Academic Curriculum

A course of study at Cedarcrest Academy centered on academic excellence provides every student with a firm foundation for mastery of knowledge and growth of understanding.  Our curriculum is grounded in the core disciplines of religion, English, mathematics, science, history, and geography.  The breadth and depth of knowledge is expanded through study of foreign language, arts, and music.  Some essential features of our curriculum:

• Developed after intensive research completed by National Consultants for Education resulting in a system of clear standards and benchmarks mapping a comprehensive course of study
• Enlightened by the Catholic intellectual tradition providing every student with a healthy understanding of the integral relationship between faith and reason reflecting the true, beautiful, and good
• Steeped in the hallmarks of the Western tradition of thought spanning the centuries from Egypt, Greece, and Rome through our present day
• Based upon sequentially refining habits and dispositions benefiting each particular discipline and aiding students in achieving success through self-mastery

The curriculum accomplishes the following

• Promotes the powers of imagination and inquiry
• Encourages the students to responsible and ordered thought directed toward problem solving

Success is measured by:

• Frequently assessing through conventional and standardized tools as a means of assuring student progress
• The administration of the Stanford 10, which is a standardized assessment tool used by institutions of academic excellence throughout the country and world. In an environment dedicated to academic achievement, the Stanford 10 demonstrates our success and confirms the integrity of the curriculum.

Standardized Test Scores

Religion
The role of religion is of particular significance in the curriculum at Cedarcrest Academy.  The life and teachings of Jesus Christ animate all aspects of academic study.  In fidelity to the Magesterium, our students are encouraged in their relationship and understanding of Christ:

• Through the promotion of an intimate prayer life.
• Firm understanding of the moral order
• Cultivation of an informed conscience
• Primacy of the Sacraments through weekly Mass and monthly confessions.
• Study of Divine Revelation, Sacred Tradition, and Doctrine.
• Offering solutions to modern problems through application of base principles.

English/Language Arts
Bolstered by a vigorous study of literature, writing, reading, rhetoric, students of Cedarcrest Academy excel in the art of communication.   Reflective of our standards are the benchmarks which every student receives a full treatment in:  

• Fundamental necessity of conventional grammar and mechanics
• Extensive training in composition of essays, letters, thesis papers, and creative work
• Gathering and synthesizing information
• Poise and experience in public speaking
• Mastery of critical reading and listening skills, which assist them in the many genres of communication

Science
Centered on a thorough understanding of the scientific method, complete with its limitations, Cedarcrest Academy students penetrate the marvels of the natural order through keenly developed powers of observation.  Ample instructional time is spent laying the foundation for further scientific study providing base concepts in physics, earth science, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, ecology, astronomy, and geology.  Our students’ success in scientific endeavors is remarkable

Mathematics
Cedarcrest Academy provides every student with a complete treatment in mathematical reasoning.  Practice and application provide a firm base for the study of advanced concepts of operations, measurement, geometry, and algebra.  Students gain an understanding of patterns, functions, critical data analysis, probability and statistics.  Applying technology when needed, Cedarcrest Academy students excel in mathematics.

History and Geography
Conscious of the growing need for understanding the world in which we live, our students develop a wealth of knowledge of the nature of culture and historical method. This includes a firm understanding of the roots and underpinnings of the national culture, history, and benefit from Western ideals.  Students of Cedarcrest Academy become familiar with the world through an intense study of:

• Ancient and Medieval History
• US History and Geography of the Americas
• Local and State History
• Western Civilization and World History
• Geography