CHEYENNE LOGOS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Original Proposal
November, 2005

Our school is for students from 12 to 19 years old, corresponding to Public School grades 7 - 12. It is built on the principles of Classical Education, modified to fit contemporary needs.

There will be no age grades as such in the school. This means that, unlike public school situations, peer group cohorts will not be a focus of the school's structure. Students of all ages will be free to interact with each other academically, thus encouraging broad socialization. Two main study levels are offered: Logic and Production. Logic is taught mainly for students 12 to 15 years old in two levels. All students move up to the Production level after satisfactory completion of Logic courses.

Enrollment in the Academy is open to all, pending a screening interview with the parents and prospective students. Non-Christian students are expected to understand that Christian principles are the foundation of the school, which is why the screening interview focuses intensely on religious ideals. While it is best if students come up in the school through all the levels from the beginning, this is not absolutely necessary. Depending on results of screening interviews, students can be enrolled at any time, transferring from public schools, homeschooling environments, and other situations.

LOGIC

According to the ancient Classical system, as used in most Christian schools throughout history, Logic is the center of all subjects taught at this level. Other subjects taught during a typical day include Math, Science, English, and Geography/History.

CURRICULUM:

Traditional Logic materials used a language that is incomprehensible to modern students. Therefore, modern materials need to be used.

Introductory Course: Based on The Fallacy Detective by Nathaniel Bluedorn & Hans Bluedorn. This book consists of text and exercises that help develop an appreciation for basic principles of Logic, from a Biblical standpoint. It is best delivered through group discussions with other students, moderated by a teacher. A few simple take-home exercises will be assigned to enhance understanding of selected concepts. Two one-hour afternoon sessions a week.

Core Course: Based on The Thinking Toolbox by Nathaniel Bluedorn & Hans Bluedorn. The format of this book is similar to, and a continuation of, the previous book. Therefore, group discussions are the main activity of this class. In addition, a set of exercises on the use of reasoning in productive activities will be assigned. Each student will be required to pick out one material product, and find all the steps necessary for its production.

PRODUCTION

At the higher level, courses are more diversified and individualized. Core subjects would include English, Math, and Bible. Possible elective subjects include Business, Music, Art, Medical Procedures, Biology, Geology, Child Care, Hospitality, and Computer Technology. In many cases, a course of instruction may be developed for one or a few students using a checksheet method. Internships with local businesses and ministries are developed according to student interests. A library for many of these subjects has already been assembled.

Each student is expected to produce tangible projects according to interests, abilities, and any perceived calling to a particular field.

ELECTIVES

Art, Music, Athletics, and Spanish are offered as electives at all levels. For languages other than Spanish, instructors may not be available, but study can be accomplished through computers and an existing language library. Elective classes may include any students from all levels, to simplify scheduling.

Involvement in community or public school athletic and music programs is encouraged for interested students. Volunteering with local charities is also encouraged. In some cases such community involvements may become requirements for individual courses.

CLEAR THINKING COURSES

As part of the services offered by the Academy, single courses for people not enrolled as full-time students will be provided after school hours. The primary course to be offered in this manner is Logic.

TARGET POPULATION:

Public school 7^th and 8^th graders determined to be at risk for drug abuse. Referrals can come from schools and agencies.

FOUNDATION:

These courses are offered as a late-afternoon program at the school.

They are offered as affordable standalone classes for the community.

RATIONALE:

Before drug abuse was a common social phenomenon, education typically included Logic courses as the center of 7^th and 8^th grade instruction. More recently this type of instruction has customarily not been done at that level. Instead it has been rolled into math courses. Numerous interviews with students have determined that understanding of Logic principles is now almost non-existent at all grade levels.

Teaching Logic was an outgrowth of early Christian education. There are a number of historical reasons for this. One of the main purposes of Logic instruction in the past was to strengthen understanding and application of the Christian faith.

Once a student has some knowledge of Logic, it becomes much easier to evaluate temptations regarding drug use and other socially destructive behaviors. It is also likely that knowledge of Logic can enhance the understanding of all academic subjects. Success in school has often been connected with a reduced desire for drug experiences and other risky behaviors.

ACADEMY INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure for the Academy is under development. Computers for development and administration are now running, an office has been set up, and a web site is running. Classes can be delivered anywhere. When the weather is good, some classes can be done outdoors in local parks.

FUNDING:

Funds would come from a combination of grants, donations, and tuition fees. A nonprofit foundation and sponsorship by an existing church need to be developed.

BUDGET:

Space has to be rented from a local church. There are several good possibilities.

In the beginning, most or all of the teachers and administrators must be hired part-time, as needed.

Furnishings should be relatively cheap. Many items can be donated or bought at auction from public school surplus property. We have a fairly good stock of computers available.

About ten percent of the student body should be there on scholarships, and that will have to be provided for in the budget.

PERSONNEL:

Initially, three people are needed to make this school work. One does administration, one delivers the classes, and the third does promotion and follow-up. All three positions are part-time. It is anticipated that the writer of this draft of the proposal will work only as a teacher, under an administrator.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Michael Riversong

P.O. Box 2776

Cheyenne, Wyoming 82003

(307)635-0900

mriversong@earthlink.net

ONLINE DRAFT 4/18/07