ABOUT OUR ACADEMIES
High School
Join Us for High School!
What we offer:
- Class selection: students may pick and choose their courses
- University Model schedule: most classes meet two days per week, allowing for independent work
- Online grade access: grades are maintained online for easy monitoring
- Two-year curriculum rotation: core courses follow a two-year cycle aligned with the history study (see below)
- Leadership opportunities: students may participate in Student Council
- Year-long half-credit electives: electives run the full school year, allowing students to explore a variety of interests while maintaining balance.
Find a Location Near You
Arkansas:
About Our Rotation
Following the Classical Education model of Teaching Through History and Integration of Subjects, our high school program follows a two-year rotation according to the history being studied: World or American.
World History Rotation
- World History: Creation through World War II
- English – British Literature: Old English through the Modern Era
- Fine Arts Survey: Prehistoric through Modern
- Economics with Personal Finance: Early Trade through Contemporary Economies
American History Rotation
- American History: Discovery through World War II
- English – American Literature: Colonial through the Modern Era
- Speech, Debate, & Critical Thinking: Foundation for Political Rhetoric
- American Government / Civics : Foundational principles through Modern Times
About Our Classes
Our curriculum integrates subjects by using history as the organizing structure, providing a cohesive learning experience while maintaining traditional course offerings. This approach helps students make meaningful connections across disciplines, leading to deeper understanding and stronger retention of knowledge.
History
World or American | Meets Two Days Per Week
This course provides students with a structured and engaging exploration of the past, emphasizing both content mastery and effective study skills.
Each class session includes 25–30 minutes of focused lecture supported by slideshow presentations with student note-taking, using strategies aligned with their learning style. Each lecture is followed by interactive activities designed to reinforce key concepts and encourage critical thinking. Students will engage in discussion, review exercises, and application-based learning to deepen their understanding of historical events and themes.
Outside of class, students will:
Read assigned sections
Complete digital review exercises
Take a weekly quiz to assess comprehension
Semester grades are determined by homework completion, note-taking assessment, weekly quizzes, and midterm/final exams. (1 credit Social Studies)
English
English I or II: British or American Literature | Meets Two Days Per Week
This course is designed to
- Cover all aspects of English: literature, composition, and grammar;
- Inspire both the reader and non-reader;
- Cultivate an understanding of literary eras and an appreciation of popular works
- Explore literary concepts like structure, perspective, literary devices, and theme;
- Encourage students to think deeply and form opinions;
- Provide composition instruction in all types of essays; and
- Teach MLA format and proper in-text citations.
Class time includes literature discussions and composition and grammar instruction. Semester grades are determined based on class participation and literature quizzes/activities (35%), composition grades (35%), and grammar homework completion and tests (30%). (1 credit English)
English III or IV: British or American Literature | Meets One Day Per Week
This course is designed to
- Cover literature and composition, reviewing essay skills and focusing on responding to discussion prompts
- Inspire students to become more informed, avid readers.
- Explore literary periods and their great works, including some of the fantastic books on the college bound reading list that are possibly lengthier or contain more difficult content.
Semester grades are determined based on weekly literature quizzes, class participation, and a year-end project.
Fine Arts Survey / Speech and Debate
Fine Arts Survey | Meets One Day Per Week
This course provides students with the knowledge to identify and differentiate between the major historical art movements and the artists who shaped them.
Students cultivate critical thinking skills by analyzing the aesthetics of artwork and exploring the ideas that inspired them. As they sharpen their observational skills, they learn to perceive subtle details, enabling them to engage more thoughtfully with the world around them.
Class time is divided between lecture and discussion with visual reinforcement followed by drawing and art activities.
Grades are based on class participation, periodic quizzes, and completion of drawing exercises. (1/2 credit Fine Arts)
Speech, Debate, & Critical Thinking | Meets One Day Per Week
Through improv activities, storytelling, debate, and formal speeches, students cultivate essential communication skills while learning to listen actively, think on their feet, and present ideas with clarity and logic. These skills provide the perfect foundation for discussion and debate in the government class offered on the same rotation.
Homework averages less than one hour per week, as speech and debate assignments draw on common knowledge and material familiar to the student.
Grades are based on class participation and presentations. (1/2 credit Speech)
Economics / American Government
Economics with Personal Finance | Meets One Day Per Week
In the economics portion of class, students work to understand economic theory. Both sides of issues are discussed, and students develop their own worldviews that they can defend them rationally, logically and with support. Class time includes role-play activities, simulations, and games.
The personal finance aspect of class covers many practical topics like budgeting basics, saving money, credit and debt, consumer awareness, and investing and retirement. Homework includes a role-play simulation carried out over multiple weeks where students apply concepts learned in class. Grades are based on class participation, weekly homework assignments, and quizzes. (1/2 credit Social Studies)
American Government (Civics) | Meets One Day Per Week
This course will provide students with a more in-depth understanding of fundamental government topics. Course content will include the foundations of American democracy, civil rights and liberties, public opinion, political participation, and the three branches of government. Students will become knowledgeable on how their government functions, as well as how to argue and disagree on political issues in an informed, mature way. Grades will be based on in-class activities, news briefings, chapter quizzes, and two semester exams. (1/2 credit Social Studies)
Science
Physical Science, Biology, or Anatomy & Physiology | Meets Two Days Per Week
Class time will include lecture and review, labs, and chapter tests.
Students will complete all reading assignments, homework, and tests provided by the curriculum.
Semester grades will be determined based on class participation, homework completion, lab reports, and tests. (1 credit Science)
NOTE: Computer Science can also serve as a third science. (see below)
Math
Algebra I, Geometry, & Algebra II | Meets Two Days Per Week
Class is set up following the “Flipped Classroom” model where students watch instructional videos and complete guided notes at home and come to class prepared to ask questions, complete assignments, and complete section quizzes and unit tests. Students work at their own pace and move to the next unit when mastery is achieved.
Semester grades are based on homework completion, section quizzes, and unit tests.
This course follows the Comm. Central Academy schedule, with an additional unit to be completed over the interim break. (1 credit Math)
NOTE: Computer Science can serve as a fourth math. (see below)
Communication. Community. Character.
Where Leadership Begins
Additional Information
Select an academy near you from the list below, and follow these directions for additional information:
Additional Classes / Weekly Schedule:
Some academies offer additional electives and concurrent classes. To see course offerings, see “Class Registration.”
Schedule:
To view specific start and end dates, refer to the school calendar.
For meeting days and times, see the public homepage.
Curriculum and Tuition:
The texts needed for class are listed in the course description and visible once your request for membership is approved by the local academy.
Tuition rates can be found in the FAQs.