Lower School Curriculum
Freedom Preparatory Academy uses the highly acclaimed, academically rigorous Core Knowledge Sequence, Saxon Math, Spalding Language Arts and Shurley English to ensure that our students meet and exceed the Utah State Core Curriculum. Other subjects offered include physical education, computers, art, and music. We also have a full-service library for the students to use. We hire certified teachers and provide extensive training in implementing these curricula.
Core Knowledge
The Core Knowledge curriculum provides a systematic sequence of grade-specific content to be taught each year. This core content is organized to grow through the class levels, becoming more sophisticated and detailed in each successive grade. This sequential building of knowledge not only helps ensure that children enter each new grade ready to learn, but also helps prevent repetition and gaps. See more at www.coreknowledge.org.
To prepare for the start of the school year, we suggest you purchase from any major bookstore, Core Knowledge Sequence book for your child’s current grade level.
- What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know
- What Your 1st Grader Needs to Know
- What Your 2nd Grader Needs to Know
- What Your 3rd Grader Needs to Know
- What Your 4th Grader Needs to Know
- What Your 5th Grader Needs to Know
- What Your 6th Grader Needs to Know
Spalding Language Arts
The Spalding Method is a total language arts system. Spalding helps young children understand how individual sounds work together (phonemic awareness) and then assigns written symbols to the sounds. Older children participate in reading, writing and discussing a wide range of high-quality literature. See more at www.spalding.org.
If parents wish to prepare their child for Freedom Preparatory Academy, click here to see a list of books for the current grade of your child. Read with your child daily, and encourage him/her to read independently as well. This list will help parents understand what the reading expectations are.
Students will participate in the AR (accelerated reader) program based on their individual reading level. This program supports reading comprehension and development. To check the level of a book see the AR website www.arbookfind.com/UserType.aspx.
Saxon Math
Saxon Math introduces math concepts to children and allows them to build upon them as they learn new concepts. Each area of learning increases in complexity and is practiced daily to provide the time required for concepts to become proficient.
Saxon textbooks divide concepts into small, easily grasped pieces called increments. A new increment is presented each day and students work only a few problems involving the new material. The remaining homework consists of practice problems involving concepts previously introduced. Thus, every assignment (and every test) is a cumulative review of all material covered up to that point. See more at www.saxonpublishing.com.
Students are assessed each year to determine placement for the following school year. Because Saxon Math is an accelerated math program, students can work at their own level and pace.
Shurley English
The Shurley English curriculum gives students the skills necessary to write well. Emphasis on writing yields an understanding of correct sentence structure, paragraph expansion necessary for well constructed essays, reports and letters. For more information visit www.shurley.com.
Other Curriculum Resources
Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch, Jr.
Books to Build On: A Grade-by-Grade Resource Guide, John Holden, E.D. Hirsch, Jr.
The Educated Child: A Parent’s Guide, William J. Bennett, Chester E. Finn, Jr., John T.E. Cribb, Jr.
Middle School Curriculum
Freedom Preparatory Academy offers the State Core Curriculum featuring Saxon Math, language arts, science, CTE, PE, history, geography, art and music.
Additionally, for upper division students we offer broadcasting, technology (IC3 certification earned by all students), digital photography, debate, Latin, public speaking, journalism, theater and French.
Upper School Curriculum
Ninth grade students will be required to take:
- English 9
- Math: Secondary Math I/Honors Math I
- Earth Science
- Geography
- Foreign Language: French, ASL or Latin
- Fitness for Life
- Freshman Seminar
- Electives may include: Digital Media, Speech/Debate, Art Foundations and Drama (Seminary and Choir will also be available before school)
See sample bell schedule below: