Academics
in three acts.
What we study, when we study it, and why we still bother with Latin and the catechism.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.”Proverbs 1:7
Every subject at Maxey Academy is read in the light of this verse. We do not teach history, science, literature, or mathematics as autonomous disciplines that may, if time permits, be reconciled with faith. We teach them as creaturely subjects in a world that has an Author, with the same reverence due any account of His works.
The Trivium
Grammatica
Forms K · I · II · III · IV
Ages 5–10
The Grammar Stage
The Grammar Stage trades on the child's natural love of memorization, rhythm, and naming. We furnish the mind with material — facts, stories, songs, dates, names, the books of Scripture — knowing that these will be the raw matter of all later thinking. The student is not yet asked why. The student is asked what, where, when, and who.
- 01Mastery of phonics; fluent oral reading
- 02Multiplication facts to twelve; mental arithmetic
- 03Memorization of poetry, Scripture, and historical timelines
- 04Daily narration; weekly copywork
- 05Nature notebook kept and reviewed
- 06The catechism begun and the books of the Bible learned in order
Dialectica
Forms V · VI · VII · VIII
Ages 11–13
The Logic Stage
Somewhere around the age of eleven, children become argumentative. We consider this providential. The Logic Stage harnesses the new and irrepressible desire to debate, to challenge, to demand reasons. We teach the student to make a proper argument and (with greater difficulty) to recognize one in others. The student begins to ask how do we know? — and we begin to answer, with Scripture and reason both.
- 01Pre-Algebra and Algebra I; Euclidean geometry begun
- 02Formal logic; argumentation; the catechism of fallacies
- 03Expository writing in earnest; the structured essay
- 04Latin grammar; vocabulary roots; English etymology
- 05Independent reading at length and at depth
- 06The first sustained study of theology and Church history
Rhetorica
Forms IX · X · XI · XII
Ages 14–18
The Rhetoric Stage
By the Rhetoric Stage the student has facts (Grammar) and the means of arranging them (Logic). What remains is expression — to render thought in a form fit for an audience, and faithful to the truth. The senior year culminates in an original thesis, defended in conversation, in which the student is expected to give a confessional account of what has been learned.
- 01Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, Calculus as readiness permits
- 02Reading of primary sources in history, philosophy, and theology
- 03Original research and the senior thesis
- 04Latin readings; introductory Greek for the willing
- 05Public speaking; recitation; argument and counter-argument
- 06A defended thesis offered, in part, as a Christian account of the question
Subject Offerings
Sacred Studies
Bible
Read daily, in course; the canon as the spine of every other subject.
Catechism
Memorized in part. Drawn from the historic Protestant tradition.
Theology
From the Apostles' Creed forward. The student learns what the Church has confessed and why.
Christian History
From Pentecost to the present. The Reformation receives particular attention.
Letters
Phonics & Reading
Direct, systematic, multi-sensory. From the alphabet to A Christmas Carol.
Grammar & Composition
Sentence diagramming returns. Five-paragraph essays earn their place.
Literature
Read aloud daily; read silently often. A canon of one's own.
Latin
Begun in Form III. Pursued for at least four years. Recommended for life.
Numbers
Mathematics
Singapore math through Form V; Saxon through Algebra; classical proofs thereafter.
Logic
Formal logic from Form VI. Material fallacies identified and named.
Computer Science
Taught as a liberal art, not a trade. Beginning in Form VII.
Nature
Nature Study
Weekly outings. Sketches. Identifications. The keeping of a field notebook.
Biology
Life cycles, taxonomies, the dissection of an annual specimen (humanely sourced).
Chemistry
Begins with the kitchen. Ends with stoichiometry.
Physics
Newtonian first. Modern when ready. Always with a pendulum.
Astronomy
Conducted, weather permitting, from the backyard. The heavens declare.
Humanity
History
Four-year rotation: Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern. Three passes total.
Geography
Maps drawn from memory. Continents, capitals, currents.
Civics
The Constitution memorized in part. The Federalist Papers read in earnest.
The Arts & Body
Music
Hymn study, classical listening, piano for those who will.
Drawing
Daily, even briefly. The hand follows the eye.
Recitation
A poem or psalm a fortnight. Pieces performed at family gatherings.
Physical Education
Florida-style: outdoors, year-round, frequently barefoot.
Domestic Arts
Cooking, mending, gardening, the basic maintenance of a household.
How we measure progress
We hold ourselves to the standards of any serious classical school. The student who completes the course at Maxey Academy is expected to read fluently above grade, write well in expository and creative forms, perform mathematics to at least Algebra II by Form X and Calculus by graduation, read Latin at the level of Caesar's Gallic Wars, give a faithful account of the Christian faith, and defend a senior thesis of original argument.
The proof of the curriculum is in the graduates. The Academy's first alumna matriculated to her university and completed her degree summa cum laude. We expect the same of those who follow her.
We administer annual standardized assessments as required by Florida law (F.S. § 1002.41), maintain a portfolio of student work, and produce official transcripts on academic-school letterhead suitable for any college admissions office.