Academics

School of Dialectic

Order & Wisdom:

Growing in Knowledge

Students who have learned to delight in knowledge begin to move from the “what” questions of Grammar school to the “how” and “why” of the School of Dialectic. God has ordered all creation, and in order to understand God’s creation, one must question how it works. In this school, students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss ideas. They study primary sources of information rather than homogenized textbooks. Logic and critical thinking skills are developed and disciplined in traditional logic classes, and students discover that ideas have consequences—even their own ideas.

Objective, absolute truth holds up to questioning, and Dialectic students learn to question the world around them and compare what they see to the truth of God’s Word. This results in a secure understanding of their place and purpose in history in an ordered world, which, without proper perspective, can seem random and hostile. Learning why things happen, not just what happened, helps students gain wisdom to apply biblical principles to their personal lives, and security in knowing that God’s will is never squelched, His purposes never thwarted (Job 42:2, Psalm 115:3, Ephesians 1:11). What joy to grow in “ordo et sapientia” or order and wisdom.

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Quick Facts

  • The School of Dialectic is for students in grades 6-8 (junior high).

  • CLICK HERE to view the Course Catalog for students in grades 7-12. 

  • CLICK HERE to view the 2023-2024 Class Schedule for Students in the Schools of Dialectic & Rhetoric

  • To support homeschool families, ACA accepts part-time students beginning in 6th grade. Learn more here. 

  • Beginning in 6th grade, all students are enrolled as members of one of the Four Royal Houses. Learn more here. 

  • 6th Grade is a transition year that is structured with homeroom teachers for all core classes.

  • Beginning in 7th grade, students attend classes on a collegiate model so no classes meet five days per week 

  • Classes are conducted in a discussion format instead of a strictly lecture-based format (hence "dialectic") 

  • School of Dialectic and School of Rhetoric students participate in a retreat at the beginning of each school year called "Charger Round Table." 

  • Students graduating from the School of Dialectic participate in a weekend class trip to Oklahoma City and Dallas with stops at the National Cowboy Museum, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma National Memorial, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and Medieval Times.  

 

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Friends

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS ENROLLED IN AT LEAST ONE CLASS:

  • Chapel Worship and Bible study groups: Whether it is participating in the congregation or leading worship as a member of the worship team, all students are invited to be a part of the time we set apart on Monday mornings for corporate worship. Small group Bible studies meet on Thursday mornings and are open to part timers, as well as Bible Quiz Bowls which are held every year

  • House Membership: All students, grades 6-12, are enrolled as members of one of the Four Royal Houses at ACA: Dragon, Falcon, Griffin, or Pegasus. The Houses compete in academics through quiz bowls, sports (including the ever-popular “Grailball”), elementary class activities as older brothers and sisters to our younger students, and community service. Through House competitions and fellowship, students build relationships and learn to watch out for each other in a strong family-like atmosphere. House leadership positions are also open to homeschool students.

  • Musicals and other performance-related opportunities: ACA has earned the reputation for excellence in its performing arts. The annual musicals are the most popular activities of the year, with a participation rate of 80%. Every student who tries out and is willing to commit to the work involved is given a part in the production. With positions for stagehands, technical crew, and others, there is plenty of opportunity for any student who wants to participate. In addition, we have a Show Choir, Musical Theater class, and other performance opportunities during the year at different assemblies, talent shows, and Little Theatre nights, all of which are available to part-time students.

  • Class Trips: Students graduating from the School of Dialectic participate in a weekend class trip to Oklahoma City and Dallas with stops at the National Cowboy Museum, Oklahoma History Center, Oklahoma National Memorial, Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and Medieval Times.  

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