Program and Curriculum

The Missouri Scholars Academy provides unique opportunities for students to enhance their academic skills, assimilate the accumulated knowledge of their culture, relate to contemporary issues, deepen understanding of themselves and their unique abilities, and engage with others in critical thinking and problem-solving activities.

The Academy’s curriculum is designed to give participants a chance to pursue studies that differ from traditional educational programs. Guest lecturers, forums, cultural events and other programs during the Academy reinforce and extend the curriculum. The curriculum is organized into three areas of study:

Academic Majors
On the basis of interests and abilities, each scholar will select one course of study from the four broad academic categories of mathematics, science, social studies and humanities. Scholars will spend three hours each day, six days each week, in intensive academic pursuits in this major course.

Academic Minors
Scholars will study a second academic field of their choice one hour each afternoon, Monday through Friday. They should select a general category that differs from that of their academic major.

Cor
The curriculum in this area relates to the unique personal and social issues and responsibilities faced by academically gifted students. The goal is to provide scholars with greater insight and understanding of their special abilities, and their responsibilities to themselves and society. Scholars will attend a Cor class for one hour each afternoon, Monday through Friday.

The Co-Curricular Program

Co-curricular activities are an important part of the Scholars Academy. A full schedule of diverse activities is offered on afternoons, evenings, and weekends to enhance the Academy curriculum.

On afternoons and weekends, the scholars have an opportunity to participate in activities such as debate, journalism and art workshops, chorus, theater, community service, creative writing classes, and exploring archaeology and anthropology museums. In the evenings, the students attend the special Academy series of concerts, plays, presentations, and lectures featuring outstanding speakers from throughout the state and nation. Social activities such as outdoor dances also are planned.