High School (thee Rhetoric program) is when classical education really differentiates itself from the other educational models. King Alfred Academy pushes students to present themselves well in every subject. The Rhetoric program King Alfred Academy, unlike many other High Schools, is not divided by semester. Instead, courses are taken year round as this leads to moving through the material slower, giving more time to digest what is learned, following the classical tenet of Festina lente. (make haste slowly) Everything, as in all classes and grades at King Alfred Academy is taught through a distinctly Christian worldview with a focus on our 6 distinctives. Below is an overview of the major components of the curriculum.
High School
Rhetoric Program
RHETORIC COURSE
The Rhetoric course is the capstone of classical education and is taken throughout all four years of high school. Students develop clear, persuasive communication skills in both speaking and writing. Instruction emphasizes logical structure, thoughtful expression, and confident delivery. In Grade 12, students complete a Senior Thesis, consisting of a formal written essay and an oral defense presented to a panel.
LITERATURE COURSE
The Literature course engages students with the great books that have shaped Western Civilization. Students read works ranging from ancient authors to modern classics, learning to analyze themes, ideas, and moral questions, all through a biblical lens. Instruction emphasizes careful reading, thoughtful discussion, and written interpretation. Through these enduring texts, students develop wisdom, discernment, and an appreciation for truth, beauty, and enduring human questions.
HISTORY COURSE
The History program guides students through the complete narrative of Western Civilization, from creation to the present day. Students study major events, movements, and ideas while examining both successes and failures through a Christian worldview. Emphasis is placed on understanding historical context, cause and effect, and God’s providence in history. This course develops historical literacy and a clear understanding of our cultural foundations.
MATH COURSE
The Mathematics program builds on early algebra foundations and progresses through Geometry, Algebra II, Pre‑Calculus, and Calculus. Instruction emphasizes logical reasoning, problem‑solving, and mastery of mathematical principles. Courses are designed to develop precision, discipline, and analytical thinking. Future offerings include consumer math, focusing on real‑world applications such as personal finance, interest, mortgages, and responsible financial decision‑making.
SCIENCE COURSE
The Science curriculum follows a structured four‑year sequence: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Each course introduces fundamental concepts while emphasizing careful observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning. Students explore the order, complexity, and beauty of the natural world through rigorous study. Scientific inquiry is taught in harmony with a Christian worldview, encouraging both intellectual curiosity and respectful humility.
BIBLE COURSE
Bible instruction in the Rhetoric School is taught from a Reformed Baptist theological perspective. Students complete a two‑year systematic theology sequence covering core doctrines of the Christian faith. This is followed by a hermeneutics course focused on proper biblical interpretation and an apologetics course that equips students to clearly articulate and defend their faith as they prepare to graduate and engage the wider world.
LANGUAGE COURSES
The Language program allows students to continue their studies in Latin or transition to French. Instruction emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills while fostering an understanding of language structure and meaning. Language study strengthens logical thinking and cultural awareness, supporting students’ overall academic development. Courses build progressively, reinforcing linguistic precision and confidence in reading, writing, and comprehension.
MUSIC COURSE
The Music program offers both vocal and instrumental instruction with an emphasis on music theory and practical skill development. Students learn to read music, understand musical structure, and develop technical proficiency. A key focus of the program is training students to become thoughtful and capable worshippers. Through performance and study, students gain fluency in musical language and artistic expression.
ELECTIVES
Elective offerings include Physical Education and Art. Physical Education emphasizes physical fitness, teamwork, and the development of healthy lifelong habits through sport and activity. Art focuses on artistic skill development and art appreciation, teaching students to understand form, beauty, and technique. Electives complement academic studies by supporting physical, creative, and personal growth.
OPTIONS
Co-op
Students in grade 12 have the opportunity to participate in a co-op program. Students are required to find their placement that is then approved by King Alfred Academy administration. Students have an option of doing co-op for the full year or half a year and can earn some credits toward the KAA diploma.
Dual Credit - Christian Halls
King Alfred Academy offers a unique opportunity to its students. Students have the opportunity to earn university credits from an accredited university in the United States. KAA has partnered with South Eastern University giving the students the opportunity to submit assignments to SEU that can be used to complete University courses. Courses on Theology, Literature and History are currently available. As students work their way through the KAA curriculum they will complete assignments that will be submitted to the University. There is an extra cost to participate in the dual credit program.
Future plans include adding math and science courses to the dual credit courses with the possibility of graduating with a 2-year University Associate’s Degree.
OSSD
King Alfred Academy is an unaccredited High School. This means that it does not offer the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Ontario Accredited Courses.Â
Pros – KAA is free to offer an authentic classical curriculum.Â
- KAA is free from government control of what is taught
- The government cannot use accreditation as a hostage to attempt to coerce KAA about what it believes, teaches and practices.
- The OSSD has been failing Ontario children in not providing a true education for a long time. The standards in Literature and other subjects have been degraded as the curriculum has been changed to adhere to the new woke ideology.
- An example of this is the changing of grade 11 literature to exclusively native literature instead of great literature.Â
- Courses are designed to foster wisdom and virtue while maintaining academic excellence.
Cons – It makes getting into Universities and Colleges that require the OSSD more difficult.
- It can mean needing extra steps and time in order to get into Colleges and Universities.
Before laying out the various paths to post secondary options, it is worth mentioning that the education that KAA provides is superior and will absolutely prepare a student for post secondary studies no matter what they desire to study. See below for the various paths:
POST-SECONDARY PATHS
Path to University
When applying to Universities students put together a portfolio of their work and apply in a similar way to a homeschool student. Each University is slightly different in their requirements. Some Universities will accept KAA’s transcript, others will need more. KAA will work with students to put together a package that will give the student the best chance of acceptance to the Universities of their choice.Â
Student have the opportunity to write the CLT, SAT and ACT if they desire in order to bolster their acceptance success.
As the dual credit program grows, this will also help with applying to Universities and some courses will even transfer.
Path to College
Colleges are different from Universities in that they require an OSSD or equivalent in order to apply. Since KAA does not offer one, students must write the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) test. This credential is equivalent to the OSSD and recognized by Ontario colleges. Students may write this test as soon as they turn 18 years old.Â
In addition, students must find out their program requirements and understand the required courses needed. In some cases students may need to augment their course load in order to meet the requirements.Â
The dual credit program will help with this as well in meeting required courses as well.
Path to Trades
Upon reaching their 18th birthday, students will write the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) test. They can use this credential to apply for trades schools. Traditionally students will find a sponsoring employer who will sponsor them and will go through the apprenticeship program. The CAEC will qualify them for the vast majority of Trades programs. For the few that need official Ontario Academic Courses (OACs), the dual credit program will help with meeting this requirement.
Cromwell Hall
Cromwell Hall is a Christ-centered post-secondary institution dedicated to strengthening local communities through excellent liberal arts education. We equip students with intellectual depth, spiritual formation, and vocational skills to impact culture for Christ. Committed to educating the whole person—mind, spirit, and calling—we foster a love for truth, a heart for service, and the courage to stand firm in faith. With a focus on academic excellence and spiritual growth, we prepare students to lead, serve, and glorify God in all aspects of life.
