Middle School Program

The humanities, properly understood, are the study of what it means to be human. Our integrated humanities program is an interdisciplinary exploration of history, literature, art, philosophy, and theology. At the same time, our program strives to respect the integrity of each discipline. Integration occurs in two primary ways:

Chronological integration. History and literature are studied chronologically and in tandem to reveal change over time. Human thought builds upon what has come before; a chronological approach to the study of history is therefore essential in scaffolding a deep understanding of the development of human culture and knowledge. As we are a classical school, our focus is primarily on the legacy of Athens and Jerusalem, though as a matter of course other elements of world history are introduced as they connect to the overarching narrative of Western Civilization. Thus, we begin in sixth grade with an exploration of the ancient biblical, Near East, and Greco-Roman world. Seventh graders proceed to the medieval era and the rise of Christendom before entering the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Age of Exploration, and the modern world in eighth grade.

Thematic integration. Human history and literature are studied alongside one another to explore thematic questions, such as: What are the virtues of authentic heroes? What is justice, and what makes a human society just? What are the moral obligations human beings owe to each other, to themselves, and to God? What are our rights and responsibilities? What is the proper means to pursue justice? What is courage? When, if ever, is violence justified? What is beauty? Why do we seek to create beauty? What does it mean to be a flourishing human person?

History texts include a variety of textbooks and authentic history texts, as well as primary source selections as chronologically and thematically appropriate. Literature texts include selected literary works as curated by our faculty.

Our composition program follows the frameworks set forth by the Institute for Excellence in Writing and the Lost Tools of Writing. This program teaches students the classical canons of Invention, Arrangement, and Elocution. Because the program is systematic and sequential, all Lumen Verum students, regardless of their grade level upon entry to LVA, will proceed through the three levels of the Lost Tools of Writing. In rare cases, an exceptionally gifted student may be permitted to proceed through the composition curriculum at a faster pace. However, in general, even strong writers can benefit from repetition and reinforcement of basic writing skills.

Grammar is taught using a variety of materials and pedagogical approaches, including direct instruction, drills, and proofreading practice. In the middle school, attention is also paid to cultivating handwriting that is legible, neat, and precise, as well as beginning typing and mastering the MLA format for written assignments.

In the classical Catholic understanding, science is the study of nature and how it reveals the order of creation as established by the Divine Creator. As we explore nature in depth, we come to know God in greater truth. We also come to recognize our role in creation and the moral obligations incumbent upon us within the order God has established. We also strive to root our science program in sound metaphysics, recognizing the strengths and limitations of scientific knowledge, emphasizing the historical development of scientific theories, and ensuring our scholars are aware of the Church’s contributions to scientific thought. We utilize the rigorous Novare science curriculum, which we supplement with hands-on demonstrations and experimentation as well as exploratory nature excursions and field trips to sites of scientific interest in the local area.

In a liberal arts program, math prepares the mind for abstraction, helping to bridge the concrete, physical reality of the material world and the immaterial reality of pure ideas. Such habits of thinking prepare students for the contemplation of eternal truths. The study of mathematics enables students to see and marvel at the lucid order of the universe.

Our math program utilizes the Art of Problem Solving curriculum, an advanced math curriculum that trains students’ minds in logic and quantitative reasoning. Students who are advanced in mathematics upon entering LVA can take a placement test to discern the proper entry point for their study.

Latin is studied because of its intrinsic importance to Western civilization and particularly to the Roman Catholic tradition. In addition, the study of Latin trains and focuses the mind on understanding the structure and logic that undergird language. The thrill of being able to read an ancient text in the language in which it was written is a joy that every student should experience.

Our Latin program utilizes the Memoria Press Latin curriculum as well as the Lingua Latina text. Introductory Latin is taught using the Memoria Press materials. Advanced middle school students who have progressed beyond introductory Latin can begin Latin I with Lingua Latina, an immersive and sequential text.

While theological themes are embedded into each subject studied at Lumen Verum, theology is taught as a specific course in order to provide a space for students to explicitly explore the teaching of the Catholic church. Lumen Verum utilizes the Sophia Institute Press curriculum.

Within our classical curriculum, we believe it is essential for students not only to learn to read well and write well, but also to speak with compelling eloquence and poise. Our Rhetoric program is offered by instructors from the Rose Debate Institute (https://rosedebate.com).

In addition to their core Lumen Verum Academy classes, scholars are required to take a seminar elective, taught by one of our Distinguished Guest Lecturers. These electives have included:

• Contemporary Threats to the Dignity of Human Life (taught by Prof. Charles Camosy)
• Introduction to Bioethics (taught by Prof. Charles Camosy)
• The Eucharist as Reality to be Lived (taught by Prof. Timothy O’Malley)
• Profiles in Virtue (taught by Mr. Harry Scherer)
• Rhetoric and Debate (taught by the Rose Institute)

In taking these courses, scholars are introduced to a college-style course taught by experts in their respective fields. These courses bring our scholars into contact with the finest minds in Catholic academia, prepare them for college-level study, and model for them a faithful Catholic approach to the most important and interesting intellectual challenges of our time.