The Saint Philomena Apostolate
Homeschool Tutorial, Choir, & Thespian Troupe
Tutoring an Academic Program that is:
2 day/week - Nursery -12th Grade - Cooperative Program
with a limited drop off option
Celebrating 18 years on mission...
At a Glance
[see below for more detailed descriptions]
Pre -K
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Music Together
Circle Time
Kindergarten
Religion, Math, Science,
Language Arts,
Art, Music (Ward Method)
Elementary/Middle School
Religion, Math, Science, History
Literature, Language Arts: Grammar, Composition,Book Reports, Research Paper practice
At a Glance
[see below for more detailed descriptions]
High School
Religion
Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry, Calculus
General Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
Foreign Language ~ 2 yrs
World History, American History, American Government
Literature: American, English and Shakesperean Composition and Research Papers
Electives
The SPA Thespians ~ Theatre Troupe
The SPA Choir
Computer Science
Creative Writing
Robotics Club
Math Club
Art Club
Logic and Debating
Public Speaking
FULL COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Without God Nothing
Nursery - Pre-K
Development of fine and gross motor skills, visual discrimination and language comprehension are the focus of this level program.
Music Together – is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, and the adults who love them. First offered to the public in 1987, it pioneered the concept of a research-based, developmentally appropriate early childhood music curriculum that strongly emphasizes and facilitates adult involvement.
Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture, provided that their early environment supports such learning. Parents will be asked to utilize music materials at home.
The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd – is an approach to the religious formation of children. It is rooted in the Bible, the liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an "atrium," a room prepared for them, which contains simple yet beautiful materials they use to help them absorb the most essential proclamations of the Catholic faith. The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a sensorially rich experience for children from the ages of 3 to 6 years that gives children the opportunity to grow in love and knowledge of God through Catholic scripture, liturgy and tradition.
Storytime and Poetry – Age appropriate listening and comprehension skill development– Listening and repeating. Exploring the rythems of poetry
Art – exploring color and texture with crafts and projects, color, cutting, pasting, following directions
Fine Motor – Blocks, puzzles, drawing, copying
Adventures in Books – (Seton) coloring, cutting, pasting, following directions, 8 basic colors and 3 basic shapes
Counting Numbers – (Seton) introduces children to numbers 1-10. Introduces simple Math ideas like less, empty full first and last
Kindergarten
Fine motor skill development continues with the addition of handwriting to the curriculum. Math and Religion are introduced in greater depth. Students can begin to explore the Catechism and language skills evolve with the addition of phonics. Students are also welcome to join in Music Together and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd as well.
Religion – Introduction to God, the Blessed Trinity, Jesus, the Ten Commandments, and Sacraments through Catechism question and answer format – as well as basic Catholic prayers; Sign of the Coross,the Glory Be, the Hail Mary, the Guardian Angel Prayer, Morning Offering and Act of Contrition – all in a beautifully illustrated text. –Imprimater
Language Arts – This subject encorporates the following;
Science – 21 activites introduce Science and the Scientific method with an end explanation of “What God can do.” Catholic Commentary throughout – substitution permissible.
Math – Finding patterns, equal sets, writing numbers, halves, adding & subtracting single digits, measuring, money, calendars and telling time.
Electives – Art, Music, Latin, Ancient Greek, Computer Science – See course descriptions found in the “high School” section below for these subjects that will be taught at an age appropriate level.
Elementary and Middle School
Religion – The study of Church History and the Baltimore Catechism are central to the faith formation in this program.
Math – Grades 1-5 -Seton Math. Grades 6-8 - Teaching Textbooks
Science – Seton Science, Apologia, or other science programs are acceptable.
Language Arts
Elementary School – Phonics, handwriting, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and composition
Middle School – Spelling, vocabulary, English grammar and composition, reading and literature
History – Seton history books are designed to teach the story of man and history with facts (many that are little known) that will infuse a love of the Catholic faith to the student.
*For grade level course descriptions, please visit
High School
Religion
Religion 9 – An overview of the four pillars of faith: the Creed, the Sacraments, the Commandments, and prayer. Basic Apologetics designed for the high school student’s deeper intellectual questions about the Catholic Faith are also included.
Religion 10 – The first semester covers the Mass, the Sacraments, and Sacramentals, while the second semester focuses on issues of Catholic Morality.
Religion 11 – This course explores the purposes, origins and versions of the Bible. The books of the Bible, both individually and within their natural groupings are examined regarding both the doctrine and spiritual message of each book individually as well as the historical and social context while exploring such topics as: The Suffering Servant, Types of Christ, The Word Made Flesh and The Incarnation.
Religion 12 – An advanced apologetics course; this program aims to prepare the senior student for the modern pagan world. Written by Dr. Anne Carroll, the text, Following Christ in the World, in receipt of the Imprimatur, covers such topics as: He Who Is, Immortality and Freedom, The One True Church, Upon This Rock, Credo, Church and World, Justice and the Marketplace, Dialectical Materialism, Liberal Capitalism and the Social Encyclicals, War and Peace, Church and State, Christ as King, Man and Woman – Husband and Wife, Suffering in Christ, The Body of Christ and Praying in Christ.
Language Arts
English 9 – This course covers composition with literary analysis and also incorporates vocabulary. Paragraph writing and basic grammar are reviewed. Students then study a literary work of fiction analyzing both literary elements such as conflict and theme and characterization, and literary devices such as point of view, foreshadowing, tone, and symbolism. Also, poetry and discovery of its deeper meaning are introduced. Throughout the year, the students work on and produce a written research paper involving the necessary steps such as: narrowing the topic, taking note cards, outline, bibliography and rough draft production – all culminating in a final draft research report.
English 10 – Advancing on the concepts grasped in English 9, this course also combines composition with literary analysis. Writing assignments becomes more involved as students delve into the analysis of more advanced literary works and poetry including the grasp of their inherent complexities, especially figurative language and sound devices. Studying varied components of good literature, the student forms a greater appreciation for the classics.
English 11 – The main objective of this course is to improve the student’s ability to analyze, interpret and critique literature. Students also learn and perfect the skill of writing an interpretive essay. Different types of literature, and especially those written from the Catholic view of reality and human nature, are explored throughout the course so that the student may sample each of the different genres: the novel, poetry, narrative poetry, and the play.
English 12 – This is a survey course of British literature that covers the great works of the British literary tradition. Using a Catholic British literature anthology, students study the chronology of poetry and prose from Chaucer to Chesterton. The works are carefully studied, encouraging textually based interpretation that captures the insights of the great British authors. Beginning with Anglo-Saxon and through Medieval, Renaissance and Elizabethan periods and including the poetry of Done, Milton and Gray as well as the Romantic and Victorian eras and concluding with selections form the Catholic literary revival in England. Also included are longer works from authors such as Shakespeare, Jane Austen and T.S. Eliot. The course is enriched with analytical questions and discussion topics as well.
Grammar and Composition 9 – This course is designed for the student who needs further work on basic grammar and composition skills. The basic rudiments of the English language: basic grammar concepts such as the seven parts of speech, as well as more advance concepts such as participles, gerunds, phrases, clauses, sentences and sentence diagramming are explored and mastered. The student is then prepared to properly apply these concepts in composition. The characteristics of a good paragraph: topics, unity, clarity, and the use of supporting details are learned. The student is then prepared to delve into writing longer compositions in the descriptive, narrative, expository, comparative and persuasive genres.
World Literature – This course surveys works of literature from various countries and cultures. Discussion questions guide the students to consider the works from a Catholic perspective.
American Literature 11/12 – This is a survey course of American Literature, using a Catholic anthology. The textbook chronologically covers major periods in American History by tracing the development of American literature and culture. Using analytical thinking and appreciation of the literary merit of each work, book analyses are written in each quarter. Literary works studied include non-fiction essays and letters by Christopher Columbus and Blessed Juniper Serra, as well as political pieces written by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Great American authors such as Irving, Longfellow, Hawthorne and Poe are also introduced and analyzed.
Shakespearean Literature 9-12 – This is an elective, one semester course concentrating on the plays of the classic English playwright William Shakespeare. In many ways, these plays show us how Catholic thinking, traditions, and culture have been reflected in the life and literature of the past.
Public Speaking – This course will be spent teaching the student about rhetoric and presentation. The student will learn about appropriate rhetoric styles and learn to recognize fallacies and their use, particularly in modern advertisement. The practical application will be in presentation. The student will give numerous speeches and have immediate feedback as to what needs improving, from stance, posture, and volume, to content and argumentation style.
English Poetry – The student will be exposed to the greatest in English poetry. Weekly, the student will memorize at least 10 lines of poetry. By the end of the course, the student will have studied in class about 20 of the major poets (Keats, Shelley, Byron, Hardy, Shakespeare, Donne, Jonson, et alia) and completed a project on a chosen poet, wherein the student reads all of the poetry of a given poet and studies his life, presenting the poet and discussing the poet in tota at the completion of the class. The study of the poetry will include metre, figures of speech, and appreciation for the formation of poetry. The student will have numerous opportunities to write their own poetry as part of the course.
Creative Writing – “Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography” For the student interested in exploring creative written expression and journalling as well as their own spiritual identity as a Catholic. Students will write answers to posed questions designed to invite them to look back on their own spiritual journey thus far. To explore the “God moments” they’ve experienced and to develop both a creative expression of why they believe what they believe and an “ownership” of their faith.
Mathematics
Algebra I – The basic concepts of Algebra are explained including the absolute value of numbers, exponents and roots, properties of real numbers, solving linear and simultaneous equations, polynomials and rational expressions, word problems, the Pythagorean theorem, algebraic proofs, functions and functional notation, scientific notation, solution of quadratic equations, multiplication and division of polynomials, domain and range, unit conversion, computation of perimeter, area, surface area, and volume, statistics and probability.
Algebra II – This course encompasses not only the more advanced topics traditionally covered in second year algebra but also covers a considerable amount of geometry. Specific topics include imaginary and complex roots of quadratic equations, solutions of simultaneous linear and non-linear equations and inequalities, conic sections, logarithms and antilogarithms, exponential equations, basic trigonometric functions, advanced factoring techniques, proofs of congruence, deductive reasoning, properties of parallel and perpendicular lines, properties of triangles, chords, arcs, and inscribed angles in circles, basic geometric constructions, Venn diagrams, vectors, polar and rectangular coordinate systems, set theory, advanced algebraic word problems and mathematical aspects related to concepts in physics and chemistry.
Geometry – This classical Euclidian course provides the student with a thorough understanding of all the basic concepts of geometry, points, lines, planes and angles; deductive reasoning parallel lines and planes, congruent triangles, quadrilaterals, right triangles, circles, construction and loci, areas of plane figures area, and volumes of solids. Emphasis is given to visualization of figures and diagrams are used extensively.
Logic I – The student will learn the four kinds of logical statements, the four ways propositions can be opposed, the three ways in which they can be equivalent, and the seven rules for the validity of syllogisms. Students will learn to reason well and discern whether an argument reaches a sound conclusion and thus determine if an answer is reasonable.
Science
Biology 9 – Apologia – This course is designed to be the first high school science course that a home schooled student takes. Typically, we recommend that students take it during or after the year that they take Algebra I. The text is written in a conversational style, making it easy to read and understand. It contains student exercises, experiments, and tests. The course is taught wholly from a creationist viewpoint, with emphasis on the incredible design features apparent throughout God's creation. Response to this program has been overwhelming. Parents who thought that their student hated science were pleased to find that this was their child's favorite course! Since then, it has proved a very popular course with home schooling families everywhere. The course is supplemented by papers on the Catholic positions on science, evolution and chastity.
Physical Science 9 - This course covers, from a Christian perspective, the science of physical creation. Topics include: Meteorology and Oceanography, Chemistry, including Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Geology, and Weathering, Earthquakes, Rocks and Minerals, and Physics – including Electronics and Electronic Computers. Many colorful charts, diagrams , illustrations and graphs add an element of interest to the text.
Biology 10 – This course, covers: Science, Finding Order in Complexity, Chemical perspectives in Biology, The Continuity of Life, The World of Living Things, Small Plants and Little Animals, Animal Life, The Biology of Man, Plant Life, Theories of Biological Change and Ecology and Conservation.
Chemistry – In this course, the student will learn about mathematics and chemistry, systems of measurement, matter, energy, atoms and molecules, including atomic separation and reaction, similarities and differences of liquids, solids, gases, acids, bases, and salts. Chemical kinetics and equilibrium, electrochemistry, nuclear chemistry and organic chemistry are explained.
Physics – Basic concepts of Physics are explored including: Newton’s law of motion, kinetic and potential energy, conservation of momentum, kinematics of linear motion, circular motion, planetary motion, projectile motion, free falling body motion, inclined planes, friction, thermodynamics, entropy, ideal gas laws, refrigeration, atomic theory, radiation, quantum physics, and special relativity.
Computer Science – This class will cover introductory topics in computer science using Java. Small group projects will expose students to basic programming concepts while working on problems of particular interest to them. Support will be offered for students interested in participating in more advanced projects and competitions. Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to think about and discuss ethical issues arising from the use of computers in our society, including privacy, reliability, and social implications.
History
World History 9/10 – This history course “will be based on the fact that the incarnation is the central event in history and that everything else that has happened has meaning in relationship to this event….” Dr. Anne W. Carroll. Topics will include: The Kingdom of Israel, The Achievement of Rome, The Most Important Event in History, The Apostolic Age, Empire v. Church, The Barbarians and the Church, The Foundation of a New Civilization, The High Middle Ages, Spain Becomes a Great Power, Revolt and Counterattack, England against the Faith, The Catholic Defense, The Age of France, Liberals and Despots, The French Revolution, The Nineteenth Century, WWI and the Russian Revolution, The World Between Wars, and WWII, The Modern World.
American History 11/12 – This course presents the history of America, “from a Catholic point-of-view. This involves two elements. First, those events specifically relating to the Church and to important Catholics are covered in detail in their relation to and impact on secular history are clearly shown. Second, events which are not explicitly ‘religious’ are examined with Catholic principles clearly in mind: Catholic principles of morality and of political and social justice.” Dr. Anne W. Carroll. History will come alive for the high school student taking this course.
U.S. Government 11/12 – This course is designed to show the student how a proper understanding of our government process can bring America close to God and His Biblical principles. By understanding and becoming involved in our government process, America can practice true justice toward all. Topics include: Government under God, The Shaping of American Government, The Constitution, The Legislative Branch, The Legislative Process, Legislation and Economics, The President, The Federal Courts, Constitutional Provisions and Amendments, Bureaucracy and the American Economy, State and Local Government, Maintaining Law and Order, The Economics of Freedom, Liberalism and Conservative Thought.
Foreign Language
The ultimate aim of the Foreign Language Program is level specific.
French Level I, II, III
Spanish Level I, II, III
The romance languages are described as follows - Latin and Greek are described separately
Electives
Theology of the Body for Teens – The Theology of the Body for Teens program is divided into 12 unique segments that reflect the pedagogical approach of John Paul II’s revolutionary teaching. The program has been designed specifically as a catechetical program to fit perfectly into Catholic schools, youth ministry, CCD, and homeschooling settings. Theology of the Body for Teens has been granted the Imprimatur by Justin Cardinal Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia.
Debating – This class is an extension and enrichment for those students enrolled in Logic I. Skills studied within that class during the first semester will be put into action in this forum during the second semester. And may the best team win! (Included in tuition for Logic I)
Public Speaking – Public Speaking - This course will be spent teaching the student about rhetoric and presentation. The student will learn about appropriate rhetoric styles and learn to recognize fallacies and their use, particularly in modern advertisement. The practical application will be in presentation. The student will give numerous speeches and have immediate feedback as to what needs improving, from stance, posture, and volume, to content and argumentation style.
Theatre – An after school club that will meet once/week. We will develop acting skills through role playing and pantomime and improve our diction through eloqution training. There will be hands on learning of the ins and outs of putting on a theatrical production from sets and costumes to make-up and props. The year will culminate in the production and presentation of a live theatrical production!
Choir - As an acapella choir, voice production and ear training are central to the purpose of the SPA Choir, dedicated to honoring the beauty of sacred music from praise and worship, to Gregorian chant and Latin Hymns, We perform several concerts each year at a variety of venues and sing for daily Mass when SPA meets.
Dance – Classes in Ballroom, Modern, Latin and Lyrical dance are available.
Clubs - Computer, Robotics, Art, Math, Creative Writing
The Saint Philomena Apostolate