The Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) does not follow the modern school model of fixed daily schedules and hour requirements. Instead, the program emphasizes steady progress, mastery of material, and flexible pacing. This allows families to build study routines that are both rigorous and realistic.
1. No Fixed Hour Requirements
In CLAA studies, there is no required number of hours students must spend on their work each day. Unlike modern schools, which often follow a 180-day academic calendar with set class periods, CLAA allows students to progress at their own pace and study according to their abilities and goals.
2. Focus on Steady Task Completion
The key to good pacing is consistent task completion, not clock time. Families can monitor student progress using the “Completed Tasks” report in the Study Center:
- Green = tasks completed recently
- Yellow/Orange = tasks completed 1–2 weeks ago
- Red = tasks overdue (no completion in over 2 weeks)
Keeping the report mostly green is the best indicator that a student’s study time is sufficient.
3. Recommended Study Time for Most Students
While there is no required daily schedule, the Academy recommends that students aiming for steady progress commit to:
- Approximately 25 hours of study per week
- Around 4 to 5 hours of focused study per weekday
This recommendation is based on experience with students managing a full course load. Students studying part-time or focusing on fewer courses may need less time.
4. Managing Multiple Courses
Many students in CLAA work on 10–12 courses at a time. A good rule of thumb is:
- About 2 hours per week per course
- Daily blocks of focused time rather than scattered study periods
This allows students to make real progress in multiple subjects without feeling rushed or overloaded.
5. Flexible Scheduling
Because the curriculum is mastery-based, study time may vary:
- Some lessons will require more time and repeated review
- Other lessons may be completed more quickly
- Families can adjust daily schedules to match student needs and goals
6. Building a Routine
Students are encouraged to establish a regular daily study routine. Morning hours are often ideal for uninterrupted focus, but families may choose whatever time works best. The goal is consistent, high-quality study time rather than simply filling hours.
Summary
- There are no fixed daily hour requirements in CLAA.
- Aim for steady task completion rather than clock time.
- Around 25 hours per week (4–5 hours per weekday) is recommended for full-time students.
- Allocate about 2 hours per course per week for balanced progress.
- Flexible scheduling allows families to adjust pacing to student needs.
- A consistent daily routine supports long-term success in mastery-based study.
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