Pebbles
Birth-3yrs (9am-12pm)
Pebbles is our childcare program for infants through age 3, designed to care for the younger siblings of enrolled Cornerstone students. In Pebbles, children are introduced to the same anchor peg songs their older siblings are learning. Simple visuals and playful activities reinforce these pegs, sparking curiosity for those ready to engage, while providing a nurturing and safe environment for all. This service allows parents and guardians to devote their full attention to the day of learning with their older students in Cornerstone, confident that their little ones are being loved and well cared for.
Cornerstone
A cornerstone is the rock upon which the weight of the entire structure rests. Scripture describes Jesus as the chief Cornerstone, the One who ensures the stability of the whole system of our salvation.
“Therefore this says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.’”
— Isaiah 28:16
In the same way, the Cornerstone Program at Apex lays the foundation for both faith and learning. Meeting weekly for 12 weeks in the fall and 12 weeks in the spring, young learners begin their climb into knowledge, anchored in Christ, by exploring Bible, History, Science, English, Geography, Math, Art, Music, and Public Speaking.
Our curriculum runs on a three-year rotation known as the Peaks. Each Peak stands alone as its own course of study, giving families the flexibility to join at any time while ensuring that, over the course of three years, students will experience a rich and connected sweep of God’s world.
Peak 1
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Bible: Old Testament
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History: World History I — Mesopotamia through the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death
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Geography: Africa & Europe
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Science: Biology
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English: Grammar rules and lists to prepare for advanced study
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Art: Drawing 101 and artist studies from World History I
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Music: Music theory & history, composers and styles from World History I
Peak 2
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Bible: New Testament
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History: World History II — Renaissance through the Global Pandemic
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Geography: Asia, South America, Oceania, Australia, and Island Nations
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Science: Earth, Space, and Physical Science
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English: Grammar rules and foundations for advanced study
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Art: Drawing 201 and artist studies from World History II
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Music: Music theory & history, composers and styles from World History II
Peak 3
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Bible: Various Scripture studies and application
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History: American History — Colonization through Modern America
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Geography: United States & Canada
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Science: Anatomy & Chemistry
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English: Advanced grammar rules and preparation for higher-level writing
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Art: Drawing 301 and artist studies from American History
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Music: Music theory & history, composers and styles from American History
Each week, students are introduced to “anchor pegs” — memory points in Bible, History, Science, English, Geography, and Math. These anchors act like firm holds in the climb, giving students confidence and direction as they progress.
To support families, Apex provides Google Drive folders with resources tied to each anchor peg. Parents can “pick and choose” what to use, making at-home learning as simple or as enriched as they’d like.
The Cornerstone years establish the footing students need before moving into Catalyst (6th–8th grade) and Pinnacle (9th–12th grade). While each Peak is independent, all of them share the same goal: helping students climb the peaks of knowledge, anchored in faith.
K4-5th (9am-12pm)
Capstone
3rd-5th(1pm-3pm)
Where Cornerstone lays the foundation, Capstone strengthens and refines it. Capstone is Apex’s complete English grammar and writing program, equipping students with the tools to become clear, confident communicators.
Held on the same community day as Cornerstone, Capstone meets weekly from 1:00–3:00 PM and is designed for 3rd through 5th graders. It provides a full week-by-week, day-by-day schedule for English grammar and writing, using Apex’s proprietary grammar standards in combination with the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) curriculum to form the perfect balance of structure and creativity.
Each year is tiered by levels of difficulty, so parents and tutors can adjust based on a student’s ability, progress, and mastery of the content. Grammar instruction covers sentence structure, parts of speech, sentence diagramming, and more, providing not only strong writing skills but also the foundational building blocks needed for learning foreign languages. To round out their language studies, Capstone also incorporates a spelling itinerary designed to reinforce grammar and writing lessons, ensuring students strengthen word recognition, usage, and accuracy alongside their writing skills.
The writing strand has students complete approximately 20 papers throughout the year, culminating in a five-paragraph paper on a historical character from the Cornerstone Peak being studied that year. Students present their final paper at our signature event, “Portraits of the Past,” where they dress in character and share their research and writing, displaying both their growth and the knowledge they have attained as they climb the peaks of the English language.
To support families, Apex offers a supplemental student enrichment class for siblings of Capstone students, available for children up through 2nd grade. These enrichment sessions provide age-appropriate activities and learning experiences, ensuring younger siblings are engaged and cared for while older students participate in Capstone.
Catalyst
6th-8th (9am-3:30pm)
Catalyst 6
(6th Grade)
The first step into middle school is a spark of excitement, challenge, and growth. Catalyst 6th Grade is designed to welcome students into these transitional years by reinforcing what they’ve learned in Cornerstone while preparing them for the deeper studies ahead.
History
History of Florida
Students explore the unique story of Florida — from its earliest peoples and explorers to its role in America’s development — connecting local history to the larger picture of God’s providence over nations.
Science
Overview of All Science Structures
This year provides a comprehensive review of the major science structures studied in Cornerstone. Students will solidify their anchor pegs in biology, anatomy, earth science, chemistry, and physics to ensure a strong foundation for advanced study.
Logic
Anchors of the Faith
Students begin training in clear thinking and reasoning by exploring the core truths of the Christian faith. This course helps them learn to ask good questions, recognize sound arguments, and strengthen their biblical worldview.
Literature & Writing: Students take a deeper dive into grammar, diagramming, and sentence structure while weaving in a full literature strand that includes carefully chosen novels. These stories are selected to spark a love of reading and imagination, while grammar and composition skills give students the tools to communicate effectively.
Together, these courses provide 6th graders with the confidence, structure, and joy they need as they embark on their middle school journey.
Catalyst 7
(7th grade)
Faith, and building confidence as students continue their climb toward high school readiness. In Catalyst 7th Grade, learning takes on a more challenging and independent rhythm while still rooted in rich discussions and biblical truth.
History
World Geography
Students dive deep into the world’s cultures, religions, economies, physical features, and political systems. They develop advanced map-reading skills and broaden their global awareness, learning to see God’s hand in the nations.
Science
Anatomy
This year provides a focused study on the human body, its systems, and their intricate design. Through labs, projects, and diagrams, students develop awe for God’s handiwork and gain a solid grounding in biological science.
Logic
Apologetics & Critical Thinking
Using It Couldn’t Just Happen and The Fallacy Detective, students explore alternative worldviews and theories, training their minds to recognize faulty reasoning and defend their faith with clarity and conviction.
Literature & Writing
The literature strand integrates literary terms and characteristics into the study of 11 novels across the year. Students not only enjoy rich stories but also analyze themes, structure, and style. Writing instruction is paired with literature, divided into two strands: Apex Writing Method (First Semester): Students learn to craft strong arguments and defend positions with evidence. Summary & Analysis (Second Semester): Students practice distilling texts into clear, concise summaries and develop skills for thoughtful literary analysis & formal Book Reports. Class discussions are rich and engaging, inspiring students to think deeply and find biblical parallels between the stories they read and the traits of biblical characters.
Public Speaking:
Weekly Presentations each week. Students prepare and deliver presentations on one of the subjects studied in class. These opportunities refine research and communication skills while helping students grow more confident in their own voice and opinions.
By the end of seventh grade, students have practiced persuasive writing, sharpened their worldview, expanded their global knowledge, and strengthened their ability to communicate with confidence.
Catalyst 8
(8th Grade)
Eighth grade is the capstone year of middle school, the final stretch before students begin their ascent into the last four years of the climb — Pinnacle. In Catalyst 8th Grade, studies become more intricate, discussions go deeper, and students are equipped to step into high school with confidence and faith.
History: World History I
Students explore the sweep of civilizations from Mesopotamia through the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death. This course provides a solid grounding in the early foundations of history while encouraging students to connect the past to present-day culture and biblical truth.
Science: Earth & Space Science
Students focus on the earth’s structure, atmosphere, weather patterns, and the vastness of space. Labs and projects bring scientific principles to life while inspiring wonder at God’s design of the universe.
Logic: Advanced Reasoning & Application
In the first semester, students work through The Thinking Toolbox, practicing real-world application of logical reasoning. In the second semester, they expand into courtroom logic — learning the structure of trials, analyzing a case, and preparing to argue it in a mock trial held at the courthouse with a live judge in partnership with another homeschool community. This experience not only develops critical thinking but also refines their skills in presentation, articulation, and persuasive delivery.
Literature & Writing
Literature study focuses on 10 novels, with an emphasis on literary devices, symbolism, and theme. Students are challenged to recognize and analyze deeper elements of writing solidifying the Apex Writing Method, while continuing to engage in rich class discussions. These conversations inspire them to draw biblical parallels between the characters studied and the heroes and struggles of Scripture.
Writing instruction builds on the foundations of 7th grade but solidifies their persuasive writing skills, requiring students to craft well-supported arguments and refine their rhetorical style.
By the end of eighth grade, students have climbed high through the Catalyst years. They have mastered advanced writing, sharpened their ability to think critically, and learned to defend ideas with conviction. They now stand at the threshold of Pinnacle, ready to continue their ascent through the final four years of the Apex journey.
Pinnacle
9th-12th (9:00am-3:30pm)
Pinnacle 9
The climb into Pinnacle begins here. Pinnacle 9th Grade marks the first year of the four-year high school ascent, when rhetorical conversations mature and students begin to think, speak, and write at a higher level. Like climbers preparing for the most challenging leg of the journey, students gather their tools, sharpen their skills, and start the ascent into deeper knowledge and faith.
Literature & Writing
Literature/Writing
Students take the foundational skills from Catalyst and step into interweaving all writing skills and styles into every subject. Alongside their essays, they read a selection of novels and works of literature, learning to recognize and analyze literary devices with greater depth and learn to write on every subject matter.
Science
Biology Students explore the intricate design of life, from cell structure and genetics to ecosystems and human biology. This course emphasizes God’s order in creation and prepares students for advanced laboratory sciences.
Logic:
Christian Worldview
Students refine their reasoning by examining logic through the lens of a biblical worldview. They compare competing philosophies and practice applying truth in a culture of shifting ideas.
History
American History I
From the early colonies through the 1800s, students study the story of America’s birth and growth. Emphasis is placed on government and economics, teaching students how ideas, laws, and leadership shape a nation.
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Pinnacle 9 is the base camp of the high school climb. Here students begin ascending into mature rhetoric, equipped with tools of logic, faith, and communication as they prepare for the steep and rewarding years ahead.
Pinnacle 10
The climb continues. Pinnacle 10th Grade represents the second stage of the high school ascent, when students move beyond base camp and begin scaling higher peaks of thought, expression, and conviction. Here, they are challenged to deepen their understanding of truth, refine their voice, and broaden their vision of the world around them.
Literature & Writing
Building on the foundations of 9th grade, students advance into a deeper and more established understanding of writing on all subjects. They continue to master concepts learned from Catalyst through Pinnacle 9. Literature study goes hand-in-hand, requiring students to read and analyze novels and works that highlight rhetorical strategy, persuasion, and literary devices in greater depth.
Science
Biology
Students explore the intricate design of life, from cell structure and genetics to ecosystems and human biology. This course emphasizes God’s order in creation and prepares students for advanced laboratory sciences.
Logic & Debate
Apologetics & Public Forum Debate
In logic, students study Apologetics Volume One, learning to defend their faith against competing worldviews with reason and clarity. Debate training transitions into Public Forum Debate, sharpening research, teamwork, and argumentation skills while preparing students to engage cultural and global issues persuasively.
History
World History II
Students continue their exploration of world civilizations, moving from the Renaissance through modern times. Emphasis is placed on the cultural, political, and religious shifts that have shaped today’s world.
Journalism I
Students are introduced to the art of journalism, learning to gather information, conduct interviews, and write with accuracy and integrity. This course helps students become discerning consumers and producers of media in an age of rapid information.
Pinnacle 10 represents the steady climb upward — where students expand their vision, test their footing in logic and debate, and begin to speak with a voice of influence. The summit lies ahead, but the journey is shaping them into strong climbers who can navigate both knowledge and faith with confidence.
Pinnacle 11
The climb into Pinnacle reaches new heights in 11th grade. At this stage, students are no longer just steady climbers but leaders on the trail, setting the pace for those who will follow. Pinnacle 11th Grade challenges students to engage with the great ideas of history, literature, science, and faith at a deeper, more mature level.
Literature & Writing
Shakespeare & mastering advanced concepts of invention, arrangement, and style. Literature study takes a central place with an emphasis on Shakespeare’s plays, requiring close reading, analysis of literary devices, and engagement with timeless themes of human nature, morality, and truth.
Science
Chemistry
Students investigate the properties, composition, and reactions of matter, learning how God’s order extends into the smallest particles of creation. Laboratory work develops both scientific reasoning and practical skills.
Logic & Debate
Apologetics & Public Forum Debate
Students advance to Apologetics Volume Two, equipping them to defend the Christian faith with greater nuance against modern worldviews. Public Forum Debate continues, with students refining their research, argumentation, and delivery, preparing them to engage complex cultural, political, and ethical issues.
History
American History II
Students continue the American narrative, focusing on the 19th century through the present. They explore key events, documents, and movements while examining how ideas of freedom, justice, and morality have shaped — and continue to shape — the nation.
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Pinnacle 11th is where climbers learn endurance — grappling with the rigor of Shakespeare, the precision of chemistry, and the weight of history. Here, students sharpen their rhetorical voice, preparing for the summit of their high school climb
Pinnacle 12
The summit has been reached. Pinnacle 12th Grade is the final stage of the high school climb — a year where students draw together all they have learned and prepare to step boldly into the world beyond. At this height, their voices are clear, their convictions are strong, and their thinking is mature. This year equips them to live out their faith with wisdom and influence.
Research & Writing
Thesis Project (Research I)
Students undertake a year-long thesis project, choosing a topic of significance and developing it through research, writing, and presentation. This capstone project demonstrates their mastery of rhetoric and critical thinking as they defend their ideas before an audience.
Literature
Greek Classics
Students read and analyze selections from the Greek classics, exploring themes of virtue, justice, leadership, and human nature. These works form a bridge between ancient thought and modern ideas, prompting students to compare cultural voices with biblical truth.
Science
Environmental Science
Students examine ecosystems, resource management, and the relationship between humans and creation. This course highlights stewardship of God’s world and calls students to consider the intersection of science, ethics, and responsibility.
Theology
Students study advanced topics in theology, grounding themselves in sound doctrine while considering how to live faithfully in today’s world. This strand emphasizes both intellectual depth and practical discipleship.
Financial Literacy
To prepare for life beyond the classroom, students learn essential skills in personal finance — budgeting, stewardship, credit, debt, saving, and investing — equipping them to handle money wisely in a way that honors God.
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Pinnacle 12th is the summit year — where students complete their climb with strength and perspective. They leave Apex ready to stand firm in their faith, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and step confidently into the future God has prepared for them.
Pinnacle High Point
Pinnacle High Point is an expanded educational enrichment option within the Pinnacle program designed for families who desire a more fully integrated academic and experiential learning track throughout the school year.
In addition to weekly instructional programming, High Point may include:
curriculum-connected educational field experiences
academic and leadership events
history and government immersion opportunities
scheduled group instructional gatherings
debate, rhetoric, and public speaking enrichment activities
educational seminars and workshops
admissions and participation fees connected to scheduled Pinnacle educational activities
select curriculum-related materials and program resources
All High Point activities are designed to support and enhance the educational objectives of the Pinnacle program through experiential, discussion-based, and hands-on learning opportunities aligned with Apex’s academic mission.
High Point activities are intended to extend classroom learning through structured educational experiences and instructional enrichment opportunities.