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FIRST THINGS CLASSICAL
Charter School Foundation

OUR MISSION

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

The First Things Classical Charter School Foundation was formed with a desire to train the minds and improve the hearts of young people through a rigorous, American, classical education in the liberal arts and sciences, with instruction in the principles of moral character and civic virtue. Our Foundation exists to promote and support the formation and operation of First Things Classical Charter School.

Once formed, the School will be a tuition-free public charter school in Rio Rancho pursuant to New Mexico statute. The Office of the Secretary of State in New Mexico issued a Certificate of Incorporation to the FTCCS Foundation on November 14, 2022. The Foundation is organized as a New Mexico nonprofit public benefit corporation exclusively for public educational purposes.

students in class
teacher with students

A NEW CHOICE FOR QUALITY EDUCATION IN RIO RANCHO

The Role of a Charter School

A Charter School is a public school that operates as a school of choice. While a Charter School must commit to specific educational objectives set by the public school system, there is significant freedom regarding operation, management, funding, and curriculum. – The National Charter School Research Center

  • FTCCS will be free to innovate and experiment with new educational models and will adopt classical education as our core approach.
  • In New Mexico, Charter Schools by law are publicly accountable, tuition free, and rely on a lottery system to determine enrollment.
  • Charter Schools are allowed to seek private funding as well as Government support, which means we need your help to make this school a reality!

THE CLASSICAL EDUCATION MODEL

A Curriculum to Build Strong Independent Minds

First Things Classical Charter School will provide a classical liberal education designed to help students with general knowledge of the world around them, their history, the history of their community and country, and the thoughts, decisions, and policies which have brought us to where we are now.

In the firm belief that knowledgeable and virtuous lives are the basis of individual happiness and a free and just society, First Things Classical Charter School seeks to develop within its students intellectual and personal habits and skills upon which responsible, independent, and flourishing lives are built.

Here are some specific examples of how classical education is implemented in charter schools:

GRAMMAR

Students in classical charter schools learn grammar at a young age, as it is the foundation for all other communication skills. They learn to identify and analyze different parts of speech, sentence structure, and other grammatical concepts.

LITERATURE

Students in classical charter schools read a wide range of classic literature, from ancient Greece and Rome to the present day. Students learn to analyze these works’ literary elements and their historical and cultural significance.

RHETORIC

Students learn rhetoric in classical charter schools, which is the art of effective persuasion. They learn to write and speak clearly and persuasively, using evidence and logic to support their claims.

HISTORY

Students in classical charter schools study history in a chronological order, from ancient times to the present day. They learn about the rise and fall of civilizations, the impact of great leaders, and the development of important ideas.

LOGIC

Students also learn logic in classical charter schools, which helps them to think critically and develop sound arguments. They learn to identify different logical fallacies and to construct valid arguments of their own.

MATHEMATICS

Students in classical charter schools learn mathematics in a rigorous and systematic way. They develop a strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

SCIENCE

Students in classical charter schools learn science through a combination of direct instruction, lab work, and field trips. They learn about the major scientific theories and discoveries, as well as the scientific method.

In addition to these core subjects, classical charter schools often also offer a variety of elective courses, such as foreign languages, music, art, and drama. Classical charter schools are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in college and beyond.

OUTCOMES

Desire and pursue knowledge for its own sake.
Approach or achieve mastery of fundamental academic skills.
Approach or achieve mastery of fundamental knowledge in core academic subjects.
Come to understand the foundational tenets of our Western and American heritage, including the principles of American self-government and Constitutionalism.
Understand and exhibit exceptional moral character.
Understand and highly value the principles of civic virtue.
Understand why a free, just, civil society must stand on principles of moral character and civic virtue as well as knowledge and intellect.

We Want to Hear From You

Do you have questions about First Things Classical Charter School or the Foundation? Do you know of resources that could help make this school a reality? Send us a message today!

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