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Board of Advisors
Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Joseph Pearce
John Galten
Dr. Susan Treacy
Philip Lawler
Joseph Pearce
John Galten
Dr. Susan Treacy
Philip Lawler
Curriculum
HISTORYStudying History at Magnificat Academy is designed to unlock a sense of wonder in what has gone before, in “that fascinating and vitally relevant story of what has happened in the lives of our ancestors and fellow men since earliest times”, explains Headmaster Paul Jernberg. Magnificat’s integrated curriculum incorporates a three-year cycle at each of the stages of the Trivium. This cycle rotates, with increasing depth, studies in Ancient Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages through the Modern Era, and finally American History. While the historical period is being presented through biography and the classic writers of each era, the students read selections of historical fiction whose themes and events touch on that era. Students learn to “place” these events through a curriculum of Geography and map-making skills as well. Poems and speeches are studied and memorized, so as to develop a lasting source of knowledge and delight. Older children regularly read the texts of the original documents that shaped the various periods in history.
LITERATURE
In Literature the emphasis for younger students is on the “Thousand Good Books”. This list builds upon principles articulated by the noted classicist, John Senior, in his book, “The Death of Christian Culture”, who compiled a list of books that “everyone should have read”. Reading these books is the perfect preparation for the “Great Books” and for all studies in the arts and sciences. The engaging prose in these classic stories ignites the imagination, develops moral discernment and awakens a lifelong love of reading. Older students move on to the “Great Books” of the ancient, medieval and modern world by authors such as Homer, Virgil, Dante, Shakespeare and Dickens, to name a few.
GRAMMAR AND COMPOSITION
Immersion in good literature becomes an inspiration and model for the children as they learn the mechanics of grammar through spelling, vocabulary, dictation and diagramming and progress on to more advanced composition skills. Magnificat Academy sees a great value in teaching the art of writing. A methodical approach is used to achieve this mastery, so that the student can first learn to write strong sentences and paragraphs, and then work towards crafting logical and persuasive essays.
MATHEMATICS
A strong foundation in Mathematics is acquired in the younger grades through mastering Arithmetic skills, so that the children can confidently progress to Algebra, Geometry (including Euclid) and Trigonometry. The logical thinking skills developed in a proper study of Mathematics, aided by problem solving exercises, help the students to combine lifelong dexterity in critical thinking with the creative resourcefulness to think “outside the box”.
LATIN
Magnificat Academy remains faithful to the traditional classical curriculum in its program of Latin instruction in all grades. Latin holds a prominent place in academic pursuits due to its position as the foundation for many of the modern languages. Furthermore, the significance of Latin in the sciences, in the Church and in the writings of the ancients all point to its relevance for the student of today. In addition, the study of the Latin language, which is constructed to clearly convey meaning, is an aid in the study of English grammar, logical thinking and precise expression. Young students begin gently with “Latin with Laughter” and the memorization of famous quotations, progress to develop grammatical skills and vocabulary, and as upper classmen read from original works in Latin.
SCIENCES
The classical curriculum is by nature well-ordered and reasonable, and one of the primary tasks of the teacher is to reveal the dignity and order of each subject to the students. Nowhere is this more crucial than in the sciences. In this domain, students learn to progress step by step from diligent and thorough study of the world around them, to reasonable questions, theories, experiments and conclusions.
In the early grades the children receive an introduction to Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Astronomy, in which observation, identification and description play a key role. Drawing skills developed in the Art curriculum are used to record their observations in nature journals.
Only after this preliminary grounding in the natural sciences can students move on to the more theoretical approach that is taught in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In these subjects, original works of some of the greatest scientific minds are read as a complement to textbooks, exposing the students to "first hand" knowledge and helping them share a sense of adventure in scientific discovery.
PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPhysical Education provides students at the Academy with a safe environment in which to engage in a variety of sports, games, and activities. These are meant to increase the child’s sense of personal confidence, to develop a greater degree of coordination, balance, flexibility, agility, and strength, and to foster team spirit and a sense of mutual support. This dimension of the curriculum contributes significantly to the overall well-being of the students and provides a vital complement to the intellectual, artistic and spiritual dimensions of school life.
RELIGION
Religion classes complete the course of academic studies at Magnificat Academy and hold the place of honor in the Catholic curriculum. Children are led in the study of the Bible, become well acquainted with the lives of the Saints and learn the basic truths of the Catechism. The beautiful language of the Scriptural authors is internalized as students commit verses and psalms to memory. Liturgical prayers are also memorized and explained so that the children can develop an understanding and appreciation of their value, not just a mechanical knowledge. In the upper grades students read original works by Saints and Doctors of the Church, and delve more deeply into theological questions. As students mature, a strong emphasis is placed on the vital connection between faith and reason. Questions are encouraged, so that the young people can fully engage their minds as well as their hearts in the pursuit of truth.
Magnificat Academy is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit charity