How much homework should a student expect? 

Nightly homework is a regular part of our academic program. As a general rule of thumb, students should expect ten minutes of homework per grade level, plus some additional reading. Thus, the typical first-grader should anticipate 10 minutes of homework each evening on average, besides the time his/her parent spends reading to the child, whereas the typical sixth-grader should expect roughly an hour of homework each evening (minus whatever the student completes in the half-hour study hall that upper school students have at the end of each school day). 

What is your position on the use of technology in the classroom? 

We believe that technology should be regarded as a tool. Where it is helpful, we favor its use. Where it is a hindrance, we avoid it. Typically, students do not use electronic devices in the classroom. We certainly do not aspire to a 1:1 student/technology ratio. Use of cell phones is not permitted during the school day. That said, various electronic tools, including student laptops, are available for use at the discretion of the teacher. There is a computer lab and carts of Chromebooks available for teachers to check out. Each classroom is equipped with a computer, projector, and document camera. 

Why the emphasis on Latin? 

The Latin language outlived the Roman Empire. It remained the common language of the educated class throughout the West until the 1700s. Those who master the Latin language will enjoy immediate access to two millennia of some of the greatest philosophical, theological, political, literary, scientific, mathematical, medical, artistic, musical, architectural, and educational works ever written. Translation of Latin literature also cultivates a keen sense of style, one that is characterized by precision, order, and beauty. Even for those who do not achieve mastery, the benefits are significant. Study of the Latin language provides an excellent foundation for the study of English vocabulary and grammar. Roughly two-thirds of the English language derives from Latin. Other benefits owe to the structure of the Latin language. Translating Latin demands careful and logical thought. The memory, discipline, and focus required by the study of Latin provide the sort of mental conditioning that makes students more capable in every other course of study they undertake. It is no accident that students who study Latin consistently score higher on the SAT and outperform their peers in other fields of study.

Why the focus on the Western tradition? 

We seek to prepare students for the responsibilities of citizenship in a free society. To that end, we seek to impart cultural literacy—to introduce students to the accumulated wisdom and experience of our intellectual and social traditions. Our culture’s roots are predominately Western. And so, while we study non-Western cultures as well, particular emphasis is put on the West. And within the West, we give particular attention on our own country. We strive for a balance of depth and breadth. Beginning in Kindergarten, students at Seven Oaks Classical School begin studying world history and geography. They also begin learning American history, literature, sayings, and poems. By the time students reach middle school, they will have studied virtually every major civilization, ancient and modern, Western and non-Western. Meanwhile, they will have engaged in a rich and recurring examination of American history, literature, philosophy, and politics.  

What is Literacy Essentials? 

Literacy Essentials, by Access Literacy, is a form of explicit phonics instruction in the Orton-Gillingham family of curricula. This approach lays the foundations for high levels of literacy through explicit, intensive phonics instruction. Students learn all 71 phonograms in the English language and the rules for their use, as well as penmanship and grammar. For more information, see www.accessliteracy.com/.

What is Core Knowledge? 

The Core Knowledge Sequence is the backbone of Seven Oaks’ K-8 curriculum in history, science, literature, music, and art. The Core Knowledge Sequence is premised on a few basic ideas. The first is that knowledge builds upon knowledge. In each subject, a student’s reading comprehension and overall academic success depends on whether he or she possesses sufficient background knowledge to make sense of new material. The second idea is that there is a common body of knowledge all citizens should possess. A shared body of knowledge makes possible high levels of literacy and communication. Mastering this common body of knowledge broadens students’ minds and lays the foundation for effective communication and intelligent participation in the civic life of our country. Consistent with both of these ideas, the Core Knowledge Sequence seeks to teach students the “grammar” of each subject. The Sequence consists of an integrated, content rich course of study that systematically builds students’ background knowledge in the various academic disciplines.

Why Singapore Math? 

Singapore Math was developed in the nation of Singapore, which consistently ranks at the top of the world in mathematics. Singapore Math teaches the subject in the way that older generations of Americans learned it. This approach is marked by a teacher-guided discussion of each component part of a math concept in order to avoid over-reliance on formulas. It builds a conceptual understanding by moving from the concrete to the pictorial to the abstract. It places particular emphasis on mental math and mathematical reasoning skills. For more information, visit www.singaporemath.com.