Charlotte Mason believed that students should be able to learn in ways that were meaningful to their lives. We believe, as Charlotte Mason did, in a "relational education"; a place where students learn to interact with the world around them and each other in meaningful ways.
At King’s Academy, we strive to create an environment where children can learn and grow through active play, curious exploration, creative expression and lots of physical interaction with the world around them. To this end, the following is an example of a typical day at King's Academy!
Students registered for the morning classes begin to arrive at school. A Bible study has been scheduled as well as a knitting class and a baking class; all morning classes have a limited registration and a set schedule of days/week for participants (tomorrow's hobbies are fishing and printmaking). Students registered to come to school early, but not registered for a Bible study or hobby class, are allowed to rest or play freely in the Learning Commons or on the playground (staffed by parent volunteers). All remaining students are expected to be at school by 8:30 am.
Students meet with their classmates and teachers for community building and prayer as well as to go over their learning plan for the day.
Today's lesson will begin with a History project about Explorers. The teacher will read a book and show a related video about explorers with the students (Upper School class ages 7-11) and then discuss the project the students will be working on for the next several days. After about 30 minutes, the teacher places the students into small groups to discuss their choices for the group project and make outlines (based on teacher guided directions) for their research. The teacher will bring the students back together in a large group at the end of class to discuss each group's plans and ideas. (Plans include project building and time in the School Library for research).
Depending on the student's Individualized Learning Plan registration, he/she will either begin learning independently, or be sent to the Learning Commons for L&L. During ILT, the student works by himself/herself with a learning guide or with a small group to learn and practice skill-based work. Activities might include a rotation through leveled-reader books, computer games, partner work (w/a "buddy"), etc. Their ILP has a weekly outline for the skills needing to be mastered and what activities the student needs to complete (a task sheet or checklist to mark when finished). Learning guides might be teachers, parent/community volunteers, specialized professionals, tutors, or older students.
If the child is registered to attend a Lunch & Leisure (L&L) time during this period, he or she will attend classes for his/her integrated ARTS/STEM/Languages coursework, 2-3 days per week (specialized teachers, parents or volunteers, professional community members, older students with "service" responsibilities, etc. host and supervise these classes/activities). The student is also allowed to take his/her time to eat lunch, play, rest, engage in free choice activities and socialize during this time.
Every day at noon, the whole school gathers together for a time of discipleship/chapel, worship and prayer. Four of these days are devoted to discipling one another with one day devoted to community chapel time. Students, parent volunteers, and staff/faculty gather to meet, counsel, study, and sing together as well as support one another and serve the community (missions/student-led ministry groups meet, discuss, and conduct their service activities).
Same as above, with afternoon activities related to the day's theme or lesson.
Same as AM GLT, however the students in the class will be studying a new topic related to the morning's studies (Science of the Oceans) and complete related activities with teacher guidance and direction.
Students meet with their classmates and teacher/s for job assignments and to wrap up their learning tasks for the day. May end with a closing prayer.
School ends for the day and students not getting picked up immediately are allowed to engage in free play/rest/leisure time, continue their unfinished work from the day, or explore more of their hobbies (on their own) from their morning classes. Only students registered for the ASP clubs, classes or a sport are allowed to remain at the school.
NOTE: Though we do not currently have a high school program, students in this age range (14-18yo) are allowed to complete their independent studies at the school with their younger siblings. We cannot accept any students without a currently enrolled family member at this time, however, we do have plans to expand our learning program to include high school programming in the future.