Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.

Firm Foundations Academy will infuse all that it does with Scriptures. We aim to feed the mind with truth, goodness, and beauty, and foster holy discernment and eloquence. We use the trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) to guide the students through this process and will move from concrete concept  to philosophically deep understanding, inspiring joyful and lifelong learning 

Humanities is the deep study of the image-bearers of the living God. In this course, we intentionally integrate history, literature, and biblical application. We see humans interacting through history and literature–and this gives us an understanding of how God’s intricate story unfolds through each of us. Students learn to process what they read in the humanities and eloquently articulate their thoughts through writing and speaking. Using progymnasmata* exercises, we train students to discern truth, goodness, and beauty. 

*Progymnasmata exercises are a series of writing and reading exercises that  provide a comprehensive training ground for students to develop essential rhetorical skills, critical thinking abilities, and communication proficiency, laying a solid foundation for their academic and professional endeavors. 

Literature provides the opportunity to recognize the human condition through the power of story, and understand our role in God’s grand story.  It enables us to look at good and evil and practice discernment from a position of innocence*.   Fiction, non-fiction and source texts at Firm Foundations will have this aim while also incorporating a theme prevalent in the era of time being studied.   We will intentionally choose literature that is eloquent whenever possible, but most importantly we will choose literature that provokes conversation with thematic underpinnings necessary for laying the foundation of God-centered wisdom.

*While a story may discuss sin, the student gains understanding about sin without experiencing it, thus gaining discernment.

History is the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan, where divine purpose intersects with human events across time. It connects people, places, and decisions, offering wisdom from past successes and failures to guide our present and future. By studying it, we gain insight into the human condition and learn to live and worship faithfully under God’s sovereign hand. 

Primary students’ memory work is implemented at the classroom level.  This targeted memory work encompasses spiritual memory work such as Bible verses, catechism and hymns.  The academic memory work brings in the timeline song for history and geographic context.  

At FFANW, Scripture is not an add-on to learning but the foundation that shapes everything we do. God’s Word informs how we understand truth across every subject and how we live each part of the school day. Rather than isolating Bible to a single class, we seek to integrate biblical truth naturally and consistently throughout instruction and classroom life.Our goal is not only knowledge of Scripture, but formation under it—shaping students to love what God loves, recognize what is true and good, and live with wisdom and courage as followers of Christ.

At FFANW, mathematics is more than memorizing procedures—it is learning to see order, pattern, and logic in God’s created world. In the foundational years, students learn through game-based, hands-on experiences that make mathematical concepts concrete, engaging, and memorable, developing number sense. As students grow, they move from concrete understanding toward abstract reasoning, ensuring that skills are built on true comprehension rather than speed or memorization alone. We emphasize mastery, practice, and clear thinking so that students develop confidence, accuracy, and the ability to think logically as they progress. Our goal is for students to approach mathematics with curiosity, persistence, and a sense of discovery as they grow in understanding. Math classes are held simultaneously so that students can move to their developmentally correct math level. 

At FFANW, science is the study of God’s created world, where students are invited to explore the order, design, and wonder woven into creation. We approach science as a hands-on, experiential subject in which students learn through observation, investigation, and discovery rather than passive instruction.

Throughout the program, students engage with scientific ideas in developmentally appropriate ways, beginning with concrete exploration in the early years and gradually moving toward deeper analysis and understanding in the upper grades. Biblical truth is consistently woven into instruction, helping students interpret what they observe through the lens of God’s design and character.

Our goal is to cultivate curiosity, discernment, and awe as students grow in their understanding of the natural world, developing both scientific thinking and a reverent appreciation for creation.

At FFANW, we believe every child is created in the image of God and therefore carries inherent worth, dignity, and purpose. Because of this, struggling learners are not defined by their difficulties but are seen as students whom we are called to serve with patience, wisdom, and compassion. 

We are committed to identifying barriers to learning and responding with thoughtful instruction, encouragement, and appropriate support. Through consistent teaching, practice, and care, we help students strengthen foundational skills and grow in confidence.

Our goal is to reflect Christ in how we teach and care for each child, believing that faithfulness in small steps of growth builds both academic progress and lasting hope in every learner.

At FFANW, our classes are intentionally small, typically 12–13 students, and multi-age in design so that learning remains personal, relational, and responsive to each child. This structure allows teachers to know each student deeply while creating a stable community where younger and older learners grow together. Within this environment, students benefit from modeling, collaboration, and mentorship, while also receiving instruction tailored to their individual readiness and skill level. The result is a classroom that is both academically focused and deeply formative, where every child is known, supported, and appropriately challenged.