Dogwood Classical Academy plans to use the Hillsdale College K-12 Curriculum featuring a traditional, well-balanced core of essential subjects. Students in grades K-6 receive instruction in phonics, grammar, literature, history, geography, science, conversational Latin, art, music, and physical education. To receive a diploma, a student must maintain a minimum overall grade-point average of C-. 

One of the most unique and wonderful things about our K-12 Curriculum is its focus on cultural literacy. We are a product of the Western tradition and believe it is important to pass that tradition on to the next generation. The curriculum, therefore, focuses on the history and literature of Western Civilization. Students begin history and geography in the lower grades before diving deeper into ancient, European, and American history in the upper school. Along the way, students complete a full year of moral and political philosophy and U.S. Government. In these classes, students will read source documents that include Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics, The Federalist Papers, US Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and Tocqueville's "Democracy in America."

At the K-6 level the Dogwood Academy program emphasizes homework, daily review, memorization, and drill. At the same time, it stresses civility: students are expected to value learning, to respect their teachers, themselves, and fellow students, to be neat, punctual, and considerate.

• Phonics - is a method of teaching people to read by correlating sounds with letters or groups of letters in an alphabetic writing system. Along with the study of Latin, it builds a foundation for reading unfamiliar texts. This skill is enhanced by learning to read and write in cursive. We use Literacy Essentials curriculum as part of our phonics curriculum.

• English - We use age-appropriate poetry and books that have proven themselves over time. They are the foundational works of our society derived from centuries of evolution through Greece, Rome, and England. They teach vocabulary, grammar, and beauty simultaneously while instilling basic knowledge of facts. For example, by reading Shakespeare students learn grammar, effective structure, and the beauty of carefully expressed thought. Download our summer reading suggestions.

• History – Initially, students learn their history by playing memorization games. In the later grades, studying original sources develops an intrinsic understanding of the values of Western Civilization. By the simultaneous study of history alongside literature of the time, students understand the evolution of culture and learn to analyze concepts to discern the inherent values. Studying the histories of Greece, Rome, and England gives the student the basic facts of our society’s evolution. In later grades, comparing these cultures instills an appreciation for how our Republic evolved.

• Mathematics – The Singapore method provides an intentional progression of concepts instilling a deep understanding of mathematics rather than using rote memorization or gimmicky techniques.. Students using this method are consistently among the top students in international tests. Click here to watch a video that explains why we use Singapore Math.

• Art – To live a full and productive life one must find beauty in the world. Exposure to art that has endured develops a sense of beauty in the students’ mind. By applying their foundation in language, history, and mathematics to the study of music, sculpture, and painting, students learn to appreciate the harmony that is derived from skillful expression.

• Science – We will use the Core Knowledge curriculum to teach the basic facts of science. Do not confuse this with Common Core that we will not be using.

• Foreign Language - Students start learning Greek and Latin roots in fourth grade and ultimately complete four years of Latin study. Students may then choose to continue Latin or take a modern language starting their sophomore year.

Specific topic example Sample Schedules Summer Reading Suggestions