Scholar School

Scholar phase is the natural transition that occurs in students, ages approximately 12 to 14, who have had a strong Core and Love of Learning phase, and ends around ages 18 to 19. During the scholar phase a student begins to think more abstractly and transitions from needing strong guidance into a self-directed learner. This is accomplished through reading of classics in all different academic areas, in-depth discussion and writing about what they have learned, and mentored projects

Arlington Liber Academy's Scholar classes are offered based on four phases:

Transition Scholar

approximately age 12-13

This phase is characterized by a student who will move in and out of Scholar phase. A transition scholar will go back to Love of Learning for hours and sometimes days at a time. They usually need lots of movement and hands on activities.

Practice Scholar

approximately age 12-14

This phase occurs after fully transitioning out of Love of Learning. A student in this phase will want to move less and discuss more. A practice scholar is willing to work independently for short periods of time. They may also prefer to approach more than one subject at a time.

Apprentice Scholar

approximately age 13-15

This is the phase where a student begins to see the value in collaborating with a mentor. They are willing to work independently for much of their day. They are ready to begin preparation to discover their personal mission and can appreciate the hard work involved in their education.

Self-Directed Scholar

approximately age 14-17

In this phase a student is willing to devote many hours to study. They will seek out mentors to help them pursue their educational goals and personal missions.

Classes offered for the 2024-2025 school year include:

Morning Session

9:00 am - 11:00 am

(Only one of these classes may be taken during this block)

America's Origin Story:

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 5-12)

Let’s jump into the origin story of the United States of America. Students will gain an appreciation for the freedoms that have been fought for and be inspired to continue to preserve those freedoms. We will study the founding of America and the Constitution. They will get to know the great heroes that founded our country. They will study battles and complicated issues during this time and learn about the great leaders that emerged. This class will require reading and studying various books and documents, writing weekly thought papers, simulations, projects, presentations, and memorizing the Declaration of Independence. Students have the opportunity to earn a sword as they complete all the requirements.

Transition/Practice Scholar

Mentors: Kandice Johnson & Amanda Lee

Dystopian Literature & World Building:

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 4-12)

Scholars will spend the year building their own dystopian world as we traverse through societies left in shambles! We will discuss surviving in a post apocalyptic world including but not limited to skills needed to survive, rebuilding a new society. We would examine the different moral conflicts that these societies present. We will investigate censorship and government control, how it plays a role in both imaginary dystopian society and our current society today.

Reading will be a key component! All selections will be available in audio format as well as in book form. Expect to spend 8 - 12 hours a week outside of class writing and enjoying books such as Fahrenheit 451 and The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Scholars can expect projects and 2-3 writing assignments per semester.

Apprentice/Self Directed

Mentors: Dominique Whitmarsh & Karen Bulgarelli

World Religions:

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 4-8)

This class is an anthropological survey of a variety of religions and world views including Secular Humanism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and others. We will have guest speakers and field trips to places of worship.

Reading books and writing papers will be key components. This class will help students better understand the world around them, find common ground with people of differing beliefs, and assist in increasing their ability to make an effective impact on the world. We will approach each worldview with an observational lens without judgement and see how people’s beliefs impact theology, philosophy, ethics, psychology, sociology, law, politics, economics, and history.

Apprentice/Self Directed

Mentors: Emma Yeager, Tina Harrell, Joanna Hawkins

Club Hour:

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Registration for Scholar Clubs will be done at Orientation. Classes will be formed based on student interest. Some options for Scholar Clubs include speech and debate, choir, sign language, board games, etc.

Afternoon Session

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

(Only one of these classes may be taken during this block)

Theater Thru the Ages:

(Maximum: 25)

We will read plays from ancient to modern times and everything in between. In class we will discuss the scenes read for that week, learn theater terminology, and study different disciplines in theater (acting, directing, and tech theater). Students will also give presentations for each discipline. This will culminate in a spring production at the end of the year.

This class extends to 4:00 during the spring semester.

Transition Scholar / Practice Scholar / Apprentice Scholar / Self-Directed Scholar

Mentors: Tina Harrell, Amanda Lee, Kandice Johnson, Angie Waite

GameSchooling:

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 4-8)

Let’s play games! Get ready to challenge your brain with puzzles, strategies, and problem-solving activities. Throughout the year, we will experience a variety of tabletop board games, card games, pencil-and-paper games, and even lawn games.

Outside of class, expect to create and work toward personal goals while also reading two books per semester, such as Finish by Jon Acuff and A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher. Discussions offer a chance to examine different strategies and perspectives, helping each student determine how to apply them to their own goals and experiences.

Transition Scholar / Practice Scholar / Apprentice Scholar / Self-Directed Scholar

Mentor: Rebekah Kowis & Kate Rongey

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