Core Knowledge

CORE KNOWLEDGE

Seven Hills believes that the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence, as taught through the classical model of the Trivium, supports each student’s ability to meet the highest academic standards.

SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis
In December 2020 we shared information regarding our sequence analysis of Core Knowledge at SHPA (you can find our informational video below). We invite you to join us on this important journey. Together, we will build together a curriculum sequence that better reflects the Seven Hills community. For us to be successful we need to hear the voices and priorities of all of our families.
SHPA TOP TEN: What Every SHPA Student Should Know
 
As part of our SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis we are soliciting information from our stakeholders. Please, take a moment and complete your Top Ten List and encourage other friends and family to do the same. This list will inform the committee of your priorities of a k-8 education. After completing your list, check back frequently to see the SHPA cumulative list.
If you would like more information on our SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis or are interested in joining our committee please contact Joanie Jeffrey jjeffrey@shpamn.org or Ryan Grutsch rgrutsch@shpamn.org

SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis Resources

Introduction Video (SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis)

SHPA+CK Sequence Intro.mp4

Recording from Forum

SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis Community Forum (2021…

Slide Show from the Forum

2.23.21 Sequence Analysis Community Forum

SHPA+CK Sequence Analysis Committee Meeting – May 17th 

 

SHPA uses the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence for all grades, adapted to the unique learning and developmental needs of students as they grow and mature. The twin ideas behind Core Knowledge are that 1) knowledge builds on knowledge; and 2) every well-educated person shares this knowledge in common with others. The more we know, the more we are able to learn, and knowing is different from doing. This knowledge, shared in common with others, is necessary to ensure a sound, fair, and democratic elementary education for every child in America. A well-trained mind – knowing, understanding, and sharing the same information – unites us as citizens and makes all students equal, whatever their background.

Inspired and supported to produce extraordinary levels of achievement, our teachers work with students to take already mastered skills and foundational knowledge to the next phase of student ownership and expanded common learning.

Focus on Liberal Arts

In Latin, artes liberales – the liberal arts – are the subjects or skills that classical antiquity considered essential for a free person (Latin: liberal, “worthy of a free person”) to know in order to fully participate in civic life. Grammar, rhetoric, and logic were the core liberal arts and other subjects were added over time. Since the Middle Ages, western civilization has placed a high value on learning these subjects as a means of developing our own humanity and intellectual skills and of understanding our cultural heritage.

At SHPA, we study liberal arts and humanities courses both within the Core Knowledge Scope and Sequence and on their own as offerings in both schools to educate the whole person. Our liberal arts courses include:

  • Latin
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Arts (art, art history, and music)
  • Science (life science, earth science, physical science)
  • Physical Education
  • Social Studies (history and geography)
  • Socratic Seminar