Curriculum Overview

This program is designed to develop confident thinkers, skilled communicators, and curious problem-solvers through deeply integrated learning. Each unit combines literature, math, writing, and hands-on projects to create a meaningful, memorable educational experience.

Unit 1: Resilience & The Human Spirit

Literature:The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Math Focus: Place Value & Multi-Digit Addition/Subtraction Mastery
Writing Focus: Narrative & Creative Fiction

Students will craft their own “odyssey” stories, focusing on character growth and transformation.

Friday Project: The Traveler’s Trunk Historical Archive
Instead of a traditional book report, students will create a curated “artifact box” for Edward Tulane.

• Research real historical settings from the novel

• Design and build 3 meaningful artifacts

• Present their collection to the cohort

Skills Developed: Research, creativity, historical thinking, presentation

Unit 2: Logic, Ethics & Innovation

Literature:The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Math Focus: Multiplication, Division & Intro to Algebraic Thinking
Writing Focus: Informative & Technical Writing

Students will write “Survival Manuals,” explaining how systems in nature and technology work together.

Friday Project: Tin Can Robot Engineering + Robot Olympics
Students will:

• Build a working robot using a hands-on engineering kit

• Explore real-world questions about AI and ethics

• Compete in a fun, collaborative “Robot Olympics”

Skills Developed: Problem-solving, engineering mindset, logical thinking, teamwork

Unit 3: The Architect of Liberty

Literature:Who Was Benjamin Franklin? (Biography)
Math Focus: Fractions, Decimals & Measurement
Writing Focus: Letter Writing & Civic Communication

Students will practice both formal and informal writing while debating Franklin’s ideas and inventions.

Friday Project: The Colonial Maker-Space
Students will:

• Build a hands-on colonial invention (printing press model, glass armonica, etc.)

• Present their work in a “Colonial Patent Office” showcase

• Practice public speaking and persuasive communication

Skills Developed: Craftsmanship, historical understanding, communication, confidence

Unit 4: Justice, Systems & Solutions

Literature:Holes by Louis Sachar
Math Focus: Data Analysis, Probability & Real-World Ratios
Writing Focus: Persuasive Writing

Students will write legal-style arguments evaluating fairness and justice in the novel.

Friday Project: The Green Lake Hydro-Geology Lab
Students will:

• Build and maintain their own terrarium ecosystem

• Study water cycles, soil composition, and environmental systems

• Track and analyze results over time

Skills Developed: Scientific thinking, data analysis, critical reasoning

Core Curriculum

We use proven, high-quality programs to ensure your student builds a strong academic foundation:

• Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW): Develops confident, structured, and effective writers

• Fix It! Grammar (Levels 1–2): Builds grammar mastery through engaging, real-world editing

• Spelling You See (Levels D–E): Strengthens spelling through visual memory and context

• Math Mammoth (Blue Series): A mastery-based program that emphasizes deep understanding—not memorization

What Makes This Program Different?

• Integrated Learning: Subjects are connected, not taught in isolation

• Hands-On Projects Every Week: Learning comes to life through building, creating, and experimenting

• Small Cohort (12 Students): Personalized attention and strong peer relationships

• Focus on Real Skills: Writing, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving

Outcomes for Your Student

By the end of the program, students will:

• Write clearly and confidently across multiple styles

• Build a strong mathematical foundation with true understanding

• Speak and present ideas with confidence

• Think critically about real-world problems

• Develop independence, creativity, and resilience