In an increasingly image-oriented world, the English curriculum at Coram Deo Academy promotes the biblical primacy of words as a means of learning and communicating truth. We help our students develop the tools that will enable them to grow into wise thinkers and ethical servant leaders: the ability to enjoy challenging literature from many genres and eras, the ability to express themselves eloquently in both written and oral communication, and most of all, the ability to perceive and to appreciate what is good, what is beautiful, and what is true through the development of their moral imaginations.

This type of education is built upon a basic understanding of language. From their first years, CDA students are educated in the structure and grammar of both classical Latin and modern English. They study phonics, trammar, and by third grade, Latin which complements their growing understanding of English syntax, grammar, and vocabulary. As the students reach our logic and high school, they master a variety of clauses and phrases, analyzing both the structure and the impact of various sentence forms. They also continue with their study of Latin, adding Spanish and Greek if desired.

Coram Deo students are trained to be eloquent, effective communicators in both written and oral presentation. Our writing curriculum is based upon the classical fourteen step Progymnasmata, writing exercises developed in ancient Greece and used throughout the history of Western Civilization. Students learn how to write stories and fables, persuasive and analytical arguments, descriptions, research papers, encomiums, vituperations, and editorials. Their assignments include both creative and imitative writing. All students participate in some form of oral presentation several times a year, with a special focus on oral presentation in seventh grade Speech/Debate and eleventh grade AP Rhetoric. Critical analysis is always an emphasis, but students take an entire course in formal logic in their ninth grade year. As students enter their rhetoric level studies, they are given increasing opportunities to teach others, culminating in their senior author presentations in English 12.

During the early years, students are both reading and read to, as their ability to read to themselves does not yet equal their ability to comprehend words read by others. They enjoy studying and memorizing scripture, as well as nursery rhymes, classic fairy tales, and Aesop’s fables. Students read year round, with opportunities for summer reading rewards and recognition. As early as possible, students are introduced to primary documents, studying the speeches and writings of great leaders and thinkers. By seventh grade, students are ready for some Advanced Placement level works. In eighth grade, students start a five year sweep of the history and literature of Western Civilization beginning with the Old Testament, Greek mythology, and Homer’s epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey. By graduation, students have encountered the works of the great Greek and Roman authors, studied medieval and Renaissance plays and poetry, and read Enlightenment satire, Romantic poetry, and Victorian and modern novels, plays, and poems.

 

Although students master the “grammar” of the study of literature and scripture-- biblical hermeneutics, literary and poetic terms, genres, and periods-- the focus of our study of literature is developing a love for what is good and true. According to Aristotle, a real education teaches the student to like and dislike what he ought. This involves training hearts and affections, not only minds and intellects. While exploring the great books of Western Civilization, CDA students begin to take part in the great conversation, the ongoing study of what comprises the good life and the right-side-up human soul.