HILLSDALE K-12 CURRICULUM
Our Curriculum
An American Classical Education
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on language, content-rich subjects, a solid foundation of core knowledge, and an in-depth exploration of the historical, literary, and scientific legacies of the United States and Western civilization. It has been thoughtfully chosen to cater to the diverse needs of all our students. The following elements are at the heart of our curriculum.
A Well-Rounded Course of Study
At American Classical Academy Rutherford, students receive a well-rounded education in the liberal arts and sciences. All students study Literature, Literacy (explicit phonics and grammar), Mathematics, History, Science, Music, Art, Latin, and Physical Education. In their early years of school (Lower School, K-6), students will be prepared for the later years (Upper School, 7-12) where students will increasingly read, consider and discuss primary documents, classical literature and philosophy, rhetoric, logic and other important subjects.
Rooted in Human Nature
A classical education teaches us to seek knowledge of the nature of things, especially the nature of man and of the universe as a whole. Human beings are naturally curious about themselves, their relationships to others and their relationship with the world they live in. We are driven by a desire to know ourselves, our nature and our purpose.
The Humanities and the Sciences
In our quest to know ourselves and the world we live in, we find great assistance in the study of the great works of literature, philosophy, politics, and art that have been produced by mankind. These works enable us to more clearly understand human nature and the human good. Additionally, the study of mathematics and the sciences helps us understand the physical world, natural order, and our relationship to the physical world. Furthermore, the study of history allows us to better understand ourselves as part of the ongoing human story we are all part of and, along with the other subject areas, allows us to pursue a meaningful, fruitful and truly human life.
A liberal education liberates us. It helps to free us from ignorance and confusion, from prejudice and delusion, and from the wild passions and fanciful hopes that can degrade and destroy us. It liberates human beings by preparing us to be more reasonable and imaginative in a manner that allows us to see the world more clearly and honestly. We are increasingly more able to participate in a good, true, beautiful and happy life.
Moral Formation
Liberal education is, in part, an education that results in moral formation and habits oriented towards what is good, right and noble. Liberal education guides us in becoming free thinkers who are self-reliant and responsible, capable of governing ourselves and taking part in the self-government of our communities. Liberal education makes us fit to be true citizens of a free society.
Curriculum Map
Through our partnership with the Hillsdale Barney Charter School Initiative, we offer a proven curriculum that forms a complete whole, one that helps to ensure that a student’s learning is integrated between subjects and across grade levels. Within a grade, for example, history lessons connect with art, music, and literature, and science lessons connect with mathematics, history, and music. In all subjects, the foundation built in the younger grades enables deeper study as students mature.
Curriculum Sheets
Through our partnership with the Hillsdale Barney Charter School Initiative, we offer a proven curriculum that forms a complete whole, one that helps to ensure that a student’s learning is integrated between subjects and across grade levels. Within a grade, for example, history lessons connect with art, music, and literature, and science lessons connect with mathematics, history, and music. In all subjects, the foundation built in the younger grades enables deeper study as students mature.
Elementary School
Middle School
High School
Now Hiring K-12 Teachers
Interested in being an educator at ACAR? We are now hiring teachers grades K-5. Join us in our mission to train the minds and develop the characters of our students!
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