Our course of study focuses on the foundations of knowledge: language arts,
math, and logic. Early mastery of these basics prepares students for advanced
studies and learning at an accelerated pace.
Reading and Writing
Through music and activities, our preschoolers begin learning phonics, science, and numbers. Our Challenger songs and tools make this learning fun and rewarding. Three-year-olds read sentences and 4-year-olds read little books.
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Our elementary students read classics like Little House in the Big Woods in 1st grade, Charlotte’s Web in 2nd grade, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in 3rd grade. In 7th and 8th grades, they read and discuss masterpieces like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Fahrenheit 451.
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Students begin writing their own stories in kindergarten and by 8th grade are writing well-reasoned essays. They use parts of speech effectively in their compositions. Through phonetic formulas, they become master spellers and readers.
Critical Thinking
From the minute students enter the door in preschool, they are taught to apply logic and reason to the world around them. They learn to recognize patterns and essential similarities among differences in everything from art to mathematics. Rather than learning unrelated facts, students learn conceptually, making hierarchical connections for a more complete view of their world. They become rational thinkers.
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Challenger students learn to analyze the validity of statements, separate fact from opinion, recognize fallacies, and support their own arguments with solid logic and fact.
Mathematics
From basic counting in preschool to geometry in 8th grade, our students learn an astonishing amount of math and have fun doing it. They learn essential operations and problem-solving methods. It is tough, but they must apply math in real story problems with the whys and hows rather than simply memorizing formulas and facts.
History, Geography and Economics
Taught conceptually, geography and history are exciting! Fourth graders learn about America’s discovery, settlement, and revolution, cultivating a deep respect for the price that was paid for their freedom and their rights. In upper grades, students learn “What does history mean to me - in my individual world?”
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As they move through the middle school grades, our students build upon their previously acquired understanding of historical events and the ideas that led to their development. They study the Renaissance, the Reformation, imperialism, the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. In their 8th grade year, our students learn why capitalism is the sole rational economic system and learn to recognize the correct and incorrect application of foundational economic principles along with the proper role of government.
Science
Challenger students learn to become young scientists by using the scientific method. Starting in 3rd grade, they use basic concepts of biology, earth science, and physics to create their own experiments, discovering scientific truth for themselves.
Computers
Beginning in 1st grade, Challenger students learn to use simple programming commands. In the Logo program, students use chains of simple commands to draw pictures. These exercises teach them to apply their growing logic and problem-solving skills. Later, in 7th and 8th grades, our students program with a more sophisticated language. Additionally, students gain typing and word processing skills beginning in 4th grade.
Speech
From their first days at Challenger, students learn to express their ideas clearly. They memorize valuable, inspiring poetry and meaningful recitations while learning to speak logically and convincingly. Whether giving answers in class or speaking at a Challenger Speech Festival, our students are fearless and brilliant in conveying ideas to others.
