Curriculum

Dayspring uses America’s historic, biblical method of education called the Principle Approach. This uniquely Christian approach produced a level of scholarship that astounded the European elite before and after the War for Independence.

 

The foundation of the Principle Approach is the Bible – perhaps more practically stated as the ability to reason from the Bible to all areas of life and learning. It is this absolute and uncompromisingly biblical Christian worldview that under-girds all the philosophy, curriculum, and methodology of the Principle Approach.

 

While the philosophy of this approach is its foundation, the curriculum is the framework upon which the product or tangible results of education are realized. The curriculum plays a paramount role in shaping the outcome of the educational process. The rudiments of the Principle Approach curriculum and methodology are not to be found in the winds of prevailing thought but in the rich classical Christian curriculum which produced the great thinkers, scholars, artists, and statesmen of the past. Primary to the subject matter itself is the process of disciplining the mind that necessarily must ensue as one travels along the pathway that leads to mature Christian thinking and living upon the classical Christian learning pathway.

 

The overall goal of this classical American Christian approach is to produce a student who has not only progressed from the rudiments of the subjects to the higher levels of understanding, but who has learned how to reason from the principles of the Bible to the concepts and issues of the subject. This is both the means and the end of a Principle Approach education. It is accomplished through an emphasis on giving students the tools for learning rather than simply filling them up with knowledge. It is the liberating effect of the self-governed intellect combined with a heart submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ that allows the student to reach his or her fullest God-given potential.

 

At Dayspring Christian Academy, the classical Christian curriculum as embodied in the Principle Approach includes:

  • Strong emphasis on mastery of the English language through intensive phonics using Writing Road to Reading©, the Shurley Method©, and the Bible as Primary Reader Program©.
  • A rich classical literature program that studies the masters and elevates a student’s own ability to write, thus restoring the art of written expression in each student.
  • Emphasis on the fundamentals and skills of mathematics as a tool for revealing the nature and character of the Creator while taking dominion over His creation.  Upper level math courses provide opportunities for advance placement in college.
  • A science program that teaches the use of the scientific method as a means of researching a topic thoroughly, reasoning from accurate observations, and deducing valid principles revealed through the study.  Students participate in the science fair at certain grades.
  • Formal courses in logic and rhetoric.
  • Formal instruction in Latin providing a foundation and framework for learning and expression.
  • Instruction in New Testament Greek at the high school level.
  • A career apprenticeship program for high school juniors.
  • A written thesis with oral defense before a faculty committee for high school seniors.
  • Reliance on original and primary sources for research and study rather than popular, modern interpretations.
  • Use of the Notebook Method rather than a dependence on work sheets and textbooks. Students and faculty record their learning in their notebook thereby demonstrating mastery of the complete subject.
  • Elective courses in Art and Music Theory for students with particular talent or interest.
  • Leadership opportunities in Leadership Trek, Student Government, Worship, and Yearbook.
  • Honors and Advance Placement courses in many disciplines.
  • National Honor Society