FAQ
What is the purpose of the “Intent to Enroll” form?
“Intent to Enroll” does not mean that you are in any way obligating yourself to enroll your child when the school opens. Instead, this form registers your interest and provides valuable information to the founding committee of the school. This information will be used in our charter application to demonstrate local demand for a new school. In addition, the information provided will be used during various planning stages, including facility and transportation planning. You can fill out this form by clicking here. The form typically takes 2-4 minutes to complete.
What is American classical education?
- A traditional education in the liberal arts and sciences, defined by an emphasis on the American traditions of literature, philosophy, and history.
- Classrooms where teachers instruct students and convey the tools of learning so that students are prepared for the pursuit of truth.
- Curriculum that engages students with ultimate questions of truth and beauty that define the human experience.
- School culture defined by a seriousness of purpose and emphasis on the development of character and preparation for civic engagement.
Why will you teach classical literature?
The classical tradition acknowledges objective standards of correctness, logic, beauty, weightiness, and truth. These concepts can be illuminated through an education that is full of time-tested literature. Your children have an incredible intellectual inheritance available to them through more than two millennia of contemplation documented in the Great Books. We take pride in supporting your efforts to raise children with excellent character by using literature to help them consider the questions examined by profound thinkers from ages past.
How will you teach mathematics?
We will teach math conceptually using Singapore Mathematics. This approach involves an emphasis on developing number sense using concrete tools (such as base 10 blocks), followed by the introduction of pictorial strategies that begin with images on a page and grow into visual models. Once students master the concrete and pictorial approaches, abstract concepts such as algorithms and equations are introduced. This cycle occurs when teaching specific concepts and broadly throughout the curriculum.
Students will be organized into ability-level groups for mathematics. This means that students will work on mathematics at their current level and may spend extra time on concepts or accelerate their learning as appropriate.
What languages will students learn?
Great emphasis will be placed on mastery of the English language. Students will also learn two other languages. Spanish will be taught in grades K-5. Latin and Greek roots will be introduced in grades 4 and 5, then all students will take Latin from grades 6-9. Between grades 10-12, students will take two additional years of advanced coursework in either Spanish or Latin.
Does the curriculum include fine arts?
Yes! Students in K-8 will alternate between art and music throughout the week. In grades 9-12, students have the option of selecting art or music as elective course options in their schedule. The curriculum we will use is that it is designed for students to learn how to read music by the end of fifth grade.
Why do you offer a K-12 civics education program?
“For as man is the best of the animals when perfected, so he is the worst of all when sundered from law and justice.”
-Aristotle, Politics, Book I (around 350 B.C.E)
The civics program begins with a strong foundation in American history, geography, and the founding documents of the United States and eventually concludes with a deep dive into moral and political philosophy and American government in grades 10-12. Through this program, we seek to foster a deep understanding of how our system of government came to be and how it operates. This knowledge contributes to an appreciation for the American experiment and a sense of responsibility for their role as a citizen in the civic life of the nation. We refer to the ability to meaningfully contemplate these matters as thoughtful patriotism.
Why is moral virtue important?
Aristotle wrote about virtues in Nichomachean Ethics (around 350 B.C.E) and explained that humans are not born with virtue but become virtuous through practice. The school culture that you can expect at RCA is one that nurtures the development of virtuous character. As James Madison explained in Federalist Paper No. 55, “…there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposes the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form.” In other words, a virtuous citizenry is not only possible, but also a necessary component of our representative form of government.
How will moral virtue be taught?
We are dedicated to the formation of virtuous citizens. Our school virtues are courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-government, and service. When you arrive at the school, these qualities will be one of the first ideas that you see posted on the wall. They will be taught in every subject, at every grade level, and permeate all aspects of school culture. If these concepts are as important to you as they are to us, then you will find that we are the best partners you could have in helping your children grow up to be virtuous citizens.
Will religion be part of the curriculum?
This will be a public school, which means it is strictly non-sectarian with no religious affiliation.
The classical model is inspired by the ancient Greek and Roman traditions of art, literature, philosophy, history, and language that are intertwined with the Western and American traditions. These traditions had a tremendous influence on the development of the world and appear in the curriculum as essential historical context. When information about the major world religions is taught, it is included for its historical, cultural, and literary significance.
Is there a cost to attend the school?
No, Riverton Classical Academy will be a tuition-free public charter school.
Will there be a lottery process for enrollment?
The enrollment window will be scheduled prior to the school opening. If the number of students per grade exceeds the total number of seats available (54), a lottery will be conducted to determine admission for that grade. The lottery will occur during the first quarter of the year we open. Please note that siblings of enrolled students will receive preference in the lottery.
What is the student/teacher ratio?
At opening, K-1 will consist of 3 classes per grade with 18 students in each class. 2-6th grade will consist of 2 classes with 27 students in each class.
What grade levels will Riverton Classical Academy serve?
When we open (current target date: fall of 2027) we will do so with kindergarten to 7th grade. Each subsequent year, the next grade level will be added to the school; example: 8th grade added in 2028, 9th grade in 2029, etc. Our 7th graders in year one will be our first class of graduating seniors in year six.
Will there be busing?
Transportation will be provided within the primary attendance zone. Routes and pickup locations will be developed based on student enrollment.
Will students be required to wear uniforms?
Yes, we will have school uniforms. Uniforms demonstrate a reverence for learning and reduce tendencies of social judgment based on physical appearance.
What is the school honor code?
We will strive to be virtuous in conduct, seek to grow in scholarship and learning, and pursue a commitment toward civic responsibility. We will not lie, cheat, or steal, and will discourage others from doing so.
What is the school pledge?
I will learn the true
I will do the good
I will love the beautiful
Where will this school be located?
Thanks to a generous donation from the Brice family, Riverton Classical Academy will be constructed on a 17.3 acre piece of land at the intersection of 300 S and 300 W in the City of Heyburn.
Will students be physically active during the school day?
Yes! Students will receive structured physical education. Elementary students will also have access to recess daily.
Will this new public charter school have athletics programs?
Yes! We will introduce athletics programs over time based on student demand, available resources, and facility access.
Will the school serve students with special needs?
Absolutely! This will be a public school and will have a special education team consisting of a coordinator/director, teachers, and paraprofessionals. We believe that American classical education is appropriate for everyone.
Since this school won’t open before 2027, what should I do in the meantime?
The process to build and operationalize a school does take time. In the interim, there are a few things that you can do to help support our mission:
- Read to your children – Check out this list of recommended books for Kindergarten – 6th grade.
- Declare your intent to enroll – This information is a very important part of our planning processes.
- Spread the word – Let your friends know about this amazing new school and invite them to join you at future information sessions.
- Like us of Facebook to be aware of announcements and upcoming events.
- Volunteer to help – Contact Matt Seely at mseely@acs-id.org for current information about volunteer needs.