Archway Classical Academy - North Phoenix is a state-chartered public K-5 school offering a classical liberal arts education that will prepare students to enter a Great Hearts Academy in middle school. Archway - North Phoenix is among the first truly classical Core Knowledge primary schools in Arizona. Each student will be provided with a durable foundation in Reading, Writing, Arithmetic, Geometry, Science, and Social Studies, in addition to meaningful and substantive work and play in French, Fine Arts, P.E., and competitive chess.
The mission of Archway North Phoenix is to develop the academic potential and virtuous character in each student through the use of a content-rich, rigorous curriculum, with a special emphasis on the cultural heritage of the Western Civilization.
Pursuant to A.R.S. ยง38-431.02, all notices of the governing board meetings will be posted at the school site and are available here.
Headmaster Update May 15
From the Headmaster
As our 3rd through 5th grade students begin to prepare for their semester exams next week, I think a few words on the Archway approach to semester exams would be helpful.
For many parents the words "Semester Exam" instantly bring back rather unpleasant memories from high school or college: memories of staying up all night cramming half-understood information into an over-wrought, caffeine-riddled mind in a desperate effort to avoid ruining a semester of hard work (or make up for semester of little work); living in the dark shadow of fear that all hope of future success and happiness in life depends entirely upon the grade made on these exams. Even if you were personally fearless in the face of exams, either out of quiet confidence or abundant apathy, surely you recall the intensity that came with semester exams and the effects it had on those around you.
Friends, this is not the exam culture we are looking to foster! There should be no staying up until midnight and no cramming. The source of these behaviors is the same - not having learned the material in the first place. Remember, we probably do not teach the same way your instructors taught. The pure lecture model so prevalent in high school and college requires that students do the "figuring it out" on their own. At Archway North Phoenix, we are doing much if not all of the "figuring it out" in class through discussion and practice. Moreover, we are committing a good deal of time in these last days to in-class review. For an Archway student, semester exams serve as an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have already learned. The experience is analogous to a ballet recital or the performance of a drama production. Yes, it takes work. Yes, there are nerves to contend with. But the heart of the exercise is doing what they have been well-prepared to do.
At home, I encourage parents to help frame exams in this light for their students. You will know best how to do this. Be positive and encouraging, help where you know help is needed, and point out just how much they have learned if they don't see it for themselves.
Warm Regards,
Headmaster, Archway Classical Academy | North Phoenix
