Learning Level - Portals uses a multi-age learning approach that allows you to teach your children of different ages and abilities together. Below is a description of each learning level:

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1) Founders are early elementary students, typically ages 5-8, which focus on basic literacy, reading and writing, and building fine motor skills. The Christ-centered approach to our lesson plans helps them learn order, rhythm, work ethic, and to find joy in learning.

2) Growers are your late elementary students, typically ages 8-11. Growers have a focus on spiritual growth and learning the Bible. Students will be encouraged to develop spiritual habits such as praying, Bible study, and worship. The literature in this loop will have more of a focus on events and eras of history, and students will be working to build reading skill and speed.

3) Thinkers are middle school students, typically ages 11-14. Students in this loop will focus on developing reason and sound thinking. They’ll be introduced to a number of ideas and world turning characters. They will encounter conflicting ideas and develop an apologia, learning how to give a defense of their beliefs. They will be challenged to think Biblically about the world and build passion for Christ.

4) Leaders are high school students, typically 14-18, that will focus on interacting with the larger world. There will be less reading, but more difficult texts that highlight abstract ideas and theories. They will work on developing a godly character that encourages them to be bold, and unafraid in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They will focus on listening to and serving others, understanding current events, and getting involved in civics and local government. They will be training to lead, organize, host, and build connections to impact culture.

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Math - Math is a sequential course that must be completed in order according to each individual child's skill level. You will need to complete placement testing with your child in order to determine which math course your student should complete.​

 

Science - Science courses are all available every year. This is because many states require students to complete specific science courses, especially at the high school level. You have the option to choose whichever science class you would like your child to complete in the coming year, whether it’s preference or state mandate. Another important note about science is that the elementary science courses are unique in that they are designed to work for all ages of elementary students, so your Founders and Growers can complete their science course together.​

 

English - Reading and writing must be learned in order, and skills will build on each other. If you have an early elementary student, or a student that is still learning the basic skills of reading and writing, you will need to complete a placement test with them in order to determine which course to start with. Once your student has learned to read, they’ll move on to the Growers level and begin to rotate through the Family Almanac Project, Gazette, and Novel in a Year courses. You can learn more about these courses by reading the course descriptions mentioned in step #4.