Our Focus

• Rigorous Academic and Character standards for all students in the Academy

• Maximum learning opportunities for all enrolled students through the solid, sequenced, and specific curriculum of the Core Knowledge program.

• Teaching of analytical thinking skills, built upon a solid foundation of knowledge by using instruction in logic, rhetoric, and inductive reasoning.

• Diverse approaches to learning and education through the classical approach and methodologies, while seeking to instill a passion for learning in students as a by-product of the rich content, expert teaching, and application of knowledge through hands-on experiences.

• An instilling of virtuous character in students through teaching about morality through examples in literature and history, as well as by positive application and modeling of the virtues.

• The use of a diverse range of proven and creative teaching methods and activities to help students meet the Academy’s goals and objectives for student achievement.

• The use of multiple assessment tools, in addition to CSAPs, carefully linked to RMCA’s curriculum.

• A Core Knowledge School of Choice for the parents of Colorado Springs , which incorporates the classical tools of learning.

• A maximum of parental involvement in the school, by having parents serve on key school committees, and through close parent / teacher and parent/principal collaboration.

• Teaching of Spanish in all grades to enhance cross-cultural communication within the United States .

• Accountability for school performance and student achievement, including meeting or exceeding all district and state standards.

RMCA Philosophy

RMCA embraces a classical approach to education, seeking to inspire excellence by holding forth examples in each subject field, which have stood the test of time and have been widely recognized as the very best. It is a philosophy in which students are taught time-tested, high quality literature, art, and music, as well as science, mathematics, geography and history. In addition, students will learn the best in modern thought on these subjects. The key pillars of “a passion for learning, analytical thinking, and virtuous character” will all be based on a solid foundation of knowledge.

Teachers will demonstrate their own passion for learning, solid preparation for teaching, creativity, and strong nurturing qualities. They will strive to ensure that students attain the highest achievement possible, as well as experience the joy of learning. Teachers will also respect student's time with their families. Parents will be vitally involved in virtually every aspect of school life to help their children receive a superior education. They will contribute in numerous ways from serving as governing board members or on volunteer committees, to assisting in the classroom and on the playground, and to helping students at home with schoolwork. The Core Knowledge Sequence represents a body of specific, shared sequenced and solid knowledge that all students should learn. Because it offers a coherent plan that builds year by year, it helps prevent the many repetitions and gaps in instruction that can result from open-ended curricular guidelines. As it provides an important foundation for future learning for students, it also furnishes a common ground for communication in a diverse society.

In addition to the Core Knowledge Sequence, RMCA's curriculum will be enriched and enhanced with textbooks, literature, Latin, logic, rhetoric, music and art history, writing, phonics, Spanish and health instruction. Intensive, systematic phonics will be issued to teach beginning reading, with the goal of having students read literature as quickly as possible. Students will begin learning Latin in third grade to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the English language. They will also learn basic fluency in Spanish, beginning with exposure to the language in kindergarten. Logic and rhetoric will be taught to enhance the analytical thinking skills of students. Teachers will be expected to use the Socratic Method as an important instructional methodology.

The overall goal for students who attend Rocky Mountain Classical Academy is that they will be challenged with a content-rich program and rigorous standards within a school climate where learning is enjoyable.