Curriculum Information

CSP Kindergarten Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding and Spalding Phonogram Cards (Phonogram Cards are a required purchase-info below.)

We use the soundly proved Spalding Method for teaching writing and pre-reading.  Studies have shown that the Spalding Method promotes one of the most powerful predictors of reading proficiency: phonemic awareness.  Spalding implements sequential and multisensory direct instruction in listening, speaking, spelling, writing, and pre-reading.  Throughout the kindergarten year, we strive to create and develop phonemic awareness by engaging in activities that focus on rhyming, beginning sounds, ending sounds, and print awareness.  Kindergarten students master the first 54 phonograms but are exposed to all 70 by the end of the year.  In our school day, we practice phonograms, handwriting (including proper pencil grip and letter formation), and spelling.  Your child will be most successful when you practice these skills, using the Spalding Method, at home on a daily basis.  In the second semester, students will bring home “Baggie Books” to promote early reading skills.  While we teach mainly pre-reading skills in the classroom, the foundation of Spalding will support you and your student as you select and implement your own reading curriculum for use at home.  (Reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP.)

The Writing Road to Reading (Sixth Edition; textbook) by Romalda Spalding is optional for use at home.  Families are welcome to purchase their own copy or borrow it from the CSP Lending Library if they would like to use the curriculum in their homeschooling endeavors.  If the textbook is borrowed from CSP, a $30, cash only, refundable deposit is required.  Items can be borrowed from the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School or Meet ‘n’ Greet.

Spalding Phonogram Cards are a required item for all families in grades K-2 in CSP (only one set of cards is needed per family, not per student). Cards may be purchased through the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School Night or Meet ‘n’ Greet.  Cost is $16 cash or by check made out to TCA.       

• Phonogram Sounds in a digital format
• An App for Spalding Phonogram cards can be purchased in your phone’s App Store for Apple products only.  The app is called “Phonograms by SEI.”

Text(s): None, although Shurley Grammar jingles are used to provide a multisensory learning experience.

Students are introduced to basic elements of grammar, gaining a basic understanding of nouns, verbs, and sentence structure through the use of catchy jingles, song, and dance. 

Text(s): The Three Little Kittens Who Lost Their Mittens, The Quiltmaker’s Gift, The Hole in the Dike, The Kissing Hand, and a variety of classical literature stories and historical narratives

During daily read-alouds, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), and setting.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as narrative and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class.

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!

CSP First Grade Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding and Spalding Phonogram Cards (Phonogram Cards are a required purchase if not purchased in kindergarten-info below); Letterland books

We use the soundly proved Spalding Method for teaching writing and spelling.  Studies have shown that the Spalding Method promotes one of the most powerful predictors of reading proficiency: phonemic awareness.  Spalding implements sequential and multisensory direct instruction in listening, speaking, spelling, writing, and reading.  Throughout the first-grade year, we strive to build upon the phonemic awareness introduced in kindergarten (or at home, if a student was not at CSP for kindergarten) by engaging in activities that focus on rhyming, beginning sounds, middle sounds, ending sounds, and spelling rules.  First-grade students master all 70 phonograms.  In our school day, we practice phonograms, handwriting (including proper pencil grip and letter formation), spelling, and writing sentences (both copied from the board and original thoughts).  Your child will be most successful when you practice these literacy skills, using the Spalding Method, at home on a daily basis.  While we teach mainly pre-reading skills in the classroom, the foundation of Spalding will support you and your student as you select and implement your own reading curriculum for use at home.  (Reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP.)

The Writing Road to Reading (Sixth Edition; textbook) by Romalda Spalding is optional for use at home.  Families are welcome to purchase their own copy or borrow it from the CSP Lending Library if they would like to use the curriculum in their homeschooling endeavors.  If the textbook is borrowed from CSP, a $30, cash only, refundable deposit is required.  Items can be borrowed from the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School or Meet ‘n’ Greet.

Spalding Phonogram Cards are a required item for all families in grades K-2 in CSP (only one set of cards is needed per family, not per student). Cards may be purchased through the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School Night or Meet ‘n’ Greet.  Cost is $16 cash or by check made out to TCA.       

• Phonogram Sounds in a digital format
• An App for Spalding Phonogram cards can be purchased in your phone’s App Store for Apple products only.  The app is called “Phonograms by SEI.”

Text(s): Easy Grammar

Students are introduced to basic elements of grammar, gaining an understanding of nouns, verbs, adjectives and sentence structure (to include the formation of complete sentences and the use of proper capitalization and end marks).

Text(s): Aesop’s Fables, A Beatrix Potter Treasury, a variety of fairy tales, books from the Core Knowledge reading list

During daily read-alouds, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), and setting.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as narrative, scientific, historical, and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class.  Students also participate in weekly Nature Study observations and discussions to promote literacy across subject areas (i.e. language arts and science).

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!

CSP Second Grade Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Writing Road to Reading by Romalda Spalding and Spalding Phonogram Cards (Phonogram Cards are a required purchase if not purchased in kindergarten or first grade-info below.)

We use the soundly proved Spalding Method for teaching writing and spelling.  Studies have shown that the Spalding Method promotes one of the most powerful predictors of reading proficiency: phonemic awareness.  Spalding implements sequential and multisensory direct instruction in listening, speaking, spelling, writing, and reading.  Throughout the second-grade year, we strive to build upon the phonemic awareness introduced in kindergarten and first grade (or at home, if a student was not at CSP prior to second grade) by engaging in activities that focus on rhyming, beginning sounds, middle sounds, ending sounds, and spelling rules.  Second-grade students master all 70 phonograms.  In our school day, we practice phonograms, handwriting (including proper pencil grip and letter formation), spelling, and writing multiple sentences (both copied from the board and original thoughts).  Your child will be most successful when you practice these literacy skills, using the Spalding Method, at home on a daily basis.  While we teach mainly pre-reading skills in the classroom, the foundation of Spalding will support you and your student as you select and implement your own reading curriculum for use at home.  (Reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP.)

The Writing Road to Reading (Sixth Edition; textbook) by Romalda Spalding is optional for use at home.  Families are welcome to purchase their own copy or borrow it from the CSP Lending Library if they would like to use the curriculum in their homeschooling endeavors.  If the textbook is borrowed from CSP, a $30, cash only, refundable deposit is required.  Items can be borrowed from the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School or Meet ‘n’ Greet.

Spalding Phonogram Cards are a required item for all families in grades K-2 in CSP (only one set of cards is needed per family, not per student). Cards may be purchased through the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School Night or Meet ‘n’ Greet.  Cost is $16 cash or by check made out to TCA.       

• Phonogram Sounds in a digital format
• An App for Spalding Phonogram cards can be purchased in your phone’s App Store for Apple products only.  The app is called “Phonograms by SEI.”

Text(s): Easy Grammar

Students are introduced to basic elements of grammar, gaining an understanding of nouns, verbs, adjectives and sentence structure (to include the formation of complete sentences and the use of proper capitalization and end marks).  Students end the year being able to write one paragraph correctly with three related sentences.

Text(s): Little House in the Big Woods, The Boxcar Children, various tall tales, books from the Core Knowledge reading list

During daily read-alouds as well as literature sent home to read either independently or with a parent, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), and setting.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as fiction/nonfiction, narrative, historical, and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class. 

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!

CSP Third Grade Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Institute for Excellence in Writing: Fables, Myths, and Fairy Tales (IEW)

We use the IEW series of curriculum in grades 3-6 to teach students specific elements that make for quality writing (i.e. the use of quality adjectives, strong verbs, and varied sentence openers).  Throughout the third-grade year, students learn how to use a source text to create a key word outline followed by writing a multi-sentence paragraph.  The process of writing is emphasized over the end result as students experience writing several drafts of a paper, learning how to edit and revise their work with each draft.  Students write their own fables as well as summaries of well-known fairy tales.  The learning of new vocabulary is also incorporated into every IEW lesson.  (Please note that reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP, and spelling is not taught after second grade.)  CSP provides IEW books for students to borrow for the year as well as any additional IEW materials.  Families pay $5 a year as part of a student’s CSP fees to cover the cost of IEW licensing.

Text(s): Easy Grammar

Students learn more advanced elements of grammar, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and sentence structure (to include the formation of complete sentences and the use of proper capitalization and end marks).  Students also begin learning the proper use of commas and how to write more complex sentences.  Students end the year being able to write one paragraph correctly with at least five related sentences.

The CSP teacher selects a variety of unit worksheets from the Easy Grammar Grade 3 Teacher’s Edition (which includes Student Workbook pages & Answer Key) to use in class and for homework.  Parents may borrow a copy of Easy Grammar Grade 3 from the CSP Lending Library.  If the textbook is borrowed from CSP, a $35, cash only, refundable deposit is required.  Items can be borrowed from the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School or Meet ‘n’ Greet.

Text(s): Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Sign of the Beaver or Ben & Me, Charlotte’s Web, books from the Core Knowledge reading list

During class read-alouds as well as literature sent home to read either independently or with a parent, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), setting, and theme.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as poetry, fiction/nonfiction, narrative, historical, and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class. 

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!

CSP Fourth Grade Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Institute for Excellence in Writing: All Things Fun and Fascinating (IEW)

We use the IEW series of curriculum in grades 3-6 to teach students specific elements that make for quality writing (i.e. the use of quality adjectives, strong verbs, and varied sentence openers).  Throughout the fourth-grade year, students learn how to use a source text to create a key word outline followed by writing a paper containing several multi-sentence paragraphs.  The process of writing is emphasized over the end result as students experience writing several drafts of a paper, learning how to edit and revise their work with each draft.  Students write their own summaries and narratives, as well as learn basic elements of how to write a research report.  The learning of new vocabulary is also incorporated into every IEW lesson.    (Please note that reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP, and spelling is not taught after second grade.) CSP provides IEW books for students to borrow for the year as well as any additional IEW materials.  Families pay $5 a year as part of a student’s CSP fees to cover the cost of IEW licensing.

Text(s): Easy Grammar

Students learn more advanced elements of grammar, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and sentence structure (to include the formation of complete sentences and the use of proper capitalization and end marks).  Students also begin learning the proper use of commas and how to write more complex sentences.  Students end the year being able to write several connected paragraphs correctly.

The CSP teacher selects a variety of unit worksheets from the Easy Grammar Grade 4 Teacher’s Edition (which includes Student Workbook pages & Answer Key) to use in class and for homework.  Parents may borrow a copy of Easy Grammar Grade 4 from the CSP Lending Library.  If the textbook is borrowed from CSP, a $35, cash only, refundable deposit is required.  Items can be borrowed from the Lending Library at the start of the year during Back-to-School or Meet ‘n’ Greet.

Texts may include 3 or 4 of the following: Misty of Chincoteague, The Trumpet of the Swan, The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, Fever, Robin Hood, books from the Core Knowledge reading list

During class read-alouds as well as literature sent home to read either independently or with a parent, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), setting, and theme.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as poetry, fiction/nonfiction, narrative, historical, and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class. 

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!

CSP Fifth Grade Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Institute for Excellence in Writing: Following Narnia (IEW)

We use the IEW series of curriculum in grades 3-6 to teach students specific elements that make for quality writing (i.e. the use of quality adjectives, strong verbs, and varied sentence openers).  Throughout the fifth-grade year, students use a source text to create a key word outline followed by writing a paper containing several multi-sentence paragraphs.  The process of writing is emphasized over the end result as students experience writing several drafts of a paper, learning how to edit and revise their work with each draft.  Students write their own summaries and narratives. The learning of new vocabulary is also incorporated into every IEW lesson.  (Please note that reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP, and spelling is not taught after second grade.) CSP provides IEW books for students to borrow for the year as well as any additional IEW materials.  Families pay $5 a year as part of a student’s CSP fees to cover the cost of IEW licensing.

Text(s): FixIt! Grammar: Robin Hood by IEW

Students learn more advanced elements of grammar, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and sentence structure (to include the formation of complete sentences and the use of proper capitalization and end marks).  Students also begin learning the proper use of commas and how to write more complex sentences.  Students end the year being able to write several connected paragraphs correctly, continually using more advanced sentence- and paragraph-construction techniques. 

CSP will provide this grammar curriculum for students at no charge to the family. Students must purchase a 1-inch binder to hold the provided handouts. (See CSP 5^th grade supply list.)

Text(s): The Secret Garden, My Side of the Mountain, Number the Stars, On the Wings of Heroes, books from the Core Knowledge reading list

During class read-alouds as well as literature sent home to read either independently or with a parent, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), setting, symbolism, and theme.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as poetry, fiction/nonfiction, narrative, historical, and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class. 

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!

CSP Sixth Grade Curriculum—An Overview

Text(s): The Institute for Excellence in Writing: U.S. History Volume I-Explorers to the Gold Rush (IEW), English from the Roots Up

We use the IEW series of curriculum in grades 3-6 to teach students specific elements that make for quality writing (i.e. the use of quality adjectives, strong verbs, and varied sentence openers).  Throughout the sixth-grade year, students use a multi-paragraph source text to create a synthesized key word outline followed by writing a paper containing several multi-sentence paragraphs.  The process of writing is emphasized over the end result as students experience writing several drafts of a paper, learning how to edit and revise their work with each draft.  Students write their own summaries, narratives, and research report.  The learning of new vocabulary is also incorporated into every IEW lesson.  Additionally, sixth grade students begin learning Latin and Greek roots to help them understand the origins of the English language as well as recognize base words and derivatives within longer and perhaps unknown words.   (Please note that reading itself is not explicitly taught in CSP, and spelling is not taught after second grade.) CSP provides IEW books for students to borrow for the year as well as any additional IEW materials.  Families pay $5 a year as part of a student’s CSP fees to cover the cost of IEW licensing.

Text(s): FixIt! Grammar: Mowgli and Shere Khan by IEW

Students learn more advanced elements of grammar, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, prepositions, and sentence structure (to include the formation of complete sentences and the use of proper capitalization and end marks).  Students also begin learning the proper use of commas, semicolons, and colons and how to write more complex sentences.  Students end the year being able to write several connected paragraphs correctly, continually using more advanced sentence- and paragraph-construction techniques. 

CSP orders a copy of this workbook for every student, but families must reimburse the school for this. The fee to purchase this workbook ($18) is part of the assigned fee schedule for all CSP 6^th grade students.

Text(s): Where the Red Fern Grows, The Children’s Homer-The Odyssey, The Cay, The Hobbit, books from the Core Knowledge reading list

During class read-alouds as well as literature sent home to read either independently or with a parent, students are exposed to different genres, authors, and styles of writing.  Students learn about the essential story elements of plot, character(s), setting, symbolism, and theme.  We also discuss different types of writing, such as poetry, fiction/nonfiction, narrative, historical, and informative.  Literature appreciation and a love of books are key areas of focus as we experience quality texts as a class. 

Character education plays a central role in our overall curriculum and is therefore incorporated into many parts of our school day.  We talk about behaviors that exhibit good character and how we can practice them daily.  Each month, we focus on different character traits that include the following: kindness, love of learning, curiosity, self-regulation, teamwork, gratitude, courage, respect, responsibility, diligence, perseverance, compassion, loyalty, forgiveness, and true heroism.  Literature is used to reinforce these character traits.

In addition to the Language Arts instruction offered at CSP, we are pleased to offer enrichment classes (aka Specials) in the areas of art, music, and physical education.  A field trip, field day, school concert, and art show are also part of every CSP student’s experience.

The Classical Academy exists to assist parents in their mission to develop exemplary citizens equipped with analytical thinking skills, virtuous character, and a passion for learning, all built upon a solid foundation of knowledge.

We look forward to partnering with you!