Literacy

Humanities

In this course, scholars learn foundational knowledge in English language arts, history, classic literature, and science studies. Logic of English and New American Cursive is the curriculum used for English language arts. Core Knowledge is the curriculum used in history and science. Classic literature is composed of classic childhood tales, fairy tales, stories and chapter books that align with the Academy’s core values.

Reading with Phonics

Our scholars will learn to read using phonics, because it builds a strong foundation in literacy by teaching the relationships between letters and sounds. Phonics gives children the tools to decode words independently, improving accuracy, fluency, and confidence in reading. By mastering these fundamental skills early, students develop a love of reading, strengthen comprehension, and are better prepared to tackle increasingly complex texts throughout their education.

Library

"There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." -Joseph Brodsky

As part of their studies at Excalibur Classical Academy, scholars are given personal copies, or “keep books” of some of the classics read in their courses. It is the hope of the faculty and staff at Excalibur Classical Academy that these books will form the core of the scholars’ own classical library that will continue to grow as they engage in lifelong learning.


Scholars are typically given two keep books per year through their elementary school years, and up to two books per class during their secondary studies. All keep books are selected from a special curated list and are given to every scholar who attends the academy. 

Keep Book Examples

Kindergarten

  • Little Red Hen

  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit

1st Grade

  • Children’s Book of Virtues

2nd Grade

  • Little House in the Big Woods

  • The Courage of Sarah Noble

3rd Grade

  • Charlotte’s Web

  • Because of Winn Dixie

Literature By Grade

Kindergarten

  • Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? - Bill Martin Jr.

  • The Three Little Pigs - Paul Galdone

  • The Three Billy Goats Gruff - Paul Galdone

  • Little Red Riding Hood - Trina Schart

  • Goldilocks and the Three Bears - Paul Galdone

1st Grade

  • Frog and Toad - Arnold Lobel

  • All of a Kind Family - Sydney Taylor

  • Owl at Home - Arnold Lobel

  • Children’s Book of America - William J. Bennett

  • Beatrix Potter - Series

2nd Grade

  • The Tale of Despereaux - Kate DiCamillo

  • The Wizard of Oz - L. Frank Baum

  • Little House on the Prairie - Laura Ingalls Wilder

  • My Father's Dragon - Ruth Stiles Gannett

  • Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle - Betty MacDonald

3rd Grade

  • Charlotte's Web - E.B. White

  • Stone Fox - John Reynolds Gardiner

  • Misty of Chincoteague - Marguerite Henry

  • Because of Winn-Dixie - Kate DiCamillo

  • Stuart Little - E.B. White

Previous

Latin
Next

Math