Upper School

Gloria Domini Colloquium Scope & Sequence

Year/Strand Mathematics Language Science Philosophy Literature History Capstone
CLIMB 1 Mathematics of the World First Form Latin Natural & General Science Informal Logic & Apologetics Newberry Literature Geography Science Fair
CLIMB 2 History of Mathematics & Business Math Second Form Latin Physical Science & Astronomy Traditional Logic Poetry & Short Stories Current Events & Mock Trial Mock Trial
CLIMB 3 Economics Third Form Latin Biology Informal Logic Literature & Composition American Government Economics Project
CLIMB 4 Mathematical Deduction Fourth Form Latin & Latin I Chemistry Comparative Worldviews & Debate American Literature American History Debate
SUMMIT 1 Mathematics of Art & Architecture Latin II Physics Comparative Religions British Literature Western Cultural History Shakespeare or Poetry Café
SUMMIT 2 Music Appreciation Caesar Nutrition & Health Rhetoric World Literature World History Senior Thesis

Upper School - Colloquium

Our Upper School, called Colloquium, serves students in the dialectic and rhetoric stages, where learning centers on debate, philosophy, integration, and meaningful conversation. Through these disciplines, students cultivate a biblical worldview and a love for truth, goodness, and beauty.

Themes: Ordered to Learn → Seeking Understanding → Standing Firm → Faithful in Much

We emphasize a robust Christian education, guiding discussions through the five common topics—definition, comparison, relationship, circumstance, and testimony. As students advance, they embrace the canons of rhetoric with particular focus on invention, arrangement, and elocution. The program culminates in Latin fluency and a senior thesis that reflects years of classical study. Each Community Day begins with Symposium, uniting upper and lower school in worship and Scripture memory.

Class Structure and Scheduling

Students typically take all classes together to encourage integration and strong classroom dynamics. Latin is scheduled at the same time for all levels, allowing students to progress at their own pace while keeping Latin as the cornerstone of study. When enrollment is small, classes may combine across grades, with adjustments made for subjects like Latin. This flexibility strengthens the Colloquium program while maintaining depth and rigor.

Curriculum Framework

We use the Master Point curriculum (32 weeks) with select modifications. For full details, see the Scope & Sequence

Capstone Projects

Each stage includes a culminating project that fosters mastery and application:

Climb 1 (7th Grade): Science Fair - Students design and present original experiments.

Climb 2 (8th Grade): Mock Trial - Practical courtroom experience that builds logic, collaboration, and empathy.

Climb 3 (9th Grade): Economics Project - A hands-on simulation of personal finance and life decisions.

Climb 4 (10th Grade): Debate - Students engage in formal debate, applying dialectic and rhetorical skills.

Summit 1 (11th Grade): Shakespearean Play or Poetry Café - A celebration of British literature through performance.

Summit 2 (12th Grade): Senior Exhibition/Thesis - An in-depth, independent project addressing a societal issue, culminating in a public presentation as the final demonstration of mastery.

Additionally, Protocol outings for grades 9-12 give students opportunities to practice etiquette, conversation, and poise in formal settings.

Our more detailed scope and sequence is available here (link).