Classical Education

Religion is Central to Our Savior's Core Curriculum

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is central to Our Savior's curriculum and is shared in and out of the classroom.  Our students attend weekly chapel, pray throughout the day, sing the great hymns of the Christian church in music class, and memorize the Christian teachings found in Luther's Small Catechism throughout the year.

These are all wonderful opportunities to be nurtured by the love of Jesus Christ, to read His Word, and hear His Gospel

Our Savior Lutheran's Learn by Heart Program

Every grade level also has religion class where they study scripture and Christian teachings.  However, it is important to note that we do not accept the notion that there is knowledge that is secular and distinct from knowledge that is sacred.

God created all things.  The good, true, and beautiful are the objects of education in math, history, science, fine arts, and literature.   Accordingly, our faculty takes every opportunity to draw attention to those connections.  So, even though we set aside a time of day for "religion class," we never stop teaching our students "the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

We do not believe any child can be truly educated without knowing God and the transcendent reality of the good, true, and beautiful.  Ironically, even children in public schools will experience those things that can only come from God (it is impossible not to), but they are restricted from exploring their source in the classroom.

By contrast, when a child at Our Savior recognizes that because God exists, 2+2=4, recites the Ten Commandments from memory, sees God's plan develop through History, translates a Psalm in Latin, or uses science as a tool to explore and discover God's creation, we rejoice.

 

Our Students Study Latin - The Backbone of Language Arts

The study of Latin is the backbone of our language arts curriculum and the critical element that separates Our Savior's language arts mastery from other language arts programs in even Vanguard or GT programs.  Latin builds vocabulary, precision, and an eye for detail in every one of our students.  It lays a foundation for math and logic skills and prepares our students to encounter and master multiple foreign languages.  Latin is part of the core curriculum for grades 3 - 8.

Students in grades 3 & 4 study Latin for Children - Primer Series.  This is an engaging, incremental, and creative text filled with clear explanations, illustrations, and exercises.  There are many songs and chants that enable students to learn vocabulary and grammar with ease and delight .  Students in grades 3 & 4 focus on memorization of grammar and grammatical charts, and also learn to translate simple sentences.

Grades 5-8 use Wheelock's Latin.  This famous Latin text is exceptional.  Our goal is to teach the grammar of Latin through Grade 8.  In addition, to Latin grammar, students memorize Latin vocabulary words and translate sentences and passages. 

We believe Luther's words to be prophetic of what has happened today in our culture.  By restoring and passing on this birthright to our children we are arming them with the "sheath" of the sword of the spirit.  We can provide no better gift to our children.  Perhaps, they will agree with Thomas Jefferson when he wrote:

I thank on my knees Him who directed my early education, for having put into my possession this rich source of delight (a classical education in Latin): and I would not exchange it for anything which I could then have acquired, and have not since acquired.

Learning Latin is foundational to giving your child a classical education. Studying Latin improves mental discipline, indirectly improves English vocabulary and usage, and opens the doors to reading classical and technical literature.Mental DisciplineOne benefit of studying Latin is that it develops mental discipline. Studying any foreign language involves memorization and application. In Latin, students develop mental discipline by memorizing verb endings (conjugations), noun endings (declensions), and vocabulary words. Although our postmodern minds may balk at memorization, it is no different from preparing for algebra by memorizing the multiplication tables. We expect our children to drill in fine arts or sports, but we balk at drilling academic subjects.

Memorization to Translation

After children have developed the discipline of memorizing the fundamentals of Latin, they begin to apply what they have learned by conjugating verbs in different tenses, declining nouns, and translating. Translation is the final skill learned as students assimilate their knowledge of Latin vocabulary and grammar.

Study Habits

The process of memorizing and translating Latin develops excellent study habits as students learn to memorize, to apply, to thoroughly observe details, to work carefully, and to persevere. Latin provides a daily exercise regimen for the brain.

Improved Vocabulary

In addition to developing mental discipline, students who study Latin improve their understanding of their mother tongue—English. It has been estimated that 50% of English words have Latin roots. The number increases to roughly 80% of words that are two or more syllables. This means that Latin students have much higher scores on standardized vocabulary tests such as the SAT. More importantly, Latin students have a larger vocabulary at their command when they are reading and writing. 

Improved Writing

Vocabulary is not the only English language skill that is enhanced by Latin studies. When students translate sentences and larger passages from Latin to English, they also get a comprehensive course in English grammar as they learn to consider how the eight parts of speech function in both languages. Latin students also receive an excellent education in style. Latin is a more precise and concise language than English. This is why Latin forms the basis for so many inscriptions such as e pluribus unum (out of many, one) on American coins and the mottoes for states, universities, and other institutions. After deliberate studies of Latin, students become better writers in English. Writers throughout history— including notables such as Shakespeare—have credited their Latin studies for their English language facility.

Multi-Language Learning

If these were not enough intellectual riches, students of Latin have an advantage when they proceed to study other languages. In his book, The Latin-Centered Curriculum, Andrew Campbell notes that, “the major Romance languages—Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese—derive 90% or more of their vocabulary from Latin” (p. 44). Students of Latin apprehend other languages much more quickly not just because of their training in grammar and translation, but because they have a head start in remembering the meanings of new words which have Latin roots.

Opening Doors to Learning

One final consideration is the way in which Latin opens doors to classic and technical literature. When we teach our children Latin, we open doors for them—doors to reading history, literature, science, medicine, and Scripture. Imagine your children automatically translating the scientific names of animals and insects, gaining a fresh perspective on democracy, and reading John 1 in Latin. Latin students reconnect not just with the roots of our language, but with the roots of our culture and our Christian faith. To connect with our Christian culture, we must go back to the beginning which includes a look at Latin—the written and spoken language during the early church.

Unfortunately, most of us were educated in a system which had neglected or even ridiculed the study of Latin by modern students. Fortunately, we have an abundance of resources within our grasp for helping us to learn Latin and teach it to our students. 

Although Latin can be challenging, the benefits are worth the time and the occasional struggle. Our students will be rewarded with superb study skills for tackling all difficult subjects, a rich vocabulary, and a deep connection to our classical, Christian culture.

History at OSL is a Learn By Heart Curriculum

Our paideia places a strong emphasis on history and geography. It is not a typical "social studies" approach. Our Savior's history curriculum is remarkable.

All students, from Kindergarten to Grade 8 learn by heart the Antiquitas Centum, the "History 100." These are 100 key events in the history of mankind from Creation to 9/11. Through the course of the academic year, students learn songs, chants, and even dances that tell the entire story of history through these 100 events.

Learning these events "by heart" gives every child at Our Savior a complete mental framework of history from ancient Egypt to modern America. But this is just the beginning.

In Grade 1, Our Savior's students begin a seven-year journey that will take them through all of human history twice. The first cycle starts in Grade 1 with a study of Ancient History and finishes in Grade 5 with 20^th century America. The second cycle takes them through history a second time between Grade 6 and Grade 8 building on the foundation that was built in the first cycle and developing a deeper understanding of the currents and conflicts that have run through human history. Throughout, the study of geography is key.

Overarching these cycles is the Antiquitas Centum so the students never forget the context of the particular period they are studying. In addition, we integrate their historical study with the literature they are reading and religion class. This is all part of a comprehensive and integrated history program meant to develop a thorough understanding of Western Civilization and Western culture.

The history curriculum incorporates a variety of different resources to guide students through their journey through time. The timeline is our primary map and guide so we do not feel the need to be confined to one textbook.

OSL Students Master Language Arts...And Much More

Our Savior's liberal arts of learning teaches language arts mastery - not simply basic skills. Grammar, logic and rhetoric were the first three liberal arts (the "Trivium") and all three are central to the classical education we provide to our Houston students. The curriculum we use for reading, spelling, and composition are selected because they teach and build excellent foundations in those liberal arts. We use:

• The Writing Road to Reading - The Spalding Method for Teaching Speech, Spelling, Writing, and Reading. Grades 3 - 8
• The Shurley Method - English Made Easy. Grades 3 - 8
• Novel Based Literature
• Progymnasmata

Spalding is our phonics based reading program in grades 3 - 8 that allows our students to encounter quality literature earlier and challenge them to stretch their vocabularies and imagination.  We do not use "basal readers" that edit and abridge literature pieces according to   pre-determined reading levels (thus, lowering the level of difficulty).  We believe that our students should be challenged with quality literature as early as possible.

We use the Shurley Method English program to study English grammar because it complements our commitment to English mastery and memorization. This allows the study of English grammar to move at an accelerated pace and give our students a head start at English mastery.

Progymnasmata is "fore-exercises"; a series of preliminary rhetorical exercises. Progymnasmata is arguably the best curriculum that fully prepares students for tacking the art of rhetoric. Communication is an art that can be taught through the pedagogy of imitation and repetition--explicit instructions, multiple contexts, and deep cognitive engagement. We use A Classical Approach to Writing Instruction: the Progymnasmata; by Jim Selby.

In addition, to this thorough study of English grammar, composition, and reading, Our Savior has made Latin a core curriculum to further augment its curriculum in Language Arts.

Saxon Math Reflects OSL School's Classical Focus

Our commitment to classical education means that we seek mastery in our student.  Our Savior uses the Saxon Math curriculum because it reflects our classical focus.  Saxon uses and incremental approach to teaching math that is comprehensive.  Review is constant and cumulative.  Nothing that is learned is cast aside or forgotten.  In Grade 6, students are tested for eligibility to begin  Pre-Algebra in Grade 7 followed by Algebra in grade 8.

 

OSL School Students Discover and Explore Science

At Our Savior, students encounter science as a tool to discover and explore God's creation around them.

Science classes in Kindergarten through Grade 5 study life science, physical science, earth science and the human body.  Our students' knowledge of science is developed throughout the grammar school years.  The content of that study begins at a very basic level in Kindergarten, and it becomes increasingly more complex as the students progress through the grades. Science in Grades 6, 7, and 8 is textbook driven with approximately 40% of class time devoted to labs.

The primary focus of science in Grade 6 is general science.  This includes instruction in chemistry and physics.  In Grade 7, the focus is on biology with three units of dissection.  Grade 8 science class focuses on Earth and Physical science with three units designed to develop problem-solving skills.

Logic is Integrated Into Our Core Curriculum

Logic is the second liberal art of Learning.  Logic is integrated with our approach to Latin, mathematics, and science.  In addition, Our Savior conducts a formal logic class in Grade 8.  We have found Logic school students eager to engage in disputes and arguments over important issues and insignificant ones.  We have determined that we must teach them to argue properly.  Moreover, logic complements our Language Arts program by teaching our students to be better writers and speakers.