BLAKE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
“At some given moment it happens that the child becomes deeply interested in a piece of work; we see it in the expression on his face, his intense concentration, the devotion to the exercise.”
—The Discovery of the Child
Timeless Teachings in a Changing World
Blake Christian Academy is a school for inquisitive learners, a place where learning comes naturally. Therefore, every learning activity that is chosen for our school has a specific learning purpose that will help your child progress to higher learning and excel to unknown heights. One of the most important goals of our curriculum is to help children become enthusiastic learners and to truly have a love of learning. This means encouraging children to be active and creative explorers who are not afraid to try out their ideas and to think their own thoughts.
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Blake Christian Academy's goal is to help children become independent, self-confident, intrinsically motivated learners. We are teaching them how to learn, a skill they will need for the rest of their lives. We give them opportunities to form good habits and attitudes, particularly a positive sense of themselves, which will make a difference throughout their lives. Other important goals of our curriculum are to teach logic, comprehension, and concentration. By using these hands-on activities, they achieve these goals by simply doing the activities.
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Students work individually or in small groups, at tables or on mats on the floor. Natural lighting, soft colors, and uncluttered spaces set the stage for activity that is focused and calm. Learning materials are arranged on accessible shelves according to curricular area, fostering independence as students go about their work. Everything is where it is supposed to be, conveying a sense of harmony and order that both comforts and inspires.
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In Blake Christian Academy's Montessori classroom, you will see children of different ages working together and socializing happily. You might, for example, see an older child showing a younger one how to complete an activity, with the younger child fascinated by watching his older classmate accomplish what he can’t yet do.
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Montessori classrooms are divided into multi-age groupings: Toddler Classrooms, ages 2 to 3, Primary Classrooms from 3 to 6 years (K-5), Lower Elementary (1st through 3rd grade), Upper Elementary (4th through 6th grade), and Adolescent (7th through 8th grade). Starting in the Children’s House (Primary), the students may stay with one class and one teacher for an entire 3-year cycle. The multi-age classroom is fundamental to the Montessori method.
Blake Christian Academy utilizes North American Montessori Curriculum (NAMC) for all classrooms and grades, American Montessori Society (AMS) Teacher Education albums, Association Montessori Internationale (AMI), Primary Phonics Reading, and Abeka Bible. In addition to the above, SRA's, Saxon Mathematics, Bible Devotional books, and computers have been added in the elementary/adolescent classrooms for research, typing, reading and Math skills.
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Our Special Areas include: Organic Gardening/Botany Classes, Friday Chapel, and outdoor work areas for all students. There is also a dedicated Science Porch for Primary Students (ages 3 through Kindergarten), as well as Art, Physical Education and Orff Music Training for K-5 and up. 4th grade students and up have required performance Band, learning a musical instrument.
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What sets Montessori apart in the Elementary years—ages 6 – 12—is the individually paced curriculum that challenges children academically and safeguards their well-being and sense of self. Engaging as contributing members of a respectful community, they learn to question, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning—skills that will support them in later education and in life.
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As at all Montessori levels, the Elementary program is based on the belief that children learn best through movement and work with their hands, and provides cognitive, social, and emotional support to help them reach their full potential.
This includes addressing their needs as they enter a new period of development characterized by:
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A transition from concrete to abstract thinking
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Growing interest in socialization
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Thinking and memory that is enhanced by creativity and imagination
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An interest in fairness, social justice, and compassion
Characteristics of a Christian Montessori Education
Maria Montessori paved the way for a unique opportunity for children to learn in a fashion that is completely holistic (cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical). Blake Christian Academy addresses this approach by implementing and promoting:
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Christ centeredness
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Honors stewardship
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Is teacher-servant oriented
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Respects the child
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Boasts prepared environments
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Is individualized
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Promotes hands-on experiences
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Meets the needs of the child
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Uses explorative learning
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Allows choices to be made by the child
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Consists of practical education
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Accepts patience and virtues as reality
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Is self-disciplined
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Uses natural consequences
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Utilizes Mastery Learning concepts
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Promotes self-esteem
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Is an emotionally secure process
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Builds character
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Is community oriented
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Supports the parent as the person(s) ultimately responsible for the child’s education.
“You are the light of the world – a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:14 - 17
