Solus Christus
CLASSICALLY CHRISTIAN LIBERAL ARTS MICROSCHOOL
ONLINE HOUSE OF STUDIES
Grades 9–12
About Us
Our Mission: Solus Christus is a hybrid online Christian microschool serving high school students in grades 9–12. Our mission is to support the homeschool family’s desire for their student to engage in deeply enriching community learning experiences through shared learning objectives rooted in Charlotte Mason educational philosophies. We seek to compliment the family’s choice for a quality sound liberal arts education in a way that builds thriving relationships in Christ while reinforcing proper independent study routines and effective time management skills for a student’s future success. We see it as a great honor to help revolutionize the student’s educational atmosphere by designing online learning environments that are purposefully relational, spiritually engaging, and deeply connected to God’s creation, while also challenging students to love their learning process through living studies and relational education.
Our Vision: We see children as made in the image of God and worthy of an education that compliments this divine indwelling. Information becomes knowledge through a process of discovery and through learning how the knowledge fits in relationship to self . . . to others . . . to the world . . . and to God. Through self-discovery, the learner labors with his or her own mind the same way the body must labor to digest food that has been consumed, which ultimately culminates in true wisdom from above. We envision education as an extension of this holy image, ripe with a feast of living ideas that nurture the heart and mind of the learner in Christ.
Our Atmosphere: Our homeschool hybrid format includes 90-minute live Zoom gatherings twice daily combined with approximately three hours of personalized independent Charlotte Mason Alveary studies using the Syllabird online syllabus for the perfect combination of group interaction, personal accountability, restful learning, and deeper reflection opportunities, all from the comfort of the student’s own environment. During independent studies, the parent and teacher act in partnership to oversee and ensure that the learner’s overall study goals are being met on a daily basis.
Microschool
Online Studies
Program Information
High School Grades 9–12
Instructional Days: Tuesday–Friday (Mondays are encouraged for academic catch-up)
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Zoom Live Classes + Independent Study + Breaks
Morning Gathering: 9:00–10:30 a.m., Tuesday–Friday (Zoom Live Class)
Independent Studies: 11:00–2:00 p.m., Tuesday–Friday (breaks, as needed)
Afternoon Gathering: 2:00–3:30 p.m., Tuesday–Friday (Zoom Live Class)
Academic Term 2024–2025: September 3, 2024–June 20, 2025
Academic Term 2025–2026: September 2, 2025–June 19, 2026
Tuition: $500/mo., 10 consecutive months (books included)
Monthly Payment Schedule: August–May
Annual Registration: $250
A Bird's-Eye View
Worship Formation & Christian Art Studies
There are references to music and musical instruments in the Bible beyond those associated with the song lyrics in the Psalms or hymn-singing in churches. Jesus mentions playing music for dancing on a flute and singing a dirge (Matthew 11:17; Luke 7:32). First Corinthians includes references to a clashing gong, a clanging cymbal (13:1), and a trumpet or bugle making an unclear sound (14:8). In other cases, we sometimes think of things as “songs” even when there is no explicit mention of singing or music (as in the “songs” of Mary and Simeon in Luke’s Gospel.
The Christian hymn tradition, in particular, is so rich in content and nature with its deep connections to important theological ideas and liturgical practices that we place this time of most importance in all of our daily activities. Interestingly, there are more than 165 references to singing in the Word of God, from the “Song of Moses” in Exodus 15 to the “Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgement” in Psalm 96. The practice of giving daily glory to our Creator Father is inspired by several forms of expression, such as the practice of devotional and biblical readings; the hearing of modern, traditional and ancient hymns, along with the viewing of ancient and classical religious art which helps us reflect deeply on our relationship with Christ and His sacrifice.
Bible Studies & Spiritual Formation
Spiritual formation focuses on deepening ones relationship with God, and all of our academic pursuits have this central focus. Charlotte Mason believed that Scripture studies should be of first importance in our daily subjects. Here at Solus Christus, we spend the year reading and narrating the Word of God chronologically, focusing on Old Testament twice a week and New Testament once per week, with open group discussions deepening our understanding of God’s Great Covenant and its application to our lives.
History, Biography & Geography (Ancient, World, U.S.)
Mason said that history is the pivot upon which the curriculum turns. History from ancient and modern eras are so varied that it is helpful to think about it like a Van Gogh painting made entirely of little dots all put together (pointillism) rather than a line drawing. Ancient, world, and cultural histories will most often intersect by region or topic rather than strictly by chronological order. In this way, history and geography streams begin to overlap throughout the year. As we read about the various events, people, and regions of the world, a sense of the time period as a whole will emerge as a picture emerges from many different dots.
Living Books, Literature & Reading
Stories from literature help us better understand humanity. C.S. Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles, for example, have spiritual and moral lessons to convey. The Christian moral vision embodied in the stories is about a great cosmic struggle between good and evil, and the need of every creature to choose between them. The vision of the stories corresponds to Lewis’ view of the world itself, which in one of his essays he described as a universe in which “there is no neutral ground” and in which “every square inch, every split second, is claimed by God and counterclaimed by Satan.” In Shakespeare, we see an uncovering of the wide panorama of human experience through his 39 plays. The comedies, tragedies, and histories that students read will spark imaginations with stories that transcend time and culture. Reading and speaking literature delights students as they learn timeless stories, meet a variety of characters, enrich their minds, and instruct their consciences. Students will begin by simply enjoying the hearing of literature read aloud, then speaking it aloud to the group and, finally, writing short compositions, comparisons, and commonplace entries.
Genres of study can include biblical stories, church history, historical fiction, poetry, and other works of literature. Students in all grades start reading more texts written during the time period studied along with classic pieces. Books are grouped into two distinct categories: group readings and personal readings. The literature utilized in group readings are able to span multiple ages and grade levels while stretching the student’s comprehension, vocabulary, and reading level as a whole. The literature utilized in personal readings are tailored to a specific subject, grade, comprehension, or reading level which is more or less individualized in nature.
Writing, Narration & Oratory
Narration is the act of retelling events in a student’s own words, written or orally, in sequence, and with great detail. It is a type of oral essay response to broad open-ended questioning for a recall of information regarding a literature piece. Living books are written in a way that makes narration easy as events come to life through the story and characters. Here we practice close-reading techniques in different genres and authors to aid students in the development of memory, enthusiasm, sympathy, wide outlook, and sound judgement regarding life and literature. Students become proficient in public speaking and narration through reading aloud histories, poetry, liturgies, prayers, etc., which aid in the embodiment of truth in a literature piece.
English Grammar & Language Studies
Students are taught to apply grammatical knowledge to their own written narrations and compositions throughout the year. The writing content primarily focuses on what students are learning in the literature and histories presented. Advances in writing composition occur naturally and organically as students become more adept at organizing and expressing ideas beautifully and masterfully.
Music History & Composer Studies
Overall, music is an everyday part of our studies. Our formal lessons expose the student to a number of significant classical and contemporary music composers and compositions, providing a sense of the sounds of a particular time period studied throughout the program and introducing them to a variety of beautiful musical pieces, genres and traditions. Elie Sigemeister once said, “Music is no isolated thing. Its forms, colors, and expressive qualities do not spring from nowhere; they come out of life itself. Often, of course, they are to be enjoyed for themselves alone, in the concert hall or one’s armchair. But music also reflects human experiences, hopes, and struggles. It may give an insight into the individual and society, into the lives of those far removed from our own in time and place—an insight no other art can provide in this exact way.”
Art Appreciation & Architecture Studies
Picture study is a part of the subject of Art Appreciation. Students will study six or more works each term in order to build a relationship with each artist and the pervading styles of the period. This will enable them to recognize the artists as old friends when they happen upon them again cross-curricular, in museums, or later on in life. In Architecture, students will consider what makes for beauty in design as we explore cathedrals, museums, and cultural sites around the world in order to gain an appreciation for artistic expression throughout history.
Natural Sciences & Nature Studies
Charlotte Mason believed students should be immersed in the natural sciences and botanical living studies in the anatomy of plants, animals, insects, cells and microorganisms. Nature studies give us an intimate look at plant and animal behaviors to awaken wonder and interest in developing deeper relationships with God’s creation. The study of natural history allows us to examine the biodiversity of a particular area or region, looking attentively at the interconnection between plants and animals across the landscape and throughout time.
Euclidean Geometry & Geometric Constructions
Galileo thought of the universe in terms of mathematics, expressed in triangles, circles and other geometric shapes. There is a divine language speaking eloquently through mathematics—similar to poetry—translating truth that never changes. We see evidence of this shown in the stars and planets; ancient art and architecture; human DNA strands; all biological life including animals, insects, plants, flowers, and molecular structures, etc. From the macrocosm down to the microcosm, we see our Creator’s symphony of mathematical language being played out for all to see, if we simply begin to view it from a closer and more intentional place.
For more than a millennia, the liberal art of Geometry was indeed Euclid’s Elements, as it aids in highly-developed logical thinking skills through mathematical propositions based in universal constructions. Historically, geometry provided a basis for logical proofs in mathematics, and since geometric shapes drawn out with a compass and straight edge make the subject matter more concrete, Charlotte Mason believed it should be presented after elementary mathematics. Her philosophy regarding mathematics as a whole is eloquently summed up in the following quote: “The chief value of arithmetic, like that of the higher mathematics, lies in the training it affords the reasoning powers, and in the habits of insight, readiness, accuracy, intellectual truthfulness it engenders.”
Important Note: Solus Christus offers a unique and restful approach to teaching mathematical concepts through Euclidean geometry and geometric constructions. as well as art and history in a way that can be experienced across multiple age groups in a single setting. We simply do not have the time or resources necessary to teach individual classes according to specific grade levels. We have the option of adding additional math courses to the student’s Syllabird via The Charlotte Mason Alveary which offers the subject of Mathematics following Mason’s example where students work through lessons in Algebra and Geometry (9th and 10th grades); Algebra II, Trigonometry, and Precalculus (11th grade); and Precalculus or Calculus (12th grade). In this case, the parent would need to offer full engagement and support to the learner throughout the week, as the teacher will not be available for such direction. Students should look ahead to college math requirements at schools they may want to attend or majors they desire to pursue and plan accordingly. It is important to work at a student’s pace and comfort level, otherwise we risk the possibility of turning the student away from the joy of mathematics as a whole.
Registration & Tuition
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Annual Registration Fee $250 per year
Annual registration fee per student paid at the time of enrollment. Includes a one-year Charlotte Mason Institute (CMI) Alveary membership and private social media platform, The Hive.
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Online School Tuition (books included) $500 per month/10 mos.
Our covenant homeschool program is a 10-month online Christian liberal arts tutorial in Charlotte Mason Relational Education serving high school students in grades 9–12. Solus Christus is an approved private school on ESA's direct tuition payment platform, Many of the other costs are covered by ESA's allowable expenses, if approved (see information below). Tuition will be paid in 10 consecutive monthly payments of $500 per month for an annual tuition total of $5,000, August through May. Tuition includes the costs of books.
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Transcripts and Credits Available Upon Request
Transcripts available upon request. Six (6) Total Credits: (1) History & Geography; (1) English Grammar & Writing; (1) Reading & Oratory; (1) Mathematics; (1) Science; (1) Music, Art & Architecture. NOTE: Please see the Parent Handbook for additional information on withdrawal policies and procedures.
Holidays & Breaks
2024–2025
2025–2026
Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Funding
Solus Christus is an approved vendor for the Arizona Department of Education’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA). Empowerment Scholarships expand educational opportunities for eligible students outside of the public school system, provides funding that can be used for a wide variety of educational expenses, and pays for private school tuition, educational therapies, tutoring, and more. Families interested in this funding are encouraged to apply directly at the Arizona Department of Education ESA homepage.
