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Elementary and Junior High Curriculum
What is the proper content? We do not regard all subjects as equal. Our curriculum includes those subjects which give students the skills they need in all areas of endeavor. Kindergarten through junior high school children need a solid foundation in each of the core subjects: history, literature, math, science, and writing.
History
History shows students on a grand scale the consequences of men’s ideas and actions. It is crucial that they learn an overview of the development of mankind.
 We offer a first introduction to the essentials of history from Ancient Greece through the 20th Century. This material is presented as an intriguing and logical story, rather than a series of unconnected facts and dates. As a result, the student emerges with a deeper understanding of the world in which he lives.
More about our history program ->
Literature
The value of literature is the experience of the unique universe created by each author. When confronted with themes of independence as in Ibsen's "An Enemy of The People," or justice as in Rattigan's "The Winslow Boy," students learn to think deeply about the ideas and values that will shape their own choices.
 When introduced to the tragedy of a Shakespeare drama, or the heroism of a Victor Hugo novel, they experience the thrill of the ideas and values being played out in action.
More about our literature program ->
Math
A study of math teaches the child logical rigor and precision in thinking, while providing him with indispensable tools for understanding physical science. Our “back-to-basics” math program teaches math skills in incremental, logically-ordered steps, integrating each new concept with a review of those already mastered. Students are given word problems to ensure they have a conceptual, and not just mechanical, grasp of the material.
Science
A proper science curriculum provides students with an understanding of the physical world. At the same time, it teaches them the power of the human mind to discover such knowledge and use it to benefit our lives.
 Our approach is unique. We teach the fundamental concepts of physics, biology, and chemistry in their historical order of development. This is the only way they can be truly grasped: the earliest discoveries are the most basic, and later knowledge builds on the foundation they provide.
Our students gain a real understanding of science, and can use their knowledge to explain the world around them.
Language Arts: Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary, Spelling
For a child to develop clarity of thought and expression, he must achieve mastery of the language he uses every day. VanDamme Academy’s language arts program immerses students in the fundamentals of English.
 Our writing program carefully guides students through the process of outlining, writing a rough draft, and editing. Our strong grammar curriculum gives students the means to express their thoughts clearly. By learning to write logically and grammatically, while building spelling skills and a rich vocabulary, our students become clear-thinking and articulate young adults.
More about our language arts program ->
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