CLASSICAL STUDIES
BACK TO BASICS
Reading and writing embrace traditional phonics instruction, while mathematics instruction relies upon memorization and review combined with the appropriate use of manipulatives and story problems for the understanding of math concepts. These subjects are block scheduled to allow students to move according to their skill level.​

PENMANSHIP
Marshall Academy believes students should be taught to see the importance of conveying information or ideas in a handwritten form that can be readily deciphered by the reader, and to take personal satisfaction in neat, legible writing. Word processing equipment will never eliminate the frequent need and desire for handwritten notes and letters, whether personal or professional. Marshall Academy provides a solid foundation for students beginning with manuscript writing in kindergarten and first grade, then introducing cursive in third grade.

LATIN
Starting in third grade students are exposed to basic Latin concepts. Through songs, chants, and stories students learn vocabulary and grammar.  Students in 4th - 6th grade also use this time to study advanced vocabulary from Greek and Latin roots.  This early exposure to Latin prepares students to better understand the material when they begin their high school credits for graduation. 

LANGUAGE ARTS
GRADES 2-5
Each module consists of two one-hour blocks of content-based literacy instruction. Together, these two hours of curriculum teach and formally assess all strands of the Language Arts standards for each grade level.

GRADES 6-8
This course focuses on reading strategies while studying classic literature. English grammar and writing are embedded in the literary studies as well as supplemented through the use of Scholastic SCOPE magazines. Students will read 6-8 complete works throughout the course, ranging from biographies, historical fiction, and novels.  

GRADES 9/10 - WORLD LITERATURE
This course is designed to increase a variety of language skills through the study of literary genres, vocabulary development, writing experiences, practical use of grammar, and technical aspects of language. There will be a focus on great works of literature and literary interpretation in an historical context, while recognizing the contemporary relevance of classic literary themes. A formal research paper will be required, which will include research, note taking, documentation, and formal presentation.

GRADES 9/10 - WESTERN HERITAGE LITERATURE
This course is designed to enhance a variety of language arts skills through the study of literary genres; the practical application of grammar, and the technical aspects of language; vocabulary development; and writing experiences. There will be a focus on great literary works, literary review, and interpretation in an historical context, while recognizing the contemporary relevance of classic literary themes. The selected literature integrates this course with the history of Western Civilization. A formal research paper, including research, note taking, documentation, and formal presentation, is required.

GRADES 11/12 - AMERICAN LITERATURE
This course will examine great works of American literature.  Additionally, there will be frequent written assignments meant to enhance reading comprehension and to further refine both mechanics and composition skills.  A final component of the course will be an introduction to public speaking, culminating with student preparation and delivery of both an informative and persuasive oral presentation.

GRADES 11/12 - BRITISH LITERATURE
This course will examine great works of British literature. There will be weekly written assignments meant to enhance reading comprehension and to further refine both mechanics and composition skills. Written assignments will include, but not be limited to, critical analysis, research, and response.

HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE
GRADE 9 - BIOLOGY
This course will provide the student with detailed studies of a variety of topics within the realm of general biology including cytology, genetics, ecology and a survey of living things.  In addition, the course will cover a basic study of human anatomy and physiology.  Students will be expected to extend their learning beyond the accumulation of facts and develop an appreciation of the underlying scientific principles and processes, which are central to a true understanding of the subject.

GRADE 10/11 - CHEMISTRY
The intent of this course is to provide students with a coherent knowledge of the structure and behavior of matter. Central topics will include: the classification of matter, particle theory, atomic theory, chemical bonding, nomenclature, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics. Students will be offered a content-rich curriculum, but the course will also stress analytical thinking and problem solving skills.

GRADE 10/11 - PHYSICS
Students will understand the nature of science and demonstrate an ability to practice scientific reasoning by applying it to the design, execution, and evaluation of scientific investigations. Students will be able to distinguish between types of scientific knowledge (e.g., hypotheses, laws, theories) and become aware of areas of active research in contrast to conclusions that are part of established scientific consensus. These insights will help them analyze the role science plays in society, technology, and potential career opportunities.

LIBERAL/FINE ARTS
MUSIC
Students learn about musical notation, terminology, and history. They also study classical music and music appreciation. Band is also offered as an elective for grades 6-12. At certain times throughout the school year, students perform at Academy events and community functions.

VISUAL ART
Visual Art is a year long course open to any student (grades 9-12) with projects in various mediums. Students do not require previous artistic ability or experience.  Class activities emphasize the understanding of artistic terms and modes and projects are the basis of learning and assessment.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Younger students participate in activities designed to develop gross and fine motor skills, while older students learn sports and games that can help them maintain fitness throughout their adult lives. All students receive instruction in the rules and techniques of team sports.

SPEECH
Speech is a semester long course open to any student (grades 9-12, with possibility for MS). Class activities emphasize the importance of communication skills in any career or trade. Students are expected to analyze famous speeches, write original pieces, and participate in forensic performances.

WESTERN CIVILIZATION

Historical essentials, breadth of mind and a sense of international tolerance have been developed for centuries in young people throughout the world by their study of the "Classics" of ancient Greek and Roman culture which are the very roots of Western civilization.

When ancient civilization was rediscovered by Europeans in the middle ages, the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome and the Latin language became the basis of their curriculum that both trained and liberated students' minds. This, in a nutshell, was the Renaissance; the rebirth from antiquity of a culture with a refined educational philosophy.

The study of Latin in the elementary years also prepares our students for the in-depth study of Greek and Roman civilization that the Marshall Academy introduces beginning in the eighth grade. The study of the inherent culture of a language is an inseparable part of any foreign language program.

Latin is also an excellent foundation for the learning of the other foreign languages a student may desire to master for personal or professional reasons in their secondary and post-secondary education. All Indo-European languages belong to groups of languages which Latin represents at an early stage in their development.

Latin also assists students with science. It adds meaning to otherwise difficult-to-learn scientific terminology, not to mention the genus and species names of every living thing on earth. Latin even assists the study of music.

Even more essential is the guidance that Latin lends to the mastery of the English language. The study of Latin words develops an awareness of words in our own language. This is an awareness with which no contemporary foreign language can compare, for some two-thirds of our dictionary entries are words derived from Latin, including over 90% of words of three or more syllables. Similarity between so many words leads one to compare meanings and thus refine and expand knowledge of English vocabulary.

Reading comprehension is also enhanced. Breaking an unknown word down into its Latin derivatives assists in decoding the meaning. This is an excellent adjunct in learning to read with explicit systematic phonics. Latin roots make their presence known to a reader who uses phonics.

We begin Latin instruction in third grade when phonics instruction has been completed. The study of Latin then continues through eighth grade.

MARSHALL ACADEMY CURRICULUM DOCUMENTS
​Full Summary Found Here

Dual Enrollment Policy

Test Out Information

Expectations for Online Course Work/Credit Recovery

Assessments

To ensure that each student’s learning is on track and to tailor instruction to their needs, we utilize a variety of assessments throughout the school year including NWEA Math & Reading (Grades K-8) The NWEA assessments provide valuable insights into students' academic progress in math and reading. These assessments are given three times a year to help measure growth and inform instruction, allowing teachers to adjust lessons and resources to meet each student's individual learning needs.