Academics exist to train the mind
Whatever you aim at, you are likely to hit it.
We encourage students to aim “high” and to “aim at how Jesus thinks.” The mind must be trained to seek the "mind of Christ," and to pursue the knowledge that leads to understanding and wisdom.
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:14-16
To some people, academics have become a process to endure on the way to landing a good job. This is a sad aim. A student who is thoroughly trained academically ought to be prepared for thinking, integrating, and analyzing content. From this, career-oriented goals then easily follow for these stand-out young people.
Academically, Lake Pointe exists to help students rise to their highest potential. This includes subject mastery, but more importantly, it means helping students develop tools for life-long learning and application. Lake Pointe teaches students the tools for learning, and trains them intentionally and systematically, so that this skill becomes second nature.
Because of these aims, LPA's curriculum is challenging. We do not apologize for this. For lifelong learning success, students need to stretch forward at every level, working toward starting the next level on a firm foundation.
Students constantly amaze us by rising to appropriate challenges. With caring and encouraging believers as teachers, and with loving and engaged parents as direct helpers and encouragers, students are enabled to do their best.
Academic Program
Lake Pointe's academic program is arranged and administered according to three developmental learning levels in the classical tradition. Often referred to as "The Trivium" or "three paths," these divisions correspond to different teaching approaches and expectations at each level. They aim to correspond to the student's natural development and maturity, as God created young people.
Grades K-5: The Grammar level focuses upon the "what"
The focus of young children is to absorb facts and basic skills they will use the rest of their lives. Students love to learn facts, and they like to share and to show what they know.
Grades 6-8: The Logic level focuses upon the "why"
The focus of middle school-aged students is upon accumulating skills they will use the rest of their lives. They continue to learn new facts, of course, but emphasis is upon connecting, explaining, and manipulating those facts, using reasoning and logic to support arguments.
Grades 9-12: The Rhetorical level focuses upon presentation
High school young adults are naturally inclined toward discussion, debate, opinion and expression of ideals. Still learning new facts and skills, these college-bound students focus upon eloquence and style of argument, persuasion, and presentation.