Summit

Kids ages 12+

What is Summit?

Summit is PTW's upper program for students in 7th and 8th grade. It picks up where the grammar years leave off — moving students from absorbing knowledge to working with it. Where Approach and Base Camp built the foundation, Summit is where students begin to think analytically, argue from evidence, engage ideas across disciplines, and connect their faith to what they are learning.

The program runs as a full day on Tuesdays alongside the rest of the co-op community, and is structured around six strands taught by a team of leads — each teaching from genuine strength in their subject. Summit is not a separate track. It is the next step in the same community students have grown up in.

Seventh Grade

Summit A

Summit A is the first year of PTW's upper program, designed for students entering 7th grade. Where the grammar years built a foundation of knowledge — memory work, facts, timelines, and vocabulary — Summit A begins the shift toward understanding why things are true and how to think about them. Students move from receiving information to analyzing it, questioning it, and learning to defend what they believe.

Six strands, six leads: Summit A is structured around Latin, geography, logic, research, reasoning, and persuasive writing — each taught by a lead who brings genuine preparation and expertise to that subject. Students benefit from depth and engagement every week.

Biblical worldview as the lens: Every subject — logic, history, literature, science — is taught with Scripture as the interpretive framework. Students are not just learning to think clearly; they are learning to connect their faith to every area of life.

Capstone experience: Students participate in a science fair, developing research, writing, and presentation skills.

Full day alongside the community: Summit A students run a full day on Tuesdays — 9:00 am to 3:30 pm — alongside the Approach and Base Camp programs. They are part of the same community, not a separate track.

Our goal: By the end of Summit A, students have not simply covered material — they have begun becoming someone who thinks well, engages ideas seriously, and can articulate and defend what they believe.

Eighth Grade

Summit B

Summit B (8th grade) is in development for the 2026–2027 school year. Families interested in Summit B are encouraged to attend our Information Night on May 5 or reach out directly.

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

These are a few questions that we have answered before that could help answer some of yours!

Where and when will you be meeting?

We plan to meet weekly on Tuesdays at a church in the Rogersville, South Springfield, or Ozark area (facility pending). Our 28-week program runs 8:45AM–12:15PM (under 8), until 3PM (ages 8+), and 3:30PM (7th grade+).

What curriculum are you using for Approach and Base Camp?

In Approach, we will use Claritas Cycle 3 for the 2026–2027 school year. Students will participate in weekly memory work, along with hands-on science using the Claritas curriculum. Our science focus will be Chemistry, which intentionally aligns with and reinforces the weekly memory work.

In Base Camp, we will use the Claritas Fundamental Grammar Guide along with the Cycle 3 Grammar Workbooks. Students are grouped by age to ensure appropriate pacing and depth.

3rd–4th grade: Units 1–2, providing a strong introduction to grammar concepts

5th–6th grade: Units 1–3, offering a more in-depth study of grammar

Will you be using IEW?

Yes! Our Base Camp classes are split into two groups, each using an IEW curriculum tailored to their age. Both groups will participate in a Prominent Person event in February 2027.

Do you collect any fees or tuition?

We do not charge tuition. There is a $100 supply fee and a $100 facility fee per student, plus an additional $50 supply fee for Base Camp students.

What other activities do you plan to do as a community?

We host a variety of community events throughout the year, including Family Nights, Mom Nights, field trips, and Merchant Day.

Each upper level also participates in a capstone event:

Base Camp: Prominent Person presentation

Summit A (7th grade): Science Fair

Summit B (8th grade): Mock Trial

What role do we play as parents?

Since we do not charge tuition, we ask for something more valuable—your time. It takes many hands to make our community day run smoothly, and we encourage moms (and dads!) to serve in roles that use their God-given gifts, whether teaching, assisting, caring for younger students, or helping with setup and cleanup.

How are you different from other popular classical communities?

At Prepare The Way, our Approach program integrates memory work, presentations, fine arts, hands-on science, and intentional review time. In Base Camp, students focus on grammar and writing using IEW, building strong communication skills. We use Claritas curriculum across both programs, providing a cohesive and structured foundation. We also prioritize a scholé rhythm, allowing time for restful learning and curiosity. In our Summit program, learning is led by multiple moms, each teaching within their strengths, rather than one teacher leading the full day.