Academics
Curriculum
The design of any curriculum is an ongoing process. Faculty members develop specific components in every class – components that may change over time as new subject matter is introduced. To view the current curriculum overview for a particular division, please click on the links below. For your convenience, there is also a brief introduction to the curriculum below.
K-1 Primary Lower School Curriculum Overview
2-5 Elementary Lower School Curriculum Overview
6-8 Middle School Curriculum Overview
9-12 Upper School Curriculum Overview
Kindergarten and First Grade Primary Curriculum
The philosophy behind the curriculum for our younger students reflects our educational philosophies of high quality academics, global readiness, and the commandment to Love God and Your Neighbor as Yourself.
In class, we engage students are in activities that make learning both fun and interesting. We are the first and only independent school in North Carolina that utilizes the VIF/Splash Language Immersion program in the classroom, and many subjects or topics are taught entirely in Spanish. Volumes of research have shown that second language mastery is more easily acquired the younger a student begins learning it. Additionally, research demonstrates that students in language immersion programs – on average – perform far better in all subjects when compared to their peers in traditional programs. Therefore, in the Primary grades, we not only develop second language acquistion, but we also lay the groundwork in preparing students for higher-level academics in the future.
And yet, perhaps even more important at this age than language development and particular subject success is our desire to develop in our youngest students an enthusiasm for learning. Learning and playtime take place in a joyful, nurturing environment, where laughter is common and kindness is expected. The warmth and quality of the program emphasize learning processes more than isolated skills, and mastery is reflected across a continuum, which allows all our students to experience both success and satisfaction as they learn.
Finally, our youngest students study in a faith based setting without association to any particular doctrine. The school, anchored in the Judaic-Christian commandment to Love God and Your Neighbor as Yourself celebrates numerous Christian traditions while learning the importance of respect, responsibility, integrity and service.
For an overview of the curriculum for grades K-1 click here.
Lower School Elementary Curriculum
The Lower School Curriculum, which flows directly from the Primary Curriculum, provides our elementary school students with the additional academic and social skills they need to become engaged and enthusiastic learners. It's a program that's rich in discovery creativity, and active listening, while providing ample opportunity for healthy living and regular recess periods.
The balance between the academic and social goals during this period is critical. While it's important to lay the groundwork for further learning though quality academics and the development of study skills, it's equally important to foster in children a rowing excitement to learn in elementary aged children. In our classes and throughout the curriculum, students are given meaningful opportunities to learn on their own, in groups, inside and outside the classrooms, and as members of the entire community. While there are clear expectations for learning, we also understand that every child is unique, with God-given gifts that every child can uncover. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, both as a member of our faith-based community and on their own while simultaneously laying the groundwork for a successful academic career. And through it all, they are taught to Love God and Your Neighbor as Yourself.
For an overview of the curriculum for grades 2-5 click here.
Middle School Curriculum
The curriculum in the Middle School rests upon the foundation that has been established in the first six years of school. All subjects are vertically integrated (the skills learned in the previous year are built upon in the next year), and depth in the academic program is emphasized to a greater extent. Students learn fewer topics at deeper levels, and they are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions. The initial groundwork for critical thinking is laid during these years, and students who emerge from the program are well-prepared for academics yet to come.
Additionally, during these years, there are greater opportunities for co-curricular involvement, while students still remain anchored in the Great Commandment.
For an overview of the curriculum for grades 6-8 click here.
Upper School Curriculum
The curriculum in the Upper School is a culmination of the many unique and wonderful features of an education at The Epiphany School of Global Studies. During these years, learning beyond the classroom walls takes on new meaning as students journey to numerous countries where they discover new cultures and traditions, engage in service work, and experience history and people through the senses.
The curriculum in the Upper School is vertically integrated, continuing to build on the education that has come before. There is a strong, educational emphasis in four areas: deep exposure to the Humanities; an emphasis on reading, writing and rhetoric; global studies and global readiness; and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). By organizing the Upper School program into these four areas of primary emphasis, rather than a traditional departmental approach, these clusters of subjects promote collaboration and cross-disciplinary work that further enhances a student's education.
The curriculum also includes opportunities for student personal growth, whether in specific classes or independent studies. Students are encouraged to master specific talents and to share those talents with the community. Students are encouraged to engage in some of the bountiful opportunities in extra-curricular activities as well, while regularly learning what it means to live a life anchored in the Judaic-Christian commandment to Love God and Your Neighbor as Yourself. Paramount throughout the entire curriculum and overall academic program is the belief that the school fully prepares our students for the academic rigors of college.
For an overview of the curriculum for grades 9-12 click here.