Content: It is our desire to utilize that which helps, not hinders, our stated aims. We agree with St. Gregory Palamas, that there are two types of human knowledge— knowledge of the created universe and knowledge of the Uncreated God, and we desire to put both before our students. Just as the physical world reflects the beauty and order of God, we likewise want to mirror the same, both in what and how we offer it. Subjects are offered from the following four categories (with examples from each, though not inclusive): 

• LOVE OF GOD: Philothéia — Morning Time (Rhythms of the Church) and Catechesis (Christian Education & Formation)

• LOVE OF BEAUTY: Philokalía — Enrichment & the Arts: Lives of the Saints, Iconography, Hymns, Artist & Picture Study, Composers, Folk Songs, Poetry, Music, Art, Handicrafts

• LOVE OF MANKIND: Philanthropía — Humanities: Literature, Church History, Ancient History, World & Local History, Shakespeare, Classical & Foreign Languages, Biographies, Plutarch

• LOVE OF THE UNIVERSE: Philokosmía — Sciences & the Natural World: Nature Study, Sciences, Maths, Scientist Biographies, Geography

Forms (or Grades): Rather than utilize individual academic grades, we use the term “Forms.” This is a common way of identifying various levels of content, that provides flexibility to work up or down in different subjects. 

The forms we use roughly equate to the following (American) academic grades or ages: 

• Form 0= K (Early Elementary)

• Form 1= 1-3rd (Elementary)

• Form 2= 4-6th (Intermediate)

• Form 3= 7-9th (Jr. High)

• Form 4= 10-12th (Sr. High)

Since students could go through each of the four cycles as many as three times over the course of twelve years, combining where appropriate, there are usually at least three options for most subjects, and the following designations are also commonly used:

• Forms 1/2= ~1-5th (Elementary & Intermediate)

• Forms 2/3= ~5-9th (Intermediate & Jr. High)

• Forms 3/4= ~8-12th (Jr. & Sr. High)

• Or sometimes, Forms 2-4= 4-12th (particularly for Family Subjects)

Forms and selections for individual students can vary between subjects, based on abilities, interest, convenience, prior studies (or lack thereof), or the number of times a student anticipates going through a Cycle. Families and communities are encouraged to combine wherever possible, as we have found communal learning often yields the most fruit. Teachers and parents should not feel tied to forms, simply by age or grade, but with an eye on the student,  the content,  and  the  group.