Scope and Sequence
Gloria Domini Classical Community

All Levels

Large Group Assembly (30 minutes)- Symposium

We pursue truth, goodness, and beauty together each Friday morning as we gather for Symposium, uniting all levels of Gloria Domini in one shared time. Together we lift our voices in hymn study, hide God's Word in our hearts through Scripture memory, and share the treasures we have discovered—whether in class, at home, or within the pages of our common place books. Each week, one or two families are invited to contribute to this time of encouragement and fellowship.

  • Commonplace Book
    Students are encouraged to start a commonplace book as young as PreK. In younger years, this may look like copied quotes, pictures, pasted items, and other collections. In older years, this will morph into a more robust version of it. A commonplace book is a personal collection of quotes, ideas, observations, and information that an individual finds meaningful or useful. Think of it as a curated notebook for storing wisdom, inspiration, and learning gathered from reading, lectures, conversations, or personal reflection. The commonplace book promotes attention, memory, and reflection

Lower School

Our Lower School program serves children in the grammar stage of classical education. During this foundational phase, students focus on rich memorization and repetition, forming the essential building blocks—or "pegs"—of knowledge. These pegs will support deeper understanding and critical thinking as students progress into the dialectic and rhetoric stages, where they learn to discern truth, goodness, and beauty.

PreK-6th

Morning Program- Grammatica

Theme: Faithful in little, Faithful in much

New Grammar Memory Work (30 Minutes)
Each week for 28 weeks, students engage with nine different content strands—such as Math, History, Latin, Science, English, Timeline, Geography, Bible, and Hymns—through an interactive and engaging class environment. Families are encouraged to supplement this learning at home with focused instruction in phonics, reading, writing, and mathematics.

  • Required At-Home Resources: Claritas Cycle Specific Memory Guide and CD (or Cross Seven Subscription), Claritas Cycle Specific Map Book

  • Recommended At-Home Resources: Mystery of History (matched by cycle to current history memory work), Claritas Timeline Cards, Recommended reading list (Provided for each cycle by community), Claritas cycle-specific handwriting sheets

Science (1 Hour, Rotated with Fine Arts Every Other Week)
Students engage in hands-on science through experiments and exploration that align with the science memory work for their specific Claritas cycle, using cycle-specific eBooks. The science tutor will highlight integration across subjects—connecting discoveries to famous inventors and scientists, historical events, and Latin vocabulary—while reinforcing a clear understanding of scientific concepts from a biblical worldview.

  • Recommended Resources: Claritas Cycle Specific E-Book, Berean Builders Science (at home use only, recommend cycle specific study for families interested in adding in science study)

Fine Arts (1 Hour, Rotated with Science Every Other Week)
Students will explore the works of great artists and composers, applying their learning through hands-on art projects and music theory. Tutors will weave fine arts into the new grammar strands students are studying, fostering a rich understanding of history, the timeline, and the reciprocal influence between the arts and their time period.

Presentation
Students in PreK through 1st grade will participate in a weekly show-and-tell style presentation, choosing any topic they wish to share. The focus at this stage is on building confidence, practicing question-asking with peers, and engaging with the class.

  • Students in 2nd through 6th grade will receive weekly recommended presentation topics, which may include personal experiences, poetry, scripture, quotes, or book passages tied to the current cycle. Tutors will guide students in developing foundational presentation skills such as eye contact, posture, voice projection, and clarity.

    • Recommended Resources: Community-provided recitation recommendations and presentation schedule

Grammar Review
Tutors will guide students in reviewing previous weeks’ memory work through engaging, interactive activities designed to promote long-term retention and excellence.

Capstone Projects

  • Memory Master- Students will demonstrate complete mastery of their memory work through testing with both a parent and their tutor.
  • Year-End Celebration- Students will demonstrate complete mastery of their memory work through testing with both a parent and their tutor.

Afternoon Program

Theme: Diligence leads to mastery

We do not offer an afternoon program for PreK-3rd Grade; however, our curriculum has valuable resources for younger years that we recommend for parents to incorporate into their children's schooling at younger years as they progress toward Grammar mastery and writing excellence:

PreK-1st Grade

  • We recommend the utilization of the Claritas cycle-specific handwriting sheets

2nd Grade

  • We recommend the utilization of the Fundamental Grammar Workbook- Lower Level 1
  • We recommend the utilization of Claritas cycle-specific handwriting sheets and/or Bible copy work

3rd Grade

  • We recommend the utilization of the Fundamental Grammar Workbook- Lower Level 2
  • We recommend the utilization of IEW Bible Heroes or other comparable younger grade workbook & resource

4th-6th Grade- Fundamentum

Fundamentals of Grammar Study

In this program, your student will explore the fundamentals of English language structure, including an in-depth study of parts of speech and their components, sentence patterns, sentence structures, and sentence purposes. The program utilizes a comprehensive parent guide to support learning throughout all years, along with cycle-specific student workbooks for each year. Incorporating the Claritas English memory work, students will develop mastery of the language. Additionally, students will learn the art of editing their work through the Fix-It Grammar workbook. This foundational program also serves as an important introduction to Latin study in the Upper School, with the teacher highlighting connections between English grammar and Latin memory work.

  • Required Resources: Claritas Fundamental Grammar Guide, Cycle-specific FGG Workbook Units 1 & 2, Cycle-specific FGG Workbook Unit 3, IEW Fix-It Grammar
  • Recommended Resources:

Institute of Excellence in Writing History-Based Writing

In this program, your student will develop writing structure and style through IEW's Teaching Writing Structure & Style (TWSS) program, integrated with their History-Based Writing cycles. Parents will have access to TWSS lessons to effectively support and guide their students throughout the study.

  • Required Resources: History-Based Writing Student Book by Cycle, Teaching Writing Structure and Style (TWSS) Parent Resource

    • Mathematics Games
    Students will participate in math games designed to strengthen math fact fluency and problem-solving skills.

    Capstone Project- Faces of History
    Students will take part in Faces of History, a project where they research a historical figure connected to the current history or science cycle using three sources, write a research paper, and present their findings as they are dressed in character.

    Upper School- Colloquium

    Our Upper School serves students in the dialectic and rhetoric stages, focusing deeply on debate, philosophy, integration, and meaningful conversation. Through these disciplines, students cultivate a biblical worldview and develop a love for truth, goodness, and beauty across all areas of study.

    We emphasize a robust Christian education by guiding discussions through the five common topics—definition, comparison, relationship, circumstance, and testimony—applied to the texts, questions, and work explored throughout the curriculum. As students progress into the rhetoric stage, they embrace the canons of rhetoric, with particular emphasis on invention, arrangement, and elocution. The program culminates in Latin fluency and a senior thesis that showcases years of classical education.

    We utilize the Master Point curriculum, a 32-week program. Families are responsible for purchasing guides.

    Class Structure and Scheduling

    • Latin classes for all levels are scheduled at the same time. This allows students to attend the Latin class that matches their current level, ensuring they:

      • Progress only when ready
      • Can join at the appropriate level if they are new to the program
      • Experience Latin as the cornerstone of our classical education

    • If a student joins the program having already completed a level their class is currently studying, tutors will coordinate so the student can attend a different science class at that time to study a lower-level course.

    • When enrollment in a particular grade or age group is low, classes may be combined with adjacent levels. In such cases, content will cycle accordingly, with separate breakouts for sequential subjects where level differences are most significant—such as Latin. These decisions will be made at the discretion of the director, upper school coordinator, and parents. We believe this flexibility strengthens the Colloquium program, ensuring its depth and vitality. Accordingly, the grades assigned to each Master Point curriculum level may vary slightly by class.

    7th Grade- Master Point Climb 1

    Theme: Ordered to Learn [Focus on Discipline- He who is faithful begins here: with habits, order, and responsibility]

    Mathematics- Mathematics of the World

    • Mathematics of the World by JJ Veale*

    • Mathematics program of your choice (at home)

    Language- First Form Latin

    • Memoria Press, First Form Latin

    • Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book A by Norma Fifer & Nancy Flowers

    Science- Natural Sciences & Physical Sciences

    • Various Natural Science Sources

    • Novare’s Physical Science, 3rd edition

    • Science Fair Resources

    Philosophy- Informal Logic & Apologetics

    • It Couldn’t Just Happen by Lawrence O. Richards

    • The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel Bluedorn

    Literature- Newberry Literature & the Persuasive Essay

    • Lost Tools of Writing, Level One

    • Carry On, Mr. Bowditch By Jean Lee Latham

    • The Secret Garden by Francis Hodges Burnett

    • Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

    • Amos Fortune, Free Man by Elizabeth Yates

    • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

    • The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

    • Crispin and the Cross of Lead by Avi

    • The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

    History- Geography

    • Mapping the World With Art by Ellen J McHenry

    • Around the World in 100 Years by Jean Fritz

    • World Atlas

    • Book of Centuries, Masterpoint Publishing

    Capstone Project

    The Climb 1 Colloquium will participate in the Science Fair as their capstone project. Students will work through the scientific process—developing a research question, forming a hypothesis, conducting background research, designing and executing an experiment, and drawing conclusions. Each student will produce a formal research paper and create a tri-fold display board. They will present their findings at a community science fair before an audience and a panel of judges.

    8th Grade (NAME)- Master Point Climb 2

    Theme: Seeking Understanding [Wisdom is applied knowledge- students begin to discern the true, good, and beautiful]

    Mathematics- History of Mathematics & Business Math

    • Grade-level mathematics curriculum of your choice at home

    • Mathematics: An Illustrated History of Numbers by Tom Jackson

    • Your Business Math by Simply Charlotte Mason

    Language- Second Form Latin

    • Memoria Press, Second Form Latin

    • Vocabulary from Classical Roots Book B by Norma Fifer and Nancy Flowers

    Science- Earth Science & Astronomy

    • Novare’s Earth Science

    • Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy by Jay Ryan

    Philosophy- Traditional Logic

    • Traditional Logic I by Memoria Press

    • Traditional Logic II by Memoria Press

    Literature- Poetry & Short Stories

    • Grammar of Poetry by Matt Whitling

    • Short Stories all available via Project Gutenberg

    • How to Write a Story by Lee Roddy (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

    History- Current Events & Mock Trial

    • Various Current Event Sources

    • People vs. Klein by Constitution Rights Foundation

    • Book of Centuries, Masterpoint Publishing

    Capstone Project- Mock Trial

    Students will participate in Mock Trial: People vs. Klein by the Constitution Rights Foundation, gaining practical experience in courtroom procedures, legal terminology, and trial roles. Through preparing and presenting arguments, they will develop public speaking, critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and collaboration skills. The process also fosters empathy by requiring students to understand and articulate multiple perspectives.

    Protocol

    We aim to provide a Protocal outing annually for our 9th through 12th graders to offer students the opportunity to practice formal etiquette, enjoy meaningful conversation, and cultivate poise and confidence in a social setting.

    9th Grade- Master Point Climb 3

    Theme: Grounded in Truth [A faithful student pursues truth, even when it costs comfort or ease.]

    Mathematics- Economics

    • A Bluestocking Guide to Economics by Jane Williams

    • Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? by Richard J. Maybury

    • The Money Mystery by Richard J. Maybury

    • A Bluestocking Guide: Solving the Money Mystery by Kathryn Daniels

    • Personal Economics: La Vida Loca Workbook by JJ Veale*

    • Self selected math curriculum (at home)

    Language- Third Form Latin

    • Memoria Press, Third Form Latin

    • Vocabulary from Classical Roots C

    Science- Physics

    • Novare's Introductory Physics

    Philosophy- Informal Logic

    • The Art of Argument by Aaron Larsen, Joelle Hodge with Chris Perrin

    Literature- Literary Analysis & Composition

    • Windows to the World from Institute for Excellence in Writing

    • The Giver by Lois Lowry

    • The Call of the Wild by Jack London

    • Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

    • Watership Down by Richard Adams

    • To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

    History- American Civics

    • Civics & the Constitution by Jake Macaulay and Ricki Pepi

    • Original source documents of America’s founding (ADDED to MP)

    • Book of Centuries, Masterpoint Publishing

    Capstone Project- La Vida Loca Economics Project

    This game we call “life” can hit people unaware or we can prepare our students to move confidently toward the twists and turns in their future! In this workbook, written with high school-aged students in mind, we offer a practical way to help students gain confidence in personal economics. As students move through 16-topics they will play a “game of Life”; given a spouse, rolling a die to identify number of children, drawing cards to determine career, housing, and exploring how unexpected events can impact anyone’s personal economic experience and economic outlook!

    10th Grade- Master Point Climb 4

    Theme: Standing Firm [Faithfulness means standing firm in what is right, not just knowing what is right]

    Mathematics- Mathematical Deduction

    • Crimes and Mathdemeanors by Leith Hathout

    • Critical Thinking Detective Math (Grades 6-12+) by Darin Beigie *blue cover*

    • Robert Kaplinsky’s Math Problems and Strategies (online)

    • Self-selected math curriculum (at home)

    Language- Fourth Form Latin & Latin I

    • Memoria Press, Fourth Form Latin set

    • Henle Latin 1

    • Vocabulary from Classical Roots D by Norma Fifer & Nancy Flowers

    Science- Biology

    • Apologia Exploring Creation with Biology, 2nd Ed.

    • Student Lab Report Handbook by John D. Mays

    Philosophy- Comparative Worldviews & Debate

    • Masterbook’s Worldviews in Conflict by Kevin Swanson

    • The Ultimate Lincoln-Douglas Debate Handbook by Marco Djuranovic (online)

    • Everyday Debate & Discussion by Shelly Johnson

    Literature- American Literature

    • American Literature by Janice Campbell

    • Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin

    • Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

    • Selected works of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    • The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

    • The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

    • Moby Dick by Herman Melville

    • The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

    • The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

    • Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

    History- American History

    • Masterbook’s American History by James P. Stobaugh

    • Book of Centuries, Masterpoint Publishing

    Capstone Project- Debate

    After studying the elements of debate, students will engage in their own debate where they flex both their dialectic and rhetorical skills in the showcase of the discernment of truth, goodness, and beauty.

    11th Grade- Master Point Summit 1

    Theme: Discerning the True, Good, and Beautiful [After being “faithful in little” (grammar, logic, observation), they now must be faithful in much —by exercising wisdom in discerning and responding to the world.]

    Mathematics- Mathematics of Art & Architecture

    • Art History, Various

    • Architecture of the World, Various

    Language- Latin II

    • Henle Latin II Text & Answer Key

    • Henle II Flashcards

    • Henle Second Year Lesson Plans by Cheryl Lowe, Memoria Press

    • Henle Second Year Quizzes and Tests by Cheryl Lowe, Memoria Press

    • Henle Latin Grammar for the Grammar Stage by Cheryl Lowe, Memoria Press

    Science- Chemistry

    • Novare’s General Chemistry, 3rd Edition

    • Digital Resources for General Chemistry (one per class)

    • Chemistry Experiments for High School at Home

    • The Student Lab Report Handbook by John D. Mays

    Philosophy- World Religions

    • Master Book’s Comparative Religions (Teacher’s Guide)

    • World Religions & Cults, vol. 1

    • World Religions & Cults, vol. 2

    Literature- British Literature

    • Excellence in Literature: British Literature by Janice Campbell

    • Beowulf by Unknown

    • Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

    • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Unknown

    • The Faerie Queene Book 1 by Edmund Spenser

    • King Lear by William Shakespeare

    • The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

    • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

    • David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

    • Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis or Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

    History- Western Civilization

    • Western Civilization, 10th Ed. by Jackson J. Spielvogel

    Capstone Project- Shakespearean Play or Poetry Cafe

    To celebrate their study of British literature, students will attend a Shakespearean play with their tutor. If a local production is not available, alternative options may include viewing a play based on another work of British literature, traveling to a nearby city for a performance, or, if necessary, watching a film adaptation. Another meaningful alternative could be a Poetry Café experience, where students memorize and perform favorite Shakespearean sonnets or passages in a relaxed, literary setting.

    12th Grade- MasterPoint Summit 2

    Theme: Faithful in Much [A life of learning continues into faithfully serving- the culmination of a Classical Christian Education]

    Mathematics- Music Appreciation

    • Discovering Music, 2nd edition Set by Professor Carol (text, student workbook, video lectures)

    • The Exhibition Journal, Masterpoint Curriculum*

    Language- Caesar Latin Translation

    • Caesar: Selections from his Commentarii de Bello Gallico, Memoria Press

    • Cassell’s Latin Dictionary

    Science- Health & Nutrition

    • Apologia’s Health and Nutrition, 2nd edition by Dr. Laura Chase

    Philosophy- Rhetoric

    • Rhetoric Alive! Book 1 by Alyssan Barnes

    Literature- World Literature

    • Excellence in Literature: World Literature by Janice Campbell

    • The Odyssey by Homer

    • Antigone by Sophocles

    • The Aeneid by Virgil

    • The Inferno by Dante Alighieri

    • Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

    • Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

    • The Portable Nineteenth-Century Russian Reader edited by George Gibian

    • The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

    History- World History

    • World History: Observations & Assessments from Creation to Today by James P. Stobaugh

    • Book of Centuries, Masterpoint Publishing*

    Capstone Project- Senior Thesis/Exhibition

    The exhibition is a public demonstration of student’s knowledge, skill, and readiness to join the larger community as an educated adult. Students spend 15 weeks researching a societal issue and preparing an action plan to address that issue. They work independently and with an advisor to investigate the many factors of the problem or issue, research the topic using primary and secondary resources, connect with a governmental or non-governmental organization, and, finally, they design, organize, implement, and evaluate a sustainable Exhibition Project to address the problem or issue. The summary of their findings and process are presented to a jury via an oral presentation, concrete presentation, and portfolio.

    Exhibition topics are different for each student (as the topic should reflect the student’s personal interests and passions) although the format is standardized. The Senior Exhibition project should emphasize depth of thought, engagement in community, appropriate personalization and goals, and student initiative. It is the showing off, in the best sense, of a rewarding educational journey toward the “important things” which confront all adults. A diploma should be awarded upon a successful final demonstration of mastery before graduation, as a student’s demonstration that they, too, can do important things.