Immanuel Evangelical-Lutheran Church: Alexandria, VA

Immanuel’s Classical Curriculum

A classical school has many distinctives that set it apart from the average classroom experience. There is emphasis on the liberal arts, the development of language and the knowledge of culture. By engaging students in a "conversation" with the past, classical education familiarizes them with the developments and culture of Western Civilization. Through this process, students become well-versed in the great works of literature, music, and art – as well as in science and math.

Most of the material used at Immanuel is advanced by at least one grade level. Our accelerated curriculum not only gives students a jump start on developing crucial cognitive and analytical skills, but also challenges them to expect more of themselves in school, as well as in life. Formal studies in Latin begin in the 3rd grade, and by the 7th grade, our students are using the same curriculum used to teach college Latin. 

Our curriculum also strives to nurture the body and soul. All classes are taught through the lens of the Biblical Worldview. The memorization and recitation of Bible verses, the Lord’s Prayer, hymns, the Apostles’ Creed, and sections of Luther’s Small Catechism are all part of the daily classroom regimen. The Physical Education program stresses the wellness of the body to support an active mind.

At Immanuel, we believe there should be cohesion and correlation between the material taught from grade to grade. Our curriculum is designed to build upon the material taught in the years before. This way, the student is building upon their understanding of the subject matter, rather than storing loads of unconnected facts. From neatness in penmanship to courtesy in the classroom, we hold our students to the highest standards in all areas, and place great emphasis on Christian character formation, as well as the importance of being good citizens.