Core Studies

The Bible is a lamp unto our feet, the sword of the spirit, the living and active Word of God. We study the Bible that the Lord may open our eyes to behold wondrous things. Studying the Bible helps us to know God and delight in Him. He is the beginning and the end of all wisdom and all virtue. 

Biblical studies are an integral part of cultivating a love of wisdom and virtuous character. In the grammar school, students practice hiding God’s Word in their hearts as they explore events and figures in the Old and New Testament, building a foundation of Biblical literacy. 

 In the logic school, students continue Biblical studies and begin to apply academic skills to the study of Scripture as they learn to read carefully.   

In the rhetoric school, students continue an in-depth study of Scripture as they explore Christology, systematic theology, ethics, and apologetics. Students analyze, discuss, and incorporate God’s Word as they prepare to live out Christ’s calling for their lives. 

Humanities is the discipline of loving God’s redemptive work through history. We study humanities when we explore what has happened, what has been said, and how to respond. Studying humanities provides perspective on God’s intent for man and eternity. 

Humanities is the study of God’s work through history and humanity. The study of humanities includes history, geography, language, literature, philosophy, art, and culture.  

Harbor’s history curriculum is divided into a four-year cycle—ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern times. Students repeat this cycle three times as they move through the trivium, adding depth and breadth to their understanding of the past.  

While students are immersed in stories, events, art, authors, and ideas of the past, they study the foundations of written and spoken language, which equips them to respond thoughtfully, Biblically, and eloquently to great ideas through time. Students master language through the study of phonics, grammar, writing, poetry, and literature. 

Math is the discipline of obeying God’s created order. We study math when we apply logic and reason. Studying math trains our minds to think well and love truth. 

Math education at Harbor is designed to develop automaticity, numeracy, perseverance, and orderly thinking. Students learn to love the order and harmony in God’s creation.  

In grammar school, students develop mathematical fluency and number sense through manipulatives, teacher-directed instruction, and repeated practice and review.  

In the logic school, students employ their numeracy skills to solve problems as they practice precision and perseverance.  

In the rhetoric school, students apply critical thinking as they explore abstract concepts in all branches of mathematics. 

Science is the discipline of noticing beauty. We study science when we observe and describe God’s creation. Studying science opens our eyes to wonder and encourages us to discover who God is. 

In the grammar school, students learn to wonder at God’s creation while they trace the history of science. Students are introduced to the foundations of biology, astronomy, anatomy, and chemistry. Through discovering the history of scientific advancement, committing poetry and vocabulary to memory, and practicing careful observation of physical phenomena, students grow in knowledge and wisdom.  

In the logic school, students continue the art of noticing beauty through examining God’s creation. Students study the core scientific disciplines of chemistry, physics, and earth science. Students prepare for advanced chemistry studies while developing analytical and critical thinking skills.   

In the rhetoric school, students dive deeply into biology, chemistry, and physics. Students apply the scientific method and analysis to experiments. Students at this stage are equipped to think deeply and speak clearly about our world and our Creator. 

Latin is the discipline of imitating Christ, the Word of God. We study Latin when we examine the form and foundation of language. Studying Latin equips our speech for eloquence and our minds for integration. 

The study of Latin at Harbor begins in fourth grade and is required through ninth grade. In grammar school, students commit to memory vocabulary, endings, paradigms, and grammatical rules. Students practice parsing individual words as they begin to discover the order and beauty of language.

In the logic school, Latin students review foundational knowledge of vocabulary, parts of speech, and endings. At this stage students practice analyzing syntax and utilizing grammatical understanding to translate literally.

In the rhetoric school, students read, discuss, and analyze primary texts. Students apply their understanding of order in language to interact with authors who shaped the world we know and admire the beauty and power of well-ordered language as they themselves grow in wisdom and eloquence.

Art, music, and gymnasium are disciplines that equip us to serve all. We serve our community when we enjoy beauty through the senses and care for our body as God’s temple. 

Through the study of art, student’s hearts are attuned to beauty and their hands to creativity.  

In grammar school, students practice noticing beauty and enhancing their understanding of art history through picture studies. Students learn and practice working with the basic elements of art completing assignments that develop patience, kindness, and creativity.  

In the logic school, students continue their study of art history and go deeper into discussing pieces of art from the past and present. Students gain deeper understanding and develop more skill in utilizing the elements of art in their work.  

In rhetoric school, students analyze and discuss great works of art and are challenged to use art to creatively and beautifully communicate with the world around them. 

Art, music, and gymnasium are disciplines that equip us to serve all. We serve our community when we enjoy beauty through the senses and care for our body as God’s temple.  

Through the study of music, students’ hearts are attuned to beauty and order and their voices to glorifying God.  

In grammar school, students practice noticing beauty and enhancing their understanding of music history through composer studies. Students study the elements of music including pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, notation, dynamics, and expressions. Students practice listening carefully and singing boldly.  

In the logic school, students continue their study of music and history as they go deeper into discussing pieces of music. Students gain deeper understanding and develop more skill in utilizing the elements of music. 

In rhetoric school, students analyze and discuss great pieces of music and are challenged to employ the skills gained and use their voices to glorify God and encourage others. 

Art, music, and gymnasium are disciplines that equip us to serve all. We serve our community when we enjoy beauty through the senses and care for our body as God’s temple.  

Harbor’s physical education program recognizes that each student consists of mind, body, and soul and seeks to intentionally and holistically develop growth in all areas.  

This process begins in the grammar school with Gross Motor Lab. Students develop muscular control, coordination, and balance. The skills gained in grammar school support classroom learning and provide a foundation for continued physical education. 

In the logic and rhetoric schools, students apply motor skills to drills that improve eye-hand/foot coordination, dexterity, strength, speed, and endurance. Students learn basic rules and practice drills from various sports as they practice healthy competition, camaraderie, and confidence.  

In rhetoric school, students continue to develop skills and virtues as they participate in drills and competition.