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K-8 Curriculum

"The almost universal feature of reliable higher-order thinking about any subject or problem is the possession of a broad, well-integrated base of background knowledge relevant to the subject. This sounds suspiciously like plain common sense…”
E.D. Hirsch

Curriculum Downloads

 

Core Knowledge

Liberty Common School follows the Core Knowledge Sequence© in grades k-8. This curriculum encompasses language arts, mathematics, science, history, geography, fine arts, and physical education. 
 

Core Knowledge is founded on the idea the ease with which one learns new information is highly determined by the amount of background knowledge one has already learned on a given topic. The more you know, the more you can learn. Reading with comprehension, speaking and writing fluently, and critical thinking all rely on a rich vocabulary and broad knowledge base.

The curriculum is characterized by knowledge that is:

  • Context-rich – lasting, unchanging knowledge such as important events of world history;

  • Cumulative – a planned progression building on students’ previous knowledge and eliminating excessive repetition and gaps;

  • Content-specific – clearly defined knowledge at each grade level ensuring fairness for all students;

  • Coherent – explicit knowledge identifies what children should learn at each grade level to ensure an articulated approach to building knowledge across all grade levels.

Learn more about the Core Knowledge Sequence©.

 

Singapore Math

Singapore Math is a cohesive, deep, and focused mathematics curriculum for kindergarten through seventh grade with the goal of developing algebraic thinking. In typical U.S. math programs, students get a worked example, then solve problems that very closely follow that example, repeating all the same steps with different numbers.

In Singapore math, students must think through concepts and apply them in new ways from the very start. Since they can’t rely on simple replication, students are pushed to greater engagement and broader thinking. In U.S. math programs, concepts and skills are more compartmentalized within and across grade levels than in Singapore math, where a strong sense of connectivity to past learning is woven throughout.

Singapore math not only helps students become more successful problem solvers, it helps them gain a sense of confidence and resourcefulness because it insists on conceptual depth. This naturally prepares students to excel in more advanced math.

More information about Singapore Math.

 

Mos Maiorum

Mos maiorum; meaning “in the custom of our ancestors,” is a Latin term used at Liberty Common School to define the deepest roots of intellectual tradition – art, music, physical education, and Latin.

In mos-maiorum subjects, Liberty students inherit ideas and skills refined by their intellectual forebears, preserved, and tested by time.  Reviving the ancient label better honors proven, classical teaching strategies toward cross-curricular coordination.