Academics

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all."
—Aristotle

The Classical Model of Education

One of the hallmarks of classical education is a rich and engaging curriculum in which all subjects are seamlessly woven together.

Intentional Design

The chronological study of history serves as a framework for understanding the great thinkers, events, and ideas that have shaped our world. Grammar, phonics, and handwriting are systematically taught to ensure mastery of the fundamental tools of writing. Classic works of literature give opportunities to read closely with comprehension and engagement.

Each element of the curriculum is intentionally chosen in order to help students recognize the interconnectedness of ideas and find their place in the great conversation.

A True Liberal Arts Education

History

Through a comprehensive and chronological study of history, students come to understand the historical significance, impact, and chronological position of influential people and watershed events from creation to present.

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History

A Holistic Approach to History
Through a comprehensive study of world history, students are led to recognize God's providence as it has been revealed throughout time. They come to understand the historical significance and chronological position of influential people and watershed events from creation to the present, as well as the influence of these on contemporary thought and culture. Emphasis is placed on the use of primary sources and historical narrative. A holistic approach to instruction is taken, allowing students to develop empathy and a deeper understanding of each era. History comes alive through special events such as Greek Olympics, a Medieval Tournament, and a Renaissance Faire.

Beginning at the Beginning
In Grades 1-6, World History is studied chronologically, from ancient to modern times, enabling students to develop a thorough understanding of the context of historical events. In Grades 7-11, students complete a more in-depth study of World History from ancient to modern times, culminating in a capstone year of Political Philosophy and Government in Grade 12. The study of the Roman empire in Grade 8 includes a comparative study of the United States’ Constitution.

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Science

At Covenant, students are trained to employ scientific methods, engaging in learning that is founded on direct experience and building an understanding that is both functional and deep, allowing students to develop a genuine appreciation of each branch of scientific study.

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Science

Hands-On Experiences
Simply presenting facts to be memorized is not sufficient for shaping and inspiring young scientists. We train our students to employ the scientific method well, inviting them into hands-on experiences with the concepts they are studying. Beginning in the grammar stage (K-5th grade), students are taught to ask good questions, make logical hypotheses, conduct experiments, and write simple lab reports on their findings. In the logic and rhetoric stages (6-12th grade), this process is more fully developed to encourage greater independence, engagement with more complex procedures, and deeper analysis of results. Students engage in learning that is founded in direct experience and build an understanding that is both functional and deep.

Deep Understanding
Because of a scope and sequence that focuses our science curriculum on one branch of study each year, teachers are afforded the time that is needed to delve deeply into the topic they cover. Students develop a genuine understanding and appreciation of each science. It is our desire that our students not only develop a solid understanding of scientific concepts, but also learn to integrate them with their faith. Through experimentation and the inquiry process, they are led to rediscover amazing truths about God’s magnificent creation, truths that have been observed by great men and women throughout history. Ultimately, we seek to continually point our students beyond the beauty of creation itself to the inexpressible splendor of the Creator.

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Literature

Students are trained to read deliberately and thoroughly. Classic works that have stood the test of time serve as the backbone of our literature curriculum, stories that reveal God’s beauty, sovereignty, and creativity, reflecting the ultimate story of love and redemption found only in Christ.

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Literature

Complex Literary Analysis
Covenant’s Language Arts program encompasses and integrates phonics, literature, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and composition. In Kindergarten through Grade 2, students receive intensive phonics instruction to equip them with the phonetic skills needed to become fluent readers with strong comprehension. At all grade levels, students are trained to read deliberately and thoroughly, taking time to understand a work’s complexity, to absorb its richness of meaning, and to analyze how that meaning is embodied in literary form. They are encouraged to discuss great literature with energy and imagination, coming to genuine insight based upon an analytical and critical evaluation of the text.

A Lifelong Love of Good Books
In all grades, a wide variety of excellent literature is used to teach reading skills and to encourage a lifelong love of books. Because we are asking students to engage in deep literary analysis and to search for what is truly good and beautiful, it is essential that we provide them with rich ground from which to mine. Classic works that have stood the test of time serve as the backbone of our literature curriculum. These stories reveal God’s beauty, sovereignty, and creativity, reflecting the ultimate story of love and redemption found only in Christ.

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Math

At Covenant, we teach not only the procedures of mathematics, but the underlying concepts as well, yielding a much stronger retention of the material, the flexibility to apply knowledge to new situations, the ability to discern best approaches to problems, and a true delight in the subject matter.

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Math

A Powerful, Beautiful Language
Mathematics is a powerful language used to describe relationships and patterns. The certainty of its results are achieved through the application of pure logic. The language of mathematics communicates truths which are found not only in the physical world, but also in the abstract realm where its outcomes are often surprisingly useful and also astonishingly beautiful. We pray that our students will not only develop an appreciation for the power and beauty of mathematics, but that this appreciation will direct them to gaze upon the living God, the author of all mathematical truth, and that they will worship Him for His limitless power, perfection, and beauty.

Experiment, Explore, Ask Questions
In order to derive the greatest benefit from the study of mathematics, it is crucial that students are trained to think deeply about concepts and to trace the logic behind each and every result. Instead of forcing students to rigidly adhere to prescribed steps, we must encourage them to experiment, explore, and to keep asking questions. This has a formative effect on the minds of young students, producing more disciplined, logical thinking. It also yields a much stronger retention of the material, the flexibility to apply knowledge to new situations, the ability to discern best approaches to problems, and a true delight in the subject matter.

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Composition

Covenant’s Language Arts program encompasses and integrates formal instruction in phonics, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and writing. Strong writing skills are developed through intentional teaching of proper grammar and syntax, an expansive vocabulary, and the practice of eloquent wordsmithing.

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Composition

Embracing the Writing Process
Writing well requires that each step of the process be practiced and refined, from idea generation to final draft. At Covenant, our students are challenged to wholly embrace the challenge and joy that comes from producing great pieces of written work. They engage with a wide variety of writing styles and formats, develop and incorporate a robust vocabulary, research thoroughly and edit carefully. Strong organization of thought leads to a distinct thesis and compelling arguments, careful word choice and eloquent wordsmithing display the beauty of language, and the rhythm and flow of sentence structure provides a platform from which to convey meaning and purpose. All aspects of the process are considered as students are trained to practice truth, goodness, and beauty through the craft of writing well.

Building Strong Rhetorical Skills
In addition to producing great writing, our students are also given the opportunity to eloquently present and defend their work. From Kindergarten on, our students practice sharing their writing with their peers and other members of our school community. The ability to communicate clearly, persuasively, and respectfully reflects a commitment to building strong rhetorical skill at every age.

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Geography

A comprehensive study of each country and continent of the world empowers students to understand historical events and literary texts in the context of culture, nurturing globally-minded leaders who exhibit compassion and empathy.

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Geography

Comprehensive Understanding
Throughout their course of study, students at Covenant learn the location and capital of every nation on earth, incorporating this knowledge into a broader understanding of the geographical, political, and cultural landscape of each region. This comprehensive understanding allows them to identify how geographical and cultural factors influenced the historical figures, significant events, and influential ideas that have shaped civilizations.

Globally Minded Leaders
In an increasingly accessible world, globally minded students become leaders who exhibit compassion, seek justice, and celebrate unique cultures and people groups. In addition to being well-prepared to participate in a global community, the hearts of our students are nurtured towards virtue in order that they might use their knowledge to serve more effectively, pray more passionately, and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to every corner of the world.

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Latin

Studying the Latin language not only provides an excellent foundation for understanding the roots of English vocabulary and studying other Romance languages, it also trains the mind to think in an orderly fashion, to perform rigorous analysis, and encounter unfamiliar material in a disciplined way.

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Latin

A Foundation for Language Study
Latin serves as a foundation of the English language. A formal study of Latin improves a student’s ability to decipher new or complex English words, as well as to develop a deeper understanding of their existing vocabulary. Additionally, the romance languages stem directly from Latin, so learning a modern romance language like Spanish becomes a much easier task with a base understanding of Latin. Latin is particularly useful to a student receiving a classical education, as many primary texts are written in Latin or Greek. As a result of their study of Latin, students will be able to read these texts in their original language, appreciating the beauty of the piece and developing a more full understanding of the author’s message.

Formational Analysis
Perhaps the most important benefit of learning the Latin language is the development of critical thinking skills that occurs when students decipher a Latin text. Because of the complexity of the language, students are asked to demonstrate logic, attention to detail, and complex analysis in translation of a text. These skills then transfer to a myriad of other subjects as well. In this way, learning the Latin language is actually a formative experience, shaping the students’ minds and allowing them to become better thinkers.

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Bible

Through the sequential study of God’s Word, students develop an understanding of the overarching metanarrative of Scripture, basic theological concepts and major biblical themes, the attributes and characteristics of God, and the plan of salvation.

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Bible

Metanarrative of Scripture
Throughout their time at Covenant, our students are introduced to the big story of God’s creative and redemptive work throughout history as revealed in Scripture. In daily Bible classes, they study God’s Word sequentially from Genesis to Revelation, developing an understanding of the main events and people in the Bible, major biblical themes, the character of God, and the plan of salvation. Rooting Scripture in its historical context, students learn to recognize patterns of God’s sovereign hand throughout the ages and to see how an understanding of time and place informs scriptural interpretation. They also see their own place in the metanarrative of Scripture, as sinners, created in the image of God and in need of God’s saving grace, who are invited into a personal relationship with Christ and equipped by the power of the Holy Spirit for all godliness.

Spiritual Formation
We believe that God’s Word is truth, and it is applicable to every facet of life and learning. Under the shepherding of Covenant’s teachers and through the power of the Holy Spirit, our students are challenged to hide God’s Word in their hearts and to allow it to transform the way that they live. The practice of spiritual disciplines, including regular Bible reading, prayer, and confession, encourages and equips our students to invite the shaping of God’s Word and Spirit in their lives and to faithfully love and serve Christ with their whole selves.

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Proven Methods

Our teachers use time-tested methods that work with the grain of a child’s development, including songs and movement, guided discovery, round-table discussions, and Socratic questioning.

Beyond the Classroom

We are blessed to call the city of Chicago our classroom, with several world-class museums on our doorstep. As part of a holistic education, field trips at every grade level allow us to provide our students with hands-on experiences that support and enhance a robust and rich curriculum.