for the occasional three-day weekend, our weekly pace provides flexibility for families on Fridays.