Academics
At Dawn Treader Academy, academics is never separate from formation. We're preparing students to be informed of the past, conversant with the present, and equipped for whatever lies ahead as ambassadors of Christ's Kingdom. That shapes everything from the books we read to the way we structure a school day.
K-12
A Small School, By Design
Dawn Treader Academy serves students in Kindergarten through 12th grade. As a microschool, our class sizes are intentionally small, which means more individual attention, not less opportunity.
Subjects
English Our English program is built on strong, classical foundations, using Memoria Press curriculum at every level. Kindergarten begins with structured phonics instruction. In 2nd and 3rd grade, students build reading and spelling skills through literature selections such as Amelia Bedelia, Little House in the Big Woods, and The Courage of Sarah Noble, with grammar reinforced through our Latin instruction. Middle schoolers study literature including The Hobbit, Anne of Green Gables, and The Bronze Bow, alongside Classical Composition. High schoolers study British literature, including Macbeth and Pride and Prejudice, also alongside Classical Composition.
Math Math is one subject where mastery matters more than pace. We use Math-U-See, a mastery-based program well suited to independent work. Students begin at their own level, determined by placement testing, and progress as they demonstrate mastery rather than moving in lockstep with a grade-level calendar.
Science Our science curriculum, Berean Builders, pairs hands-on investigation with a strong grounding in the history and philosophy of science. Elementary students follow a multi-year rotation through Berean's elementary science books, currently studying Science in the Beginning. Middle schoolers are studying Science in the Atomic Age this year. High school rotates through the sciences based on students' needs, with a focus on Earth Science this year.
History Our history curriculum uses BJU Press throughout the school. Elementary students are studying World Regions, middle schoolers are studying American History, and high schoolers are studying American Government and Economics this year.
Bible Bible instruction is central to our identity, not an add-on to it. Elementary students are studying Bible Truths through BJU Press, with plans to continue through the series in future years. Middle and high school students are studying The Triumph of Christ, also from BJU Press, building a solid theological foundation as they grow in their faith.
Latin Latin has long been a hallmark of classical education, sharpening students' grasp of English grammar and vocabulary while opening the door to the Western tradition's foundational texts. Elementary students begin with Prima Latina, and middle school and above continue with First Form Latin, both from Memoria Press.
Electives/Specials Beyond our core academics, students have the opportunity to grow in additional areas. Art meets weekly, combining the study of art history with hands-on creation. Students also have physical education as part of their week. We look forward to adding other electives over time as opportunities and instructors become available.
A Four-Day School Week
Dawn Treader Academy operates on a four-day school week, Monday through Thursday. We believe strongly in protecting family time.
Fridays are generally free from scheduled classes. Families may use the day for rest, tutoring, enrichment activities, extracurriculars, or simply time together, and students may occasionally have independent work to complete, such as finishing self-paced coursework.