Lighthouse Academy
Pyramid
Ages 13+
This is a Transition-to-Apprentice-Scholar project. The purpose of the first semester of Pyramid Project is not to give a comprehensive course in mathematics or in science, but rather to provide an atmosphere where the characteristics of a scientist are developed, truth is sought after and recognized, logic and reason are developed, and the desire to study math and science along with the ability to do so becomes a life-long habit. This is accomplished by studying original math and science texts as well as using the principles of a Thomas Jefferson Education. We will study original documents, read about the lives of great scientists and mathematicians, and do assignments that encourage the youth to think like scientists, to look for patterns in their surroundings, and to analyze what they read and see.
Scholars will also learn...
Vision: to understand that God is the source of revealed truth that they can use as a standard to evaluate the things they observe and learn in the world.
Mission: to have something unique to offer the world by applying the principles of truth found in their core books.
Abilities: to increase study hours, gain the habits of a scientist, take ownership of their education, and develop patterns of problem solving.
Skills: to follow a line of logic, recognize symbols, inspire themselves to do hard things, choose between goods, and ask the right questions.
Books and other materials needed
(subject to change by the mentor):
Student manual - $20+
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham
String, Straight-edge and Shadow by Julia E. Diggins
A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe by Michael S. Schneider
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Flatland by Edwin A. Abbott
Making Connections by Tiffany Earl
How much time is required for work outside of class?
Pyramid scholars should be spending 7-10 hours a week outside of class working on reading, log book entries, prisms, math lessons, experiments, presentations, and projects.
Parent involvement?
Parents are part of the Pyramid scholar’s mentor team and will commit to a weekly parent mentor meeting with their scholar to help them with scheduling and time management, writing, prisms, construction projects, etc. The idea is to let the scholar lead and provide them with support as they do so, listening to and challenging them along the way. Parents must be an active commonwealth member, be present on campus and agree to stay up-to-date on Band, our commonwealth’s communication app.