Fostering intellectual virtues is not an alternative to a rigorous, standards-based curriculum. On the contrary, it is through active and reflective engagement of core academic knowledge and skills that students learn to practice the intellectual virtues. In selecting IVA’s curriculum, the school’s founders and teachers searched for existing published curricula in core areas that (1) aligned with the Common Core State Standards, (2) aimed at deep understanding, and (3) provided opportunities for the practice of intellectual virtues.

Here is a short list of some of our core curriculum in various subjects:

  • English
    • Novel-based readings with non-fiction supplements. Novels include:
      • The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein,
      • Manic Magee by Jerry Spinelli,
      • View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg,
      • The Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes.
    • Grammar text: Sentence Composing for Middle School  by Don Killgallon