MGA FAQs: Who, Where, When, What, How . . . and WHY!
WHAT:
Three core subjects are offered each week: World History, Literature/ Language Arts, and General Science. Upper School also includes Math.
We teach World History chronologically over a four-year cycle. Our focus for the 2008-2009 has been The Ancients, 5000BC – 500AD. Our World History for the 2009-2010 is the Middle Ages, 500AD – 1600AD. World Geography is integrated into History. History is vertically aligned across all levels at MGA, allowing for school-wide activities around a particular time period or event.
In the Upper School, History and Literature are taught as an integrated Humanities course. History is best understood through excellent literature: biographies, primary sources, and historical fiction that illuminates the time period.
Language Arts in the Lower School also includes copywork, grammar, and writing activities. In the Upper School, the students will read and discuss the literature selections, and write regularly to improve their ability to express their observations and opinions in writing.
Math in the Lower School is not a full subject, but will be touched upon through critical thinking games and in some science labs. Math in the Upper School consists of 6th grade, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra 1 for Logic 1, Logic 2, and Rhetoric 1 levels, respectively.
Science in both Grammar and Upper Schools is a combination of lessons and hands-on labs. For the 2009-2010 year, Grammar School students will study the Human Body and Life Sciences. Upper School students will study Physical/Earth Science and Biology.