Academic

Four Square Academic is a Christian community that meets on Wednesdays for twelve weeks per semester in Byron Center, MI. It is a drop-off program and parents are not required to volunteer. We welcome and encourage families to join us for hymn-sing chapel at 8:45am.

We offer a variety of classes designed to meet the different needs of preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Beginning at 9am, first through eighth grade students rotate through five classes taught in a unique environment integrating the effective Finland model, Charlotte Mason’s principles, and movement-based learning. Parents will gain community, accountability, feedback, and support while preserving the home education experience for their student. Students will have lessons covering Geography, History, Literature, Science, Nature, and Grammar + Composition.

Four Square Academic is designed to complement Four Square Enrichment or stand on its own, based on parent preferences. If you are unable to join our in-person classes, we encourage you to check out Without Doors – a Bible, Geography, History, Literature, Enrichment, and Nature Study curriculum for 1st-8th grade inspired by Four Square Academic.

Finland Model

Finland is world-renowned for their successful students. They counterintuitively school for shorter days and give less homework. They are efficient with class time and maintain high academic standards for students. Finnish schools do not put an emphasis on regularly testing students, rather, on each student gaining a full understanding of the concepts and content.

Lessons are 15-45 minutes and are followed with a 5-15 minute movement break. Physical activity and play have been confirmed to aid students in processing information and reinforcing lessons.

Four Square Academic implements this effective model as a framework for lessons on Wednesdays.

Charlotte Mason

Charlotte Mason was a classical English educational reformer at the turn of the twentieth century. She wrote volumes of material and trained educators in her unique educational philosophy, a philosophy so rich that we continue to pursue it today. Her motto for students was

"I am, I can, I ought, I will."

The Charlotte Mason method emphasizes oral narration to demonstrate comprehension in the early years, while making a smooth transition into written narration for older students. Living literature, copywork, hands-on learning, recitation, character development, habit training, and nature study are some of the highlights of the Charlotte Mason method that are integrated into the lessons at Four Square Academic.

Movement based learning

Students thrive when they experience purposeful movement during learning. We integrate movement-based activities that activate memorization and enhance understanding. Four Square Academic provides a variety of opportunities for students to sit, stand, jump, clap, walk, etc during lessons.

Four Square Academic offers a rest from our high-tech world. Students rely on classic learning tools such as physical books, physical maps, pencils, paper, etc instead of engaging heavily with technology. There is some integration of technology as a helpful tool, but it is minimal to avoid it becoming a hindrance or distraction.

Academic Classes
2023-2024

9am-2pm
$925/year

Preschool

*Preschool is 9am-noon* $575
Letters Letter of the Week + Storytime + Poetry
Numbers Games + Songs
Nature Nature Walks + Nature Art + Object Study (Bugs, Rocks, Flowers, etc.)
Sensory Engaging the 5 Senses

Kindergarten

History Bible Stories + Songs
Geography Introduction to Geography
Science Nature Walks + Nature Journaling + Object Study (Bugs, Rocks, Flowers, etc.)
Literature Living Books + Nature Lore + Copywork
Recitation Scripture + Poetry

First Grade

History Modern World
Geography World Geography & Mammals
Literature Living Books + Poetry Recitation
Spelling Copywork from Literature
Science Earth Science + Nature Walks + Nature Lore + Nature Journaling

Second Grade

Third Grade

History Modern World
Geography World Cultures & Geography + Missionary Study
Literature Living Books+ Poetry Recitation
Grammar & Spelling Introduction to Grammar + Copywork from Literature
Science Earth Science + Nature Walks + Nature Lore + World Mammals Nature Journaling

Fourth Grade

Science Earth Science + Nature Walks + Nature Lore + World Mammals Nature Journaling

Fifth Grade

History Modern World
Geography World Cultures & Geography + Missionary Study
Literature Living Books + Poetry Recitation
Grammar, Composition & Spelling Grammar Lessons + Written Narration Assignments/Feedback + Dictation from Literature
Science Earth Science + Nature Walks + Nature Lore + World Mammals Nature Journaling

Sixth Grade

Sixth/Seventh Grade

Seventh/Eighth Grade

History Modern World
Geography World Cultures & Geography + Missionary Study
Literature Living Books + Poetry Recitation + Commonplace Book
Grammar & Composition Grammar Lessons + Written Narration Assignments/Feedback
Science Science in the Industrial Age, by Dr. Jay Wile + Nature Lore + World Mammals Nature Journaling

High School

Click to view High School Academic Classes

Your investment in Four Square Academic includes activities best experienced in community, support, feedback, and student accountability. Students will be given assignments to complete throughout the week in their homeschool setting. Four Square Academic will issue feedback for elementary and middle school, and formal grades for high school. Four Square is designed to be an extension of home education, preserving the parent as educator. The classes are designed to enhance, not replace, instruction at home. There is a required, non-refundable, non-transferable registration fee of $50 per student. The Preschool enrollment rate of $575/student includes 24 weeks of classes from 9am-noon. The K-8th grade enrollment rate of $925/student includes 24 weeks of classes from 9am-2pm.

All students are responsible for bringing classic school supplies and will need access to literature for follow-up reading at home.

Four Square Academic complies with Michigan law regarding home education, according to section 380.1561.

Academic Supply List

The supply list includes links to suggested literature and supplies. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no extra expense to you. The HSB, Inc. is our recommended resource for new/used literature.

All Students

Please have your student wear:
Four Square Apparel
Tennis Shoes

Please have your student bring:
Backpack
Water Bottle
Sack Lunch
Snack

Hymn Study

Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan
1. A Mighty Fortress is our God (1529)
2. Fairest Lord Jesus (1677)
3. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name (1779)
4. O Worship the King (1833)
5. My Jesus, I Love Thee (1864)
6. This is My Father’s World (1901)

Poet Study

A Child’s Book of Poems, by Gyo Fujikawa
Semester 1: William Blake
Semester 2: Christina Rosetti

Preschool

Pencils
Pencil Box
24 Crayons
Safety Scissors
Glue Stick
Ziplock bag with extra pants, underwear, socks
Outdoor Gear (coat, boots, etc.)
Without Doors: Preschool (optional for at home)

Kindergarten

Pencils
Pencil Box
24 Crayons
Washable Markers
Basic Watercolor Set
Safety Scissors
3 Glue Sticks
Ziplock bag with extra pants, underwear, socks
Outdoor Gear (coat, boots, etc.)
Nature Journal (spiral or hardcover with watercolor paper)
Copywork Journal (wide lines for easy penmanship)
Seed Babies, by Margaret W. Morley
Old Mother West Wind, by Thornton Burgess
Without Doors: Kindergarten (optional for at home)

First Grade

Pencils
Pencil Box
Basic Colored Pencil Set
Basic Watercolor Set
Scissors
Glue Stick
Nature Journal (spiral or hardcover with watercolor paper)
Copywork Journal (wide lines for easy penmanship)
Narration Notebook (lined and blank notebook)
Globe (one per family)
Usborne Children’s Picture Atlas (one per family)
Wildlife Anatomy, by Julia Rothman (one per family)
Little Wanderers, by Margaret Warner Morley (one per family)
Through Four Seasons, by Edith M. Patch
A Child’s Book of Poems, by Gyo Fujikawa (one per family)
Louis Braille, by Margaret Davidson (one per family)
Shadrach, by Meindert DeJong (one per family)
Little Pear, by Eleanor Frances Lattimore (one per family)
Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins (one per family)

Second Grade

Third Grade

Pencils
Pencil Box
Basic Colored Pencil Set
Basic Watercolor Set
Scissors
Glue Stick
Nature Journal (spiral or hardcover with watercolor paper)
Copywork Notebook (lined for clear penmanship)
Narration Notebook (lined and blank notebook)
Globe (one per family)
Laminated World Map (one per family)
Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan (one per family)
Children’s Atlas of God’s World, by Craig Froman (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume I, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume II, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
Wildlife Anatomy, by Julia Rothman (one per family)
Apologia Exploring Creation with Earth Science (one per family)
Little Wanderers, by Margaret Warner Morley (one per family)
Through Four Seasons, by Edith M. Patch
A Child’s Book of Poems, by Gyo Fujikawa (one per family)
Louis Braille, by Margaret Davidson (one per family)
Shadrach, by Meindert DeJong (one per family)
Little Pear, by Eleanor Frances Lattimore (one per family)
Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins (one per family)

Fourth Grade

Pencils
Pencil Box
Basic Colored Pencil Set
Basic Watercolor Set
Scissors
Glue Stick
Nature Journal (spiral or hardcover with watercolor paper)
Copywork Notebook (lined for clear penmanship)
Narration Notebook (lined and blank notebook)
Globe (one per family)
Laminated World Map (one per family)
Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan (one per family)
Children’s Atlas of God’s World, by Craig Froman (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume I, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume II, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
Wildlife Anatomy, by Julia Rothman (one per family)
Apologia Exploring Creation with Earth Science (one per family)
Little Wanderers, by Margaret Warner Morley (one per family)
Through Four Seasons, by Edith M. Patch
A Child’s Book of Poems, by Gyo Fujikawa (one per family)
Louis Braille, by Margaret Davidson (one per family)
Shadrach, by Meindert DeJong (one per family)
Little Pear, by Eleanor Frances Lattimore (one per family)
Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins (one per family)

Fifth Grade

Pencils
Basic Colored Pencil Set
Basic Watercolor Set
Scissors
Glue Stick
Nature Journal (spiral or hardcover with watercolor paper)
Copywork Notebook (lined for clear penmanship)
Narration Notebook (lined and blank notebook)
Globe (one per family)
Laminated World Map (one per family)
Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan (one per family)
Children’s Atlas of God’s World, by Craig Froman (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume I, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume II, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
The Book of Centuries
A Child’s History of the World, by V.M. Hillyer (one per family)
Stories of the Nations, Volume 1, by Simply Charlotte Mason (one per family)
Stories of the Nations, Volume 2, by Simply Charlotte Mason (one per family)
The Bible Smuggler, by Louise A. Vernon (one per family)
Star of Light, by Patricia St. John (one per family)
The Breadwinner, by Deborah Ellis (one per family)
Snow Treasure, by Marie McSwigan (one per family)
Wildlife Anatomy, by Julia Rothman (one per family)
The Secret of Everyday Things, by Jean Henri Fabre
Apologia Exploring Creation with Earth Science (one per family)

Sixth Grade

Sixth/Seventh Grade

Seventh/Eighth Grade

Pencils
Basic Colored Pencil Set
Basic Watercolor Set
Scissors
Glue Stick
Nature Journal (spiral or hardcover with watercolor paper)
Commonplace Book (hardcover, lined for clear penmanship)
Narration Notebook (lined and blank notebook)
Globe (one per family)
Laminated World Map (one per family)
Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan (one per family)
The Book of Centuries
A Child’s History of the World, by V.M. Hillyer (one per family)
Stories of the Nations, Volume 1, by Simply Charlotte Mason (one per family)
Stories of the Nations, Volume 2, by Simply Charlotte Mason (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume I, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
Hero Tales Volume II, by Dave and Neta Jackson (one per family)
The Bible Smuggler, by Louise A. Vernon (one per family)
Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution, by Ji-Li Jiang
A Night Divided, by Jennifer A. Nielson
The House of Sixty Fathers, by Meindert DeJong
Science in the Industrial Age, by Dr. Jay Wile (one per family)
The Secret of Everyday Things, by Jean Henri Fabre
Wildlife Anatomy, by Julia Rothman (one per family)

OPTIONAL Modern World Family Resources

Hymn Study
Then Sings My Soul, by Robert J. Morgan

Poet Study
A Child’s Book of Poems, by Gyo Fujikawa

Nature Study
The John Muir Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling
Smithsonian Natural History
The Natural History Story Book, by Ethel Talbot
National Geographic Wild Animal Atlas

Bible History
How the Bible Came To Us, by Meryl Doney

World History
Big Book of History: A 15 Foot Fold-out Time-line from Creation to Modern Computers, by Laura Welch
Usborne Timelines of World History

World Geography
Passport to the World, by Craig Froman
Geography From A to Z, by Jack Knowlton
The British Empire and the Great Divisions of the Globe, by Charlotte M. Mason

Missionary Study
Cameron Townsend, by Janet and Geoff Benge
Amy Carmichael, by Janet and Geoff Benge
Gladys Aylward, by Janet and Geoff Benge
David Livingstone, by Janet and Geoff Benge

Elementary Grammar
Simply Grammar, by Karen Andreola

Middle School Grammar
Simply Grammar, by Karen Andreola
Woe is I, Jr., by O’Conner

High School Grammar
The Elements of Style, by Strunk

Forest School

ALL WEATHER
Backpack
Water Bottle
Extra Clothes
Orienteering Compass

SUNSHINE
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
Hat (to protect from sun)
Sunglasses

RAIN
Tuffo Rain Suit or Frog Togg (two-piece rain gear)
Rain Boots
Bug Repellent

SNOW
Winter Jacket
Snow Pants
Winter Hat
2 Pairs of Gloves (waterproof)
Neck Gater
Waterproof Winter Boots
Wool Socks
Base Layers – Long Johns

Academic Calendar

2023-2024

Open House
August 21, 2023 10-11am

Classes
September 13, 20, 27
October 4, 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15, 29
December 6

January 24, 31
February 7, 14, 21, 28
March 13, 20, 27
April 10, 17, 24

*Snow makeup days- March 6 or May 1

Poetry Celebration & World Fair
April 24 @2pm

High School Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics
December 13
May 1

College & Career Fair
May 1 @10am

High School Graduation Ceremony
May 17 @7pm

Academic

Finland Model

Charlotte Mason

"I am, I can, I ought, I will."

Movement based learning

Academic Classes
2023-2024

Academic Supply List

Academic Calendar

2023-2024

Still have questions?

"Let your roots grow down into Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 2:7

Academic

Finland Model

Charlotte Mason

"I am, I can, I ought, I will."

Movement based learning

Academic Classes 2023-2024

Academic Supply List

Academic Calendar

2023-2024

Still have questions?

"Let your roots grow down into Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 2:7

Academic Classes
2023-2024