Focus on History and Civics
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – John Adams, 1798
At NorthShore Classical Academy, we hold that the United States of America is an extraordinary nation. Our approach to civics—and especially to American history—reflects this conviction.
In our history and civics classes, our foremost goal is to help students appreciate the inheritance they have received as Americans. We teach them to approach the past with humility, recognizing that the world they now enjoy—with all its strengths and shortcomings—is the result of the countless efforts, ideas, and sacrifices of those who came before. This understanding forms the foundation of our civic and historical education.
We are committed to teaching history honestly and thoroughly. Our curriculum presents a balanced, comprehensive account of our nation’s story—its achievements as well as its failures. To ensure solid academic grounding, our high school sequence incorporates the Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum.
What Is the Hillsdale 1776 Curriculum?
Developed by Hillsdale College teachers and professors, the 1776 Curriculum is a rigorous history and civics program that treats America’s triumphs and tragedies with accuracy, fairness, and depth. It is built around one central question:
What ideas, words, and deeds have most significantly shaped the world our students are born into?
By exploring these defining moments and principles, students gain the fullest possible understanding of the country and civilization they will help to steward.
What You’ll See in Our History Classrooms
In an NCA history class, students are actively engaged—with pencil and paper in hand, working directly from primary documents, historical accounts, or maps. Their attention moves between their materials, visuals projected by the teacher, and—most importantly—the teacher herself. You will hear storytelling, guided discussion, thoughtful questioning, and meaningful exploration of historical ideas and events.
History Creates Clarity
NorthShore Classical Academy launches students on a strong pathway to learn from our great Western heritage, using our remarkable heritage to create a brighter future. This journey begins in 9th grade, with the course ‘Ancient World to 500’.
The Greeks described the effect of education on their people through the cultivation of young people, the future citizens. Their educational ideal sought to form virtuous, clear-thinking people who would be good citizens in their democratic form of government. This Greek paideia was remarkable in 3 ways: First, it created citizens who were skilled in reason and logic. They called this ‘intellectual virtue”. Second, they looked to align the soul with the transcendentals of truth, goodness and beauty so the people would have a vision to “pursue happiness” justly, as our Declaration of Independence puts it. The Greeks called this “moral virtue”. Finally, they studied the nature of our world in order to understand, use, and conform to it. They called this “natural philosophy”; what we now call “science” was in this sphere of natural philosophy.
Constitution Day Is Cause for Celebration!
At NCA, September 17th—Constitution Day—is truly something special. Regular classes conclude at noon, and the entire afternoon is dedicated to celebrating our nation’s founding documents through engaging, schoolwide events open to the public.
Students, families, and guests from neighboring schools gather to hear distinguished speakers and constitutional scholars share their insights. It is a day filled with learning, reflection, and appreciation for the principles that shaped our nation.
NorthShore Classical Academy proudly affirms the enduring importance of our constitutional republic and the freedoms it secures for all Americans.