Curriculum
A classical Christian education at Veritas Collegiate Academy offers a transformative approach that integrates rigorous academics with a deep love for God and His Holy Word, the Bible. This time-tested educational model, rooted in the classical tradition, emphasizes the cultivation of wisdom, virtue, and eloquence through a structured curriculum that engages students in the great ideas and texts of Western civilization, all viewed through the lens of a biblical worldview. By prioritizing the study of Scripture, students are encouraged to develop a profound love for God, fostering spiritual growth and a moral framework that guides their decisions and character. This focus on biblical truth not only grounds students in faith but also equips them to navigate a complex world with discernment, humility, and a commitment to living out Christian values.
The academic rigor of a classical Christian education produces exceptional results, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond. Through the trivium—grammar, logic, and rhetoric—students master critical thinking, articulate communication, and a deep understanding of foundational subjects like literature, history, mathematics, and the sciences. This disciplined approach challenges students to engage with complex ideas, ask probing questions, and defend their beliefs with clarity and conviction. At Veritas Collegiate Academy, our commitment to academic excellence, coupled with a Christ-centered curriculum, consistently yields graduates who are intellectually sharp, spiritually grounded, and prepared to lead with integrity in their communities and vocations, all while maintaining a steadfast love for God and His Word.
Grammar Stage (K—6)
Bible: The students will learn Bible basics – the plan of salvation, the Books of the Bible in order, the major events of biblical history and the theological importance of these events. Our biblical studies teach the following: Encourage the students to understand the biblical verses in context; Let the Scriptures speak for themselves, with illustrations by the teacher; Show the students the richness of the Bible; Educate on the biblical pattern of salvation, Law before Grace; andEncourage students to come to the Father, through the Son, and grow in their knowledge of Him.
English: We seek to: (1) equip every student with the skills necessary for good writing, including spelling, grammar, style, clarity, etc.; (2) put a major emphasis on good writing by requiring the students to write often and correctly in each subject area; (3) encourage clear thinking by the students through requiring clear writing; (4) introduce the students to many styles of writing using the Bible and other high quality literature.
History and Geography: We seek to: (1) teach the students that God is in control of History and He will determine its ultimate outcome; (2) enable the students to see God's hand in the history of the world and the United States; (3) broaden the students' understanding of history and geography as the students mature; (4) specifically, begin with local history and geography in first grade and sequentially expand the scope of studies to the world; (5) make history and geography "come alive" for the students through the use of many forms of information and research, e.g. biographies, illustrations, field trips, guest speakers, music, art, foods, and architecture, etc.; (5) give the students a thorough understanding of Western Civilization; its distinctive, great leaders, great movements, and great thinkers; and also its particular involvement in the growth of Christianity.
Mathematics: We seek to: (1) ensure that the students have a thorough mastery of basic mathematical functions and tables; (2) put an emphasis on conceptual, as well as practical understanding of Mathematics through the frequent use of story problems; (3) illustrate God's unchanging character through the timeless, logical mathematical systems He gave to man through His gift of reason.The ideal progression of a student’s Mathematics courses would start with the successful completion of Saxton Math 1 curriculum in Kindergarten, Saxton Math 2 in First Grade, followed by Saxton Math 3 in Second Grade, then progressing through Saxton 5/4 in Third Grade, Saxton 6/5 in Fourth Grade, Saxton 7/6 in Fifth Grade, and Saxton Math 8/7 in Sixth Grade. At the end of First Grade, each student will be evaluated to determine if they should repeat Saxton Math 2 or progress to Saxton Math 3. All Lower School Mathematics classes and Upper School Mathematics Course Saxton Math 8/7 are scheduled at the same time to enable students to be placed in the match class that best matches their ability without affecting the remainder of their schedule. This enables students to pursue advanced Mathematics courses in high school, as desired.
Reading: We seek to: (1) use phonics as the primary building blocks for teaching students to read; (2) encourage the students to read correctly as soon as possible (normally in Kindergarten or first grade); (3) introduce the students to high quality children’s literature as soon as possible, through our Literature program; (4) carefully monitor the student's reading abilities to ensure that he comprehends adequately, and is reading fluently, both orally and silently, including the proper use of word-attack skills; (5) foster a life-long love of reading and high quality literature, after being taught to recognize the characteristics of such literature.
Art: We seek to: (1) teach all our students the basic fundamentals of drawing to enable them to create adequate renderings; (2) encourage the students to appreciate and imitate the beauty of the creation in their own works; (3) introduce the students to the works of the master artists of Western culture (4) equip the students to knowledgeably use a variety of art media.
Logic Stage (7-8)
Theology: Student will learn the basics of theology. Students will be taught the Bible is the inspired Word of God through the Holy Spirit. It is the basis of all Christian belief and practice. Students will also learn sound principles of biblical interpretation. Finally, students will study the major areas of theology (e.g., God’s being and creation, anthropology, Christ’s person and work, the means of grace, the church, the sacraments and eschatology). All of this instruction will be consistent with the school’s statement of faith, and students will be challenged to apply biblical truth to their life.
Literature: Students will become familiar with the common cultural consensus of our western world – the body of thought, belief, and imagination that encompasses western education. We must be familiar with western culture to understand and influence our culture properly. Students will gain understanding of great ideas expressed through literature. Finally, students will learn to appreciate the beauty of language and literature. We must learn to discern beauty in order to glorify Him in our world, and exposure to great literature is one of the best means to do so.
History: Students will learn to discern the providential acts of God. They will study leaders of our culture, of our nation and most importantly, of God. Students will learn about the consequences of their action through the actions of our predecessors. The aim is that the student gains wisdom to avoid the sins of the past and to instill godliness in future generations.
Logic: Student will learn to think rightly. They will understand formal logic, the study of syllogism and propositions, and informal logic, the study of the informal fallacies. They will understand how to apply logic to all new encountered information. Finally, students will be taught to see the logical nature of God and will glorify Him for this reason.
Math: Students will master basic mathematics and solve complex equations with single and multiple variables. Students will be able to solve proofs of Geometry and will be able to solve problems using trigonometric functions. Through the study of mathematics,a student will be taught to glorify God, His order and the order that exists in nature.
Sciences: Students will gain an understanding of general science, the sciences of life (biology, anatomy & physiology, and marine biology), chemistry and physics. They will become acquainted with the system of inductive thought by using the scientific method. The student will learn to distinguish God’s glory by studying His creation.
Classical Language (Latin): Students will gain greater understanding of English grammar and more quickly learn modern foreign languages through the study of classical language. A student will learn to master the English language. Students will be taught to read the great works of antiquity in the original language.
Modern Foreign Language (Spanish): For students who study modern foreign language, they will learn to communicate with people of other nationalities. Students will gain a mastery of the language’s grammar and syntax. They will also learn to interact with and enjoy literature written in that language and other cultures.
Rhetoric Stage (9-12)
Theology: The student will know the basics of theology and will learn sound principles of biblical interpretation. Students will be taught the Bible is the inspired Word of God through the Holy Spirit. Finally, students will study a breadth of theology, touching on all of the major areas of the Bible. All of this instruction will be consistent with the school’s statement of faith, and students will be challenged to apply biblical truth to their life.
Literature: Students will become well versed with the common cultural consensus of our western world – the body of thought, belief, and imagination that encompasses western education. A student will also be given a context for understanding other types of studies since the great ideas in all areas of knowledge find their popular expression in literature. Students will understand great ideas expressed through literature and will explore ideas more deeply. Finally, students will appreciate the beauty of language and literature. Discerning beauty will help graduates glorify God in our world.
History: Students will be able to articulate the providential acts of God. They will know leaders of our culture, of our nation and most importantly, of God. Students will understand the consequences of their action through the actions of our predecessors. The aim is that students gain wisdom and can articulate their faith to instill godliness in future generations.
Rhetoric: Students will master the basics of formal rhetoric and perfect their skills through constant practice in all classes. This will culminate in the writing and defense of a thesis paper during his senior year. Additionally, students will use their rhetoric skills to persuade others in a God-glorifying manner. They will learn to provide a reason for their faith and hope.
Math: Students will master basic mathematics and solve complex equations with single and multiple variables. Students will be able to solve proofs of Geometry and will be able to solve problems using trigonometric functions. Through the study of mathematics, a student will be taught to glorify God, His order and the order that exists in nature.
Sciences: Students will gain an understanding of general science, the sciences of life (biology, anatomy & physiology, and marine biology), chemistry and physics. They will become acquainted with the system of inductive thought by using the scientific method. The student will learn to distinguish God’s glory by studying His creation.
Classical Language (Latin): Students will gain greater understanding of English grammar and more quickly learn modern foreign languages through the study of classical language. A student will learn to master the English language. Students will be taught to read the great works of antiquity in the original language.
Modern Foreign Language (Spanish and French): For students who study modern foreign language, they will learn to communicate with people of other nationalities. Students will gain a mastery of the language’s grammar and syntax. They will also learn to interact with and enjoy literature written in that language and other cultures.