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)

The Science Saga: 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 4-8)

We will take an epic journey through time and discovery in this extraordinary immersive class. Scholars will be encouraged to ask questions like, "How did scientific discoveries spur on the Renaissance?", and "why is Einstein so famous?". Starting with ancient civilizations and traveling to the modern age, we'll delve into the stories of pioneering minds and groundbreaking discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe.

Scholars will engage in weekly hands-on experiments and discussions. Then each month, we'll dive into 1-2 books. Scholars will also be introduced to technical papers. Join us as we unravel mysteries and embark on a unique quest for knowledge.


Transition/Practice Scholar

Mentors: Rebekah Kowis & Tina Harrell

Movie Literature: 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 4-8)

Ready to become a book and movie critic! In Movie Literature we will gain a new perspective of books and their movie counterparts! We will step into a plethora of worlds, cultures, and characters to gain an understanding and appreciation of the world around us. Get ready to step into the shoes of professional and amateur critics where we will acquire the knowledge to intellectually review books and movies. Students will be given multiple opportunities to debate in class, and they will also learn the academic analysis of both the books and the movie counterparts. Students will have 3 writing assignments, 3 books and 3 movies to watch per semester: books such as Ender’s Game and The Princess Bride. 

Apprentice/Self Directed

Mentors: Dominique Whitmarsh & Emma Yeager


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)

Screen & Stage: 

(Maximum: 25)

Lights, camera, action! In this class we will study and compare 3-4 productions that were either a staged production first and then a screen production or vice versa. We will learn different components of the performances (playwright, directing, tech: costumes, lights, set, props, sound, and acting) and compare and contrast between screen and stage. Technology behind the scenes will also play a key role in this class. Students will produce a production trailer and perform in a “screen and stage” theater production during the spring semester. 

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

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

Mentors: Kandice Johnson, Amanda Lee, & Angie Waite


Mediums: 

(Enrollment minimum/maximum: 2-8)

Creating art is a way of expressing yourself. In the mediums class we will explore different mediums over the course of the year. Artistic skill is not a requirement for this class because everyone has the ability to be creative and to enjoy using their imaginations to create art. We will plan to explore drawing, painting and photography, as well as some other medium that the class will decide together.

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

Mentor: Kylee Compton