Mission Valley Christian Academy follows the Christian and Classical approach to education.  Concerning methodology, the classical approach stresses the cognitive development reflected in the Trivium:

Grammar (K-6):  By "grammar," the classical approach refers to the core concepts of any discipline (e.g., the parts of speech of language, the timetables of math, names and dates that are prominent in history).  The capacity of younger children to memorize is harnessed in recitations and chants; they memorize Scripture texts, poetry, portions of speeches, Latin paradigms, etc.  This fact-gathering stage includes the learning of the great stories and events from world and western civilization.

Logic (7-9):  Not only is formal logic taught at this level, but children are encouraged to think out the "logic" of all the disciplines.  For example, in history, they study not only that a war was fought but why the war was fought.  In math, the basic math facts are now brought to service in the more complex study of algebra. Science at this stage is more than correct labeling and classification; but the scientific method is taught.  The various disciplines come together in language and writing where the student is asked to think through an argument and to make logical conclusions.

Rhetoric (10-12):  We have introduced a class in formal "rhetoric" for our students who have completed requirements in logic.  As as in the former stages, the idea of rhetoric informs the study of all the disciplines.  This final stage of the Trivium focuses on the expression of the student, that is, his ability to speak and write well and persuasively.  Students participate in a large drama at the end of the winter trimester and are expected to write frequently.

Secondly, classical education is language-based, not image based.  Children are asked early on to do the harder work of transforming the symbol of the written word into the idea expressed rather than the easier task of learning through pictorial images, such as through video or television.  Children are encouraged to read frequently, quickly, and with understanding.  For reading material, we give precedence to the great and timeless stories that form our Christian and cultural heritage.

Thirdly, classical education stresses the interrelatedness of the academic disciplines.  As such, the organizing discipline is that of history.  We do not give precedence to the modern era over the classical or medieval time periods.  A student who stays with us for four or more years is apt to spend close to an equal amount of time in the various periods of history.  In studying the other disciplines, we use the lens of the time period we are studying: for example, when studying the classical period of history, we look at the literature of that period and the scientific advances of that period as well.  Above all, we marvel at God's redemptive purpose and revelation of Himself in history, particularly in the fulfillment of His redemptive purpose in Jesus Christ who entered history at a specific place and time!