SCHool of grammar — A Firm foundation
Kindergarten through 5th Grade is where the tools that students will use for the rest of their lives for learning are taught and nurtured.
In classical Christian education, elementary school is referred to as the Grammar School which embodies a unique and distinct approach to learning based on the classical Christian tradition. This approach prioritizes active, multisensory learning, challenging curricula, and structured classroom environments that build a strong foundation for future studies. In stark contrast, traditional elementary schools rely on more passive forms of learning, such as lectures and textbook reading. They often provide a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to challenge students, they also employ loose and undefined structures across classes and grades. Classical Christian elementary schools offer a distinct and effective educational experience that distinguishes it from traditional elementary schools.
The Grammar School of Legacy Academy encompasses Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. Classical education is not merely career preparation. It is an education for life. Through our elementary curriculum, we prepare young people to be culturally literate, thoughtful, and engaged citizens. Our goal is for all of our scholars to grow into curious, creative, and virtuous young people. The core knowledge sequence in subjects such as History, Science, Literature, Art, and Music introduces our scholars to the world around them and its story. Children are curious about the natural world and the society in which they live. Children also have a natural love for stories, songs, and art. The core knowledge sequence builds on these natural aptitudes and feeds this natural hunger by providing students with the information they need to be culturally literate. Children will understand the worlds of nature and culture and the story of the world.
- Reading: pure phonics with some whole language
- Literature: classic, interesting books at highest ability level; comprehension emphasized
- Math: basic facts, concepts and functions; ability grouped for challenge
- Grammar, vocabulary and spelling
- Penmanship and cursive
- Global world history (Ancient: 1st and 5th; Medieval: 2nd, Renaissance: 3rd, Modern: 4th)
- Science: discrete subjects (Life Science, Earth Science, Chemistry, Physics)
- Art and Music
- Latin: 3rd through 5th
- Develop a love for and trust in God’s Word
CURRICULUM
The Curriculum of the Grammar School is challenging, but well within the reach of students with average ability who put forth reasonable effort. Students in the early grades focus especially on the subjects of reading and math: two subjects which must be mastered early on to ensure success later years. English grammar is introduced beginning in first grade, introducing students to the parts of speech and basic sentence diagramming and classification. Latin is introduced in second grade. Latin is taught at a time when students are able to quickly learn language; the study of Latin both enriches their English vocabulary (50% of English words come from Latin) and reinforces their study of grammar. Students in the Grammar School also study history, science, Bible, geography, art, music, Latin, and PE.
PEdAGOGY
During the grammar school years, students are taught important information by means of songs, jingles and rhymes. Historical facts and timelines, science facts, math facts (addition, subtraction, multiplication), Latin vocabulary, rules of grammar–all are taught using songs, jingles, and rhymes. The classical pedagogy also favors review and repetition, which occurs frequently, but without boring students, who love to sing various songs over and over again until it is a part of their deep, long-term memory. Other traditional teaching methods are also present in the Grammar School, including: teachers reading to students, students reading in and out of class, math instruction with manipulatives, written assignments, direct instruction, discussion, and oral reports. The grammar school has a multi-modal pedagogy as well–students learn by seeing (there are many visual aids of all types in each classroom), hearing (many songs and chants), and moving (children sing with hand and body motions). Therefore, students who are primarily visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners all learn well at Legacy.
Kindergarten
A Solid Foundation for Future Learning
Kindergarten through 1st Grade present a unique opportunity to prepare your child well for a new stage in life. It can be overwhelming and difficult to sift through best practices. That is why we have prepared a clear guide to ensure your child is best prepared for their early education experience. Kindergarten at Legacy is part of our Grammar School. 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. It is very common for parents to question whether their child is ready for kindergarten. Although each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace, there are certain essential skills we would like for to see in our incoming kindergartners. Here’s a checklist of the developmental skills children need exposure to and knowledge of before they enter kindergarten.
- Engaging and age-appropriate academics that encourage a love of learning
- Nurturing Christian atmosphere
- Bible stories and scripture memorization
- Reading with Phonics, including learning to recognize digraphs, blended sounds, punctuation marks and spelling rules
- Math, using manipulatives, games and activities; includes learning higher-order shapes, fractions and ordinal numbers
- Handwriting, including correct pencil grip and proper letter formation
- Art, including an introduction to the color wheel and art techniques, and working with mixed media
GRAMMAR SCHOOL CULTURE
Legacy elementary grades thoughtfully curate structured learning environments. Legacy's culture emphasizes order, peace, courtesy, and enthusiasm. The classroom guidelines are clear and enforced, which creates a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive. Students are encouraged to respect each other, and to take responsibility for their own learning. This contrasts with traditional elementary schools, which often have looser structures, leaving students feeling unsupported and without clear direction.