At Noah Webster Academy, we believe that understanding our nation's founding documents, particularly the U.S. Constitution, is essential for developing informed, engaged citizens who can preserve our republic for future generations.
Constitutional Education for Today's Youth
In an era when fewer than one-third of Americans can name all three branches of government (Annenberg Public Policy Center) and two-thirds cannot pass the basic citizenship test (Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation), Noah Webster Academy stands apart with our comprehensive approach to constitutional education.
Our students don't just memorize facts about the Constitution—they develop a deep understanding of the principles, history, and application of this remarkable document that has guided our nation for over two centuries.
Why Constitutional Literacy Matters
Preserving Liberty
The Founders understood that maintaining a free republic requires citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities. As Thomas Jefferson noted, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be."
At Noah Webster Academy, we equip students with the knowledge they need to recognize, value, and protect the liberties secured by our Constitution.
Fostering Civic Engagement
Students who understand how their government works are more likely to participate in civic life. By teaching the Constitution in depth, we prepare students to be active, informed citizens who can effectively advocate for their beliefs within our constitutional system.
Building Critical Thinking Skills
Constitutional studies naturally foster critical thinking as students analyze complex legal concepts, evaluate historical contexts, and consider different interpretations. These skills transfer to all areas of academic and professional life.
Connecting Past and Present
By studying the Constitution in its historical context and its application to contemporary issues, students develop a deeper understanding of both American history and current events.
Our Approach to Teaching the Constitution
At Noah Webster Academy, constitutional education is woven throughout our curriculum from kindergarten through eighth grade, with age-appropriate instruction that builds in depth and complexity as students mature.
Elementary School (K-5)
In the elementary grades, students are introduced to constitutional principles through:
- Stories about the Founding Fathers and the creation of the Constitution
- Age-appropriate explanations of fundamental rights and freedoms
- Classroom activities that model constitutional concepts like representation and the separation of powers
- Celebrations of Constitution Day with special projects and presentations
- Memorization of the Preamble and key amendments
Middle School (6-8)
In middle school, students engage in more sophisticated study of the Constitution through:
- In-depth analysis of the entire Constitution, article by article
- Study of key Supreme Court cases that have shaped constitutional interpretation
- Debates and discussions about constitutional applications to current issues
- Research projects on constitutional topics
- Participation in Constitution Bee competitions
- Simulations of constitutional processes, including mock trials and mock legislative sessions
Beyond the Classroom
Constitutional education extends beyond formal instruction to include:
- Field trips to courthouses, government buildings, and historical sites
- Guest speakers from legal and governmental professions
- Participation in community civic events
- Annual trip to Washington, D.C. for middle school students
- Student government structured according to constitutional principles
The Principle Approach® to Constitutional Education
Our teaching of the Constitution is guided by the Principle Approach®, America's historic method of biblical reasoning that recognizes God's hand in the formation of our constitutional republic.
This approach helps students understand:
- The biblical principles that influenced the Founders' thinking
- The providential history behind the Constitution's creation
- The character qualities needed to sustain constitutional government
- The responsibility of each citizen to preserve constitutional liberty
By studying primary sources, including the Founders' own writings, students gain insight into the original intent behind constitutional provisions and develop a deeper appreciation for the wisdom embedded in our founding documents.
How Our Students Excel in Constitutional Knowledge
Noah Webster Academy students consistently demonstrate exceptional knowledge of the Constitution and its principles:
- Middle school students outperform most high school seniors on tests of constitutional knowledge
- Upper elementary students can articulate all three branches of government and their functions
- Students regularly win local and regional Constitution Bee competitions
- Graduates enter high school with a level of civic literacy that exceeds many adults
This foundation of constitutional understanding prepares students for leadership in their communities and equips them to be guardians of liberty in their generation.
Learn About Our Comprehensive Curriculum
While constitutional education is a cornerstone of our program, it's just one aspect of our comprehensive approach to traditional American education. Our curriculum also includes:
Biblical Foundation
All subjects are taught from a biblical worldview, helping students understand that our rights come from God, not government, as the Declaration of Independence affirms.
Classical Approach
Our classical education model emphasizes the development of critical thinking, clear communication, and sound reasoning—skills essential for understanding and applying constitutional principles.
Character Development
We focus on cultivating the virtues necessary for self-government, including responsibility, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
Life Skills
In addition to academic excellence, we equip students with practical skills for life, preparing them to be independent, productive citizens.
Patriotic Emphasis
Throughout our curriculum, we foster love of country and appreciation for America's unique heritage and founding principles.
Preparing Constitutional Citizens for America's Future
As Noah Webster himself wrote, "The education of youth should be watched with the most scrupulous attention... [for] it is much easier to introduce and establish an effectual system for preserving morals than to correct by penal statutes the ill effects of a bad system."
At Noah Webster Academy, we take this responsibility seriously, preparing students to be:
- Informed citizens who understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities
- Critical thinkers who can evaluate policies and proposals in light of constitutional principles
- Engaged community members who participate actively in civic life
- Future leaders grounded in the wisdom of our founding documents
- Defenders of liberty who can articulate and protect constitutional freedoms
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make constitutional studies engaging for young children?
For our youngest students, we use age-appropriate stories, activities, and games to introduce constitutional concepts. Elementary students might simulate the three branches of government through classroom roles, create illustrated books about the Bill of Rights, or participate in simple debates about fair rules. We find that children naturally connect with ideas of fairness, freedom, and representation when presented in relatable ways.
Is your teaching of the Constitution politically biased?
We teach the Constitution based on the original text, the Founders' writings, and historical context. While we acknowledge that constitutional interpretation can be controversial, we present various perspectives and encourage students to think critically about different viewpoints. Our goal is not to promote a particular political agenda but to help students understand the principles and structure of our constitutional system.
How do you address controversial constitutional topics?
We approach controversial topics with sensitivity to students' ages and developmental readiness. For older students, we present multiple perspectives on contested constitutional issues, helping them understand the strongest arguments on different sides. Throughout, we emphasize respectful dialogue and the importance of basing opinions on sound constitutional reasoning rather than partisan talking points.
Do students need to memorize parts of the Constitution?
Yes, memorization of key constitutional texts is part of our approach, but always in the context of understanding. Students memorize the Preamble, portions of the Bill of Rights, and other significant passages as appropriate for their grade level. This memorization provides "hooks" on which deeper understanding can hang and ensures students have ready access to the actual language of the Constitution.
How can parents reinforce constitutional education at home?
We provide resources for parents to continue constitutional discussions at home, including family-friendly books, websites, and activities. We encourage families to discuss current events in light of constitutional principles, visit historical sites related to American founding when possible, and participate in civic activities together. Our parent education events also include sessions on constitutional topics to help parents feel confident engaging with their children on these subjects.
Contact Us
We invite you to learn more about our distinctive approach to constitutional education and how it could benefit your child. Schedule a visit, attend an information session, or contact us with your questions.
School Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
CLOSED FRIDAYS (remote day)
Contact Information:
Phone: (702) 807-1961
Contact us online