Foundations Course Descriptions

K-1 Class

The K-1 Foundations class follows the same basic timeline as the older students using age-appropriate, hands-on activities to engage the whole body in the learning process.  Whether its singing songs which teach or memorizing Bible verses to grow by; exploring experiments exposing the wonder of God's world or enjoying great books; making messy crafts which ignite the imagination or experiencing the lesson through dress up and drama - our K-1 students have serious FUN!   Veteran and beloved K-1 teacher, Ruth Bingham, leads assistants in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere to give even the most timid young student confidence to bloom.  Activities are designed to help develop early learning and social skills and prepare for future ones. 

Class size is limited to 22 students.  Families with older children attending Foundations and/or Fundamentals will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to learn together as a family in this multi-age learning environment.  Parents receive a K-1 specific Academic Resource Guide with a weekly overview of classroom presentations and resources and a variety of Strong Life Activties for followup at home and help in discovering your child's strengths.  Add math and phonics and you have a complete curriculum!

Survey of History

Mrs. Cindy Pilling

As nations developed, Europe experienced a period of time marked by a highly ornate and extravagant style, most evident in art and architecture. This Baroque style was merely a reflection of man's increasing arrogance, and set the stage for radical changes in society under the rule of absolute monarchs who undermined the authority of scripture. Still, nations flourished under these strongly controlled governments; trading companies were established; exploration continued; and colonization was prized. A false sense of stability produced an opulent lifestyle among the elite, paid for by taxation of the poor; and governments on the fringe longed to follow in their footsteps. Spain was left behind in the 16th century; England and France emerged as world leaders, both seeking to establish empires. Only one could succeed. The men and women who launched the world into the Modern Age - Oliver Cromwell, Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Frederick the Great, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, to name a few - were powerful, flamboyant, and intensely patriotic.

In stark contrast to the lavish European lifestyle, God moved in the hearts of a relative few to travel to a New World, to overcome enormous challenges, and to settle a wilderness . . . this was a life whose chief focus was survival. Who were the people answering His call? Who would they become? The pages of history testify of undaunted courage, sheer determination, resourcefulness, and a rich faith. Ultimately, this same strength of character would propel these early settlers to issue a call for liberty and a fight for independence. John Smith, William Penn, Daniel Boone, Patrick Henry, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington - these men were skilled diplomats, strong leaders, charismatic personalities, and passionate orators . . . each focused, each fulfilling the purpose for which they were created; each affecting the future as an American nation is born. Students will survey the events of the 17th and 18th centuries and the contributions made by the men and women on two continents whom God uses to shape the course of the world.

Survey of Church History

Mr. John Cox

The vanity of the Renaissance took man's self-confidence to new heights; technology improved his ability to promote it far and wide. During the Baroque period, the result was a large-scale abandonment of Biblical truth and pursuit of man-centered philosophies. The Enlightenment was anything but enlightening. In fact, it cast a long, dark shadow, affecting even contemporary thought. Believers seeking sincere faith and worship - the reformed - were challenged by politics and the religion of the established church. God gave men like John Wesley, Matthew Henry, and George Whitfield, courage to stand for truth and, as a result, revival swept the European continent in the Great Awakening.

Our sovereign God's design and purpose for this time, in part, seems to have been to separate the wheat from the chaff (Matthew 13), and out of this time of conflict, our American Christian heritage was born. The colonization of North America serves as tangible illustration of the spiritual battle of the times: godly men and women risked it all to cross an ocean and separate themselves from the mounting opposition in Europe. Through suffering and sacrifice, men and women came to a new land to become a "city on a hill" for the entire world to see. The Pilgrims, Puritans, and other early settlers began a rich legacy as they sought to honor the Lord. George Fox, Cotton Mather, Jonathan Edwards, and others pressed to expand the kingdom of God until the continent experienced an evangelical awakening of its own. However, the colonies were not exempt from the pride of life and amidst the growth and prosperity of Colonial America, tensions increased. Students will take an up close and personal look at these communities of believers and their leaders and be challenged to exercise their own faith.

Survey of Science

Ms. Lydia Pace

Europe enjoyed unprecedented accomplishments during the 17th and 18th centuries. The scientific method, which encouraged experimentation as the logical way to develop conclusions, was still a much-debated process, often producing dissention from many who still embraced ancient, though unqualified, beliefs. However, new freedom of thought grew in greater progression during the Baroque period and technology was better able to support it: the development and use of the compound microscope opened an invisible world to physicians; the advancement of the telescope changed the study of astronomy; and Isaac Newton opened the world's eyes to optical studies. Furthermore, he articulated the laws of gravity and motion and laid the groundwork for great strides in physics.

At the same time, the colonies - out of necessity - were experiencing the very practical application of the natural sciences as they sought to understand and thrive in a totally new environment. Indian relationships helped in this endeavor and within a relatively brief period of time, great minds born in the New World would make significant contributions impacting the entire world and its future. Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and Eli Whitney were products of a territory growing in ability, confidence, character, and heart.

In stories and studies of the past, students will look for applications of scientific truths in the present, and practice logical thought processes to prepare for the future.

Art Appreciation

Mrs. Michelle Stewart - Winter Springs

Mrs. Leigh Yeargin - Winter Park

Baroque is from the Portuguese word for misshapen pearls, a synonym for ‘absurd' or ‘grotesque'. A baroque pearl is irregular in shape, size, and color - the very description of the period's visual arts. Baroque artists find themselves on the heels of great Renaissance artists who changed the world of artistic expression. In an attempt to have a similar effect, Baroque artists added greater and more fantastic movement. They strove to bring the world around them to life as never before. They experimented with style, expression, composition, and medium. They introduced genre, paper mache, life-size dioramas, as well as oil paint laced with lead. Vanity followed these artists as more people could afford art and, for the first time, it was common for artists to paint self-portraits - autobiographies on canvas.

On the other hand, daily life was a struggle in the colonies of the New World and the art of living was resourceful and practical as settlers were forced to create a new life. Remarkably, works do exist which were produced just 50 years after the establishment of Jamestown. These rare paintings give us insight into the lives of these hardy people. Although Puritans themselves are not known for producing works of art, they certainly influenced those who, later, tried to capture the spirit of the early settlers and folk art was born! Students will examine the tremendous variety of creative expression during the most dynamic and diverse two centuries of artistic enterprises.

Music Appreciation

Mrs. Missy Moran

Baroque music was grand and elaborate and known for ornate melodies and strong beats. It had a rhythmic order and driving energy. Composers of this time wrote passionate emotions into their music in an attempt to stir the listeners' affections of sorrow, devotion, heroism, etc. In fact, the doctrine of emotions called for each individual piece to reflect a single mood and, in practice, the power of music was acknowledged. Music became more than a technical exercise. The lasting elements of music seen in contemporary styles have their roots in the Baroque period. The growth of nation states can also be seen in music as different styles developed geographically. The opera is first seen during the Baroque period and established Italian as the official language of music, perhaps because it is in Italy public theaters are built in great number and welcomed audiences of all walks of life. Vivaldi, Bach, Handel, Mozart, and Hayden are a few Baroque composers whose timeless music is still enjoyed today.

Leading a strikingly different life, the colonists of North America used music to identify themselves as individuals; although some of the music they played was derived from their homeland in Europe. As pilgrims began anew in America, music reflected life. Worship, and eventually military music, sea shanties, and soulful songs of slaves make our musical heritage rich and colorful, giving it a unique personality. Students will examine the wide variety of music and the biographies of those who created it.

Drama Appreciation

Mrs. Cathy Cox

By the Baroque years, the theater in Europe was firmly established, particularly in France and Italy. The design of the building itself included many lasting architectural improvements as the Baroque stage became more elaborate and mechanized. Under the leadership of Cardinal Richelieu, France indulged in fabulous celebrations, ballets, and other spectacles of the stage in an effort to build national prestige. French tragedies and comedies were powerful forces in the advancement of theater during this time. Ultimately, as the Cardinal had envisioned, France became the social, political, and cultural center of the world. In England, however, a Puritan-dominated Parliament passed an Act of Suppression, which went so far as to demolish most of the old theaters, including the Globe. But the censorship would not last for long and the heroic play, English tragedy, and witty comedies soon flourished, including actresses for the first time. Germany's greatest contribution to the development of theater was a systematic study of the art of drama.

Drama, and the theater in general, was not highly valued in the New England colonies where survival and the development of godly character reigned as the primary goals of settlers. In fact, the leadership was vehemently opposed to such entertainment and many acts were issued to prohibit stage productions. Conversely, Williamsburg, Virginia is thought to be home of the first theater built in America in 1716, the governor actively promoting the art. As cities grew in population and wealth, so did the popularity of performances. Eventually, stage performances of both amateur and professional quality were conducted in major cities and country towns. Students will learn the fundamentals of the theater production and try a variety of acting techniques including improvisation, pantomime, and dramatic performance.