| Grades |
6-12 |
At full capacity, TFA will include Grades 6 - 12. The Academy will offer Grades 6 and 7 for the 2014/2015 school year. |
| Cost / Tuition |
Free |
TFA is a public charter school. We do not charge tuition. Enrollment is free (no cost) for New Hampshire residents. |
| Curriculum |
Classical & Core Knowledge |
The Academy offers a challenging curriculum that emphasizes American history and values. Our graduates are informed, ethical citizens and leaders who understand and apply the lessons of the past, demonstrate exceptional character, and lead by example. |
| Core Knowledge Sequence |
Yes |
The curriculum for middle school students (grades 6-8) is built on the framework of the Core Knowledge Sequence. This curriculum was created by E. D. Hirsch to provide a common heritage of knowledge for all Americans. It is rich in content and aligns with the goals of The Founders Academy.
(See www.CoreKnowledge.org) |
| Classical Education |
Yes |
Built on the foundation of content knowledge taught in the Academy's middle school program, high school students undertake a thorough examination of the evolution of liberty. Students learn history from primary texts, read classical literature, learn to develop arguments and to express themselves eloquently. We study the lives of great men in all areas of human achievement, evaluating their contributions and analyzing their characters as models of leadership. The Academy upholds the classical school traditions of academic rigor, full student engagement, and character development. Classical methods of instruction, including direct teaching and Socratic seminars, debates, contests, and performances equip students to understand the foundations of liberty and assume leadership roles. |
| Leadership Strand |
Yes |
The theme of leadership is explored across the curriculum and throughout all aspects of school life. Personal and community responsibilities, school government, community involvement beyond school walls, and a senior project that promotes entrepreneurship and innovation offer multiple opportunities to develop qualities of creativity, responsibility, and self-regulation. |
| Character Education |
Yes |
Developing personal character in our students is a cornerstone of the TFA program. Character is taught across the curriculum, in core classes, electives, extracurricular activities, and in dedicated character seminars. Honesty, courage, integrity, diligence, responsibility, and respect are character qualities we examine in the lives of others and strive to develop in ourselves. |
| U.S. History |
Yes |
American history is studied in depth beginning in sixth grade, in history classes and across the curriculum. The program is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding and appreciation of our nation's rich heritage. Students develop familiarity with the values and character of the men and women whose courage, tenacity and ingenuity have made our nation great. Geography study, research, and oral and written communication skills are integral curriculum components. Literature, the speeches and writings of great thinkers and leaders, and other source documents are central to the curriculum and are thoughtfully analyzed and discussed in both oral and written form. |
| World History |
Yes |
World history is studied in depth beginning in sixth grade, in history classes and across the curriculum. Students examine humanity's enduring ideas, from ancient civilizations through the modern era. Our focus is on building deep appreciation for the people, values, and ideas involved in the development of the concept and practice of liberty. Geography study, research, and oral and written communication skills are integral curriculum components. Literature, the speeches and writings of great thinkers and leaders, and other source documents are central to the curriculum and are thoughtfully analyzed and discussed in both oral and written form. |
| Classical Literature |
Yes |
Based on the Core Knowledge Sequence and principles of classical education, the study of classical literature is an important element of the TFA education. Beginning in middle school, students analyze and enjoy the works of literary giants including Homer, Shakespeare, and Rostand. |
| American Literature |
Yes |
American literature provides a window into the development of the American experience. At TFA, we begin this fascinating study in sixth grade and continue through Grade 12. Authors and poets studied are numerous and include Hawthorne, Franklin, Twain, Lee, Dickinson, Longfellow, and Poe. Great works abound and include American writers from our nation's founding to today. |
| Reading |
Yes |
Reading instruction is designed to develop students' abilities to engage in the Great Conversation with writers, thinkers, and leaders from throughout history. Our program is built around careful reading and analyzing of great literature, speeches and source documents across multiple curriculum areas. |
| Writing |
Yes |
TFA prizes the ability to speak and write well as hallmarks of an outstanding classical education. Our program thus emphasizes the development of these skills across all curriculum areas. Extensive work in grammar, vocabulary, research skills, and mechanics provides the framework for exploring all genres of writing. Students examine great works as models for their own writing, learning from the best. They are taught to distinguish creative writing from expository, and to express themselves eloquently in both forms. Imaginative work includes narratives, poetry, memoirs, and drama; assigned essays describe, explain, persuade, compare and contrast. Each of these genres is taught, practiced, revised, and shared. Letter writing, in its many forms, is another important component of the program. Research and study skills are emphasized, and students learn to integrate these skills as they prepare and present research papers in varied subject areas. |
| Speaking |
Yes |
Active citizens and leaders, in whatever field, must be experienced and articulate speakers. The opportunity to practice oral skills occurs throughout the curriculum and in special classes devoted to rhetoric and debate. Our goal is every student poised, articulate and interesting in oral discussions, debates and presentations. |
| Arts |
Yes |
TFA plans to offer visual and theater arts electives. |
| Music |
Yes/TBD |
TFA plans to offer several areas of study for music, including band, orchestra, and choir singing. |
| Math |
Saxon Math |
TFA utilizes the successful Saxon math program. Saxon mathematics is based on the teaching principles of incremental development, continual practice and review, and cumulative assessment. Saxon Math for middle grades transitions students from manipulatives and worksheets to a textbook approach. The emphasis in the middle grades is on developing algebraic reasoning as well as geometric concepts. Lessons include a new concept plus a review of previous concepts, and Investigations give students a more in-depth treatment of math concepts. Saxon's high school texts prepare students for college and beyond. |
| Science |
Yes |
The Academy's rigorous science curriculum further equips students to become active participants in the democratic process. Sharing the excitement of scientific exploration and discovery, the program prepares students to make informed, ethical decisions on socio-scientific issues. Our students examine the lives, ideas, successes, and struggles of scientists, learning to "stand on the shoulders of giants" as they investigate our natural world and consider solutions for protecting our planet, our nation, and ourselves. Reading, lecture, discussion, lab work, and writing are central instructional tools. Mathematical skills and technology are critical to success in science, and students are supported and instructed in these areas as well. |
| World Languages |
Yes |
TFA offers foreign languages to all students. The study of French is mandatory, beginning in sixth grade. Latin, Spanish, French, and German and other languages may be offered based on demand and availability. |
| Dress Code |
Yes |
Our dress code policy serves to uphold the vision and mission of the school, minimize distraction, and encourage learning by cultivating an atmosphere of discipline, equality, and respect. |
| Volunteerism |
Yes |
TFA thrives with the help of its dedicated volunteers. You can get involved in two ways: View individual volunteer needs as posted by teachers and staff, or join a team or committee. |
| Class Time |
Double Block |
TFA utilizes a double block schedule, providing flexibility and ensuring each subject ample classroom time through the year. |
| Teaching Structure |
Specialty & expert focused |
Each teacher teaches his/her specialty and passion! We ignite our students learning by having experts teach them. |
| Testing |
Yes |
TFA will participate in testing as required by the state of New Hampshire. The school may choose to participate in additional testing programs as well. |