The Classical Academy Charter School of Clifton
Curriculum

At the core of the Academy’s middle-school program is a traditional “classical” curriculum. Centuries of scholastic history have demonstrated the worth and power of a classical course of studies to educate, to inspire, to achieve. There is nothing experimental or speculative about the Academy’s curriculum; it is a well-traveled path towards excellence.

A classical curriculum is an outstanding medium for building an educational foundation the soundness of which is characterized by thorough acquisition of those skills and knowledge universally recognized as the marks of education. It is also an excellent curriculum by which students will meet and exceed New Jersey's newly promulgated "Core Curriculum Content Standards.”

Despite the current emphasis on technology, the aptitudes to write well, to read with comprehension, to think creatively, to express oneself cogently, to know about the past and to be conversant with the literary, historical, and cultural aspects of western civilization, are still prized. It is the Academy’s belief that regardless of future interests of its students, however specialized and technologically directed, the intellectual experiences gained from the academy’s curriculum are prerequisites for success in any realm. Even in today’s “high tech” world, nothing better trains the mind or nourishes the character than a solid classical curriculum.

The following seven (7) major core subjects are required by all students. Each course comprises a three (3) year sequence during the grades of six through eight.

1: Latin (3 years)
There exists no finer linguistic tool for a thorough comprehension of English grammar and English vocabulary than Latin. Latin produces other noteworthy academic advantages: it teaches precision and thinking skills; it provides a basis for learning modern languages; it is the gateway language for understanding the ideals and principles of western culture; it assists in reading ability; as a substantial academic subject, it enhances a student’s scholastic record.

2: English (3years)
Major components of the Academy’s English course sequence include traditional grounding in English “grammar” and “vocabulary building”. In this, the English student greatly benefits from a high degree of interdisciplinary reinforcement derived by the study of Latin.

Although a diversity of genres and authors constitute the reading component, there is an emphasis on reading non-fiction (essays, treaties, and biographies) by authors renowned not only for their knowledge of subject, but as well for their mastery or English prose. Again, an interdisciplinary approach is taken by carefully selecting readings which relate to the content of other.  Academy course topics, such as biographies of famous scientists and statesmen, and literary works which illuminate historical periods or themes.

3: Literature and Literary classics (3 years)
Academy students acquire significant scholastic training in the enduring works of literature. When necessary, age appropriate versions and translations are utilized, but without diluting the powerful thoughts and exquisite language of classical literature. Emphasizing fictional works, the course employs resources of, among others, “Retold Classics,” Watermill Classics,” and “The Great Books Foundation” (“Junior Great Books” series).

The three-year course begins with Homer’s “Iliad”and “Odyssey”. Vergil’s “Aeneid,” and other timeless works of classical literature. It then progresses with readings from authors such as Dante and Shakespeare, and concludes with celebrated English and American writers of the last three centuries.

4: Writing and Public Speaking Laboratory (3 years)
The skills of competent expression in both writing and oratory are produced by reading models of literary and oratorical excellence, and by practice. As a regularly scheduled three-year excellence, and by practice. As a regularly scheduled three-year course, the Academy’s “Writing/Public Speaking Laboratory” is intended to offer students extensive practice and individual attention in the vital areas of written and oral communication.

Note: Every Academy student is required to take the above described three (3) Language Arts courses each year: 1)”English”, 2)”Literature/Literary Classics,” and 3)”Writing/Public Speaking Laboratory.”

5: History (social studies) (3 years)
Academy students advance through a three-year chronological sequence comprising Ancient History and Civilization, European History, American History, and World Cultures. Employing textbook and secondary readings, the course strives to integrate primary source materials whenever possible.

Both for the sake of acquiring knowledge of one’s own area, and for breathing life into history generally, the academy’s history program will include history of New Jersey.

6: Mathematics (3years)
Geometry, Algebra and the traditional content of a “first-year high-school mathematics” course will be incorporated into the Academy’s middle-school mathematics program.

Like writing, mathematics requires practice which is best conducted in small groups or individual tutorials. Knowing this, the Academy regularly schedules “Practica” sessions wherein, with the mentorship of a teacher or advanced student, Academy students benefit from significant individual instructions.

7: Science (3 years)
In recent years the value of “hands on” applications is well demonstrated in communicating scientific facts and arousing scientific interest. The Academy’s program continues this emphasis, but in conjunction with it there shall be an equally strong focus on learning the “history of science”, “scientific methodology”, and “biographies” of famous scientists. These three areas, so critical in understanding and appreciating science and its advances, will be infused into every Academy science course. By so doing, the Academy is able to integrate topics and themes among all subjects taught, not only in science, and thereby provide wide reinforcement of subject matter across the curriculum.

In addition to the above seven (7) major courses taken each year, students will engage in some form of “physical education/health” and occasional “art/music” offerings.

The Classical Academy, as observed from its curriculum,, has a decidedly “Humanities/Liberal Arts” orientation, but without sacrificing strong grounding in the sciences. The curriculum also possesses a strong propensity for interdisciplinary education, and for mutual reinforcement of skills and knowledge among all subjects included in the Academy’s curriculum.