Academics

Four Academic Pillars

Keeping Curiosity Central Through Socratic-Style Discussions

At Beacon, we place a high value on curiosity and critical thinking. Traditional lecture-style instruction plays a limited role in our daily schedule; instead, we intentionally integrate Socratic-style discussions in our daily rhythms to foster deep thinking and active engagement. These discussions empower students to form their own opinions, listen thoughtfully, and discover truth through dialogue. In doing so, students develop their own unique voice and gain essential skills in listening, focus, and respectful discourse.

Uncovering Truth Through Real-World, Hands-On Experiences

Learning at Beacon is an adventure. Each six-week term, students embark on a Voyage Project—a collaborative, project-based learning experience centered around a compelling theme or real-world question. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration, students cultivate a growth mindset while building academic and interpersonal skills. These Voyages are designed to spark imagination and encourage meaningful inquiry in a supportive peer environment.

Making Meaningful Connections Through Beacon Achievements

Core academic skills are developed through self-initiated, instructor-supported, and self-paced learning. In addition to individualized learning plans, students engage in Beacon Achievements—hands-on learning centers focused on reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and more. These activities align with each Voyage and change weekly, offering relevant and engaging practice in core subjects. Classroom Guides are present daily to provide support, guidance, and encouragement as students take ownership of their learning journey.

Gaining Confidence Through Exhibition Evenings

Learning culminates in celebration. At the end of each Voyage, students participate in Exhibition Evenings, where they present their work to the community. These evenings offer students a platform to share their discoveries in creative and meaningful ways, while building confidence and public speaking skills. Families, friends, and community members are invited to witness the growth, effort, and accomplishments of each learner.

Our Lower Elementary program is designed to offer students with opportunities for discovery through playful exploration. Each grade level follows a thoughtfully curated curriculum designed to spark curiosity in each student and foster a sense of ownership over their learning. As students progress, they build essential academic skills in reading, writing, and math. By the end of 2nd grade, our students are enthusiastic learners with confidence in their academic ability and

• Our Pre-K curriculum includes Zoo Phonics, Singapore Math: Dimensions, and Handwriting Without Tears.
• Our Kindergarten curriculum includes Logic of English: Foundations, Singapore Math: Dimensions, and Handwriting Without Tears.
• 1st Grade curriculum includes Logic of English: Foundations, Saxon Math, and Handwriting Without Tears.
• Our 2nd Grade curriculum includes Logic of English: Essentials, Saxon Math, Zaner-Bloser cursive instruction, and writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method.

Our Lower Elementary program also includes exposure to the arts, an introduction to foreign languages, and opportunities for movement through Specials classes. Lower Elementary students enrolled in our full-time program take Visual Art, Music, Spanish, and Physical Education each week.

Our Upper Elementary program builds on the foundation established in lower elementary school, guiding students toward greater independence, critical thinking, and academic depth. Students are challenged to expand their skills and apply knowledge in meaningful ways as they explore real-world problems in science, history, and social studies. As they grow, students also continue to develop leadership skills—taking on more responsibility within the school community and demonstrating ownership over their learning through highly individualized voyage projects.

• Our 3rd Grade curriculum includes Logic of English: Essentials, Saxon Math, Zaner-Bloser cursive instruction, and formal writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method. All 3rd grade students also read and study a selection of classic literature.
• Our 4th Grade curriculum includes Abeka for Language Arts and History, Saxon Math, The Good and The Beautiful for Science, and formal writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method. All 4th grade students also read and study a selection of classic literature.
• Our 5th Grade curriculum includes Abeka for Language Arts and History, Saxon Math, The Good and The Beautiful for Science, and formal writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method. All 5th grade students also read and study a selection of classic literature.

Our Upper Elementary program also includes exposure to the arts and opportunities for movement through Specials classes. Upper Elementary students enrolled in our full-time program take Visual Art, Music, Drama, and Physical Education each week.

Our Middle School program offers an engaging academic experience designed to challenge students, foster independence, and build Christ-like character. Through our dynamic curriculum, students explore complex ideas, solve real-world problems through a biblical lens, and develop the skills needed to become confident, self-directed learners. By balancing intellectual and personal growth, we prepare students not only for high school, but for a lifetime or learning and meaningful contribution.

• 6th Grade curriculum includes Abeka for Language and Literature, Science, and History, McGraw Hill for Math, and formal writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method. All 6th grade students also read and study a selection of classic literature.
• 7th Grade curriculum includes Abeka for Language and Literature, Science, and History, McGraw Hill for Math, and formal writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method. All 7th grade students also read and study a selection of classic literature.
• 8th Grade curriculum includes Abeka for Language and Literature, Science, and History, McGraw Hill for Math, and formal writing instruction rooted in the Hochman Method. All 8th grade students also read and study a selection of classic literature.

Our Middle School program also includes exposure to the arts and opportunities for movement through Specials classes. Middle School students enrolled in our full-time program take Visual Art, Music, Drama, and Physical Education each week.

• Our High School curriculum includes a carefully curated collection of novel studies, thorough analysis of grammar and literature, in-depth explorations of science and history, and an informed approach to mathematics. We use texts and resources from BJU Press, McGraw Hill, and Clairmont Press to support our high schoolers’ studies.

Our High School program also provides students with the opportunity to explore the arts and learn foreign languages through elective courses. We currently offer Visual Art, Spanish 1, and ACT Prep to our high school students.