CURRICULUM

Agapé Embassy Christian Academy (AECA) instructs by using the classical method, teaching students tools for learning. This method of teaching is commonly referred to as the Trivium. Typically, the Trivium formally begins in kindergarten. AECA is a pre-cursor to the Trivium applying the will of God to all learning, embracing a biblical worldview. Our curriculum teaches:

• Bible,
• Phonics,
• Reading,
• Math,
• Writing,
• Music,
• Geography,
• Science,
• Technology
• Simple Engineering
• Pre-Latin and
• Spanish.

Through songs, recitations, call and responses, jingles, memorizing and play, our students enjoy learning. Each student has a learning style and pace. Therefore, our teachers have options for beginners, emergent, and advanced learners to inspire students to learn at their induvial ability levels. Our students are tested to ensure they meet and or excel Fairfax County’s measurable academic benchmarks. This is achieved through ongoing assessments that gather information on a student’s knowledge and comprehension. Our teachers are trained to develop a student’s strengths and abilities. A goal at AECA is to maintain a learning environment that is welcoming, safe, positive, and fun so students are stimulated and challenged.

WHY PRE-LATIN and SPANISH?

Why introduce Latin and Spanish at an early age? The bigger question is, why not? Children form habits and routines daily from infancy. As a result, we take a proactive approach to preparing students with routines that establish study habits that are meaningful and purposeful. Each student’s individualized learning is taken into consideration for their academic advancement. Latin is taught through fun songs, games, and story boards. The atmosphere in our classrooms allows students to feel safe, comfortable, and confident learning.

Young children can unconsciously and effortlessly learn and retain multiple languages. A child’s mind is rapidly developing from birth to the age of five. It is the optimal time to assimilate and store information. We believe an introduction to Latin and Spanish at an early age will profoundly affect a child’s future and success academically.

AECA students will have a familiarity with Latin and are likely to be less intimidated to other foreign languages in the future. Latin offers AECA students the advantage of being organized thinkers and a greater probability of retaining information. Not only is 60% of the English language derived from Latin but typically private schools using the classical method begin teaching students Latin in the 3rd grade. This is because grammar has been introduced and students have gained the ability to read well. Our pre-Latin curriculum will teach words, colors, shapes, animals, people, places, and things.

Latin is a historical language, it is no longer used to converse, but it has immense benefits that have been proven to boost academic achievement in numerous forms. Over half the English language is derived from Latin. Latin benefits cognitive skills that are measurable in student comprehension, standardized testing, gives latitude in medical, science and law related professions. It affords students a superior foundation for learning other languages. Latin aides a student’s keen ability to correctly pronounce sounds as well as the ability to properly “trill” or “roll” the R in multiple languages. Most importantly, Latin promotes thinking clearly and concisely – it is a mental workout that teaches students to THINK.

Spanish is a language used around much of the world. Just like Latin the introduction and exposure at an early age provides many benefits and prepares students for learning other languages or going deeper later in life. Learning foreign languages is proven to boost cognitive function, aide in the pronunciation, absorption and retention. At a young age the plasticity of a child's brain lends itself to learning and absorbing like a sponge.