At Altum Classical Academy, every moment is designed to feed your child’s curiosity, build character and encourage friendships. From the first hello in the morning to the final morsel of thought before heading home, your child will be immersed in a learning setting that they’ll soon begin to relish.

‍

Here’s how a typical Wednesday might play out:

‍

9am – Pillars of Character

When the bell rings at 9am, our students head for their pillars of character class. The six pillars of character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. This class isn’t about academics, but concentrates on building wisdom and heart in the students.

‍

10am – Humanities

Humanities is a natural progression from the Pillars class. These sessions study human culture and society within subjects like literature, history, philosophy and the arts. The careful study of the ‘human story’, from as far back as we can reach, is the study of ourselves and how we might best confront the challenges we face in present day. Our students immerse themselves in the “who-what-where-when-and-why” so that we can begin to answer the questions,“So, who am I?” and “what’s my why?”

‍

11am – Break

After two hour-long blocks, it’s time for a short breather. Students grab a snack, chat with friends and take a moment to recharge for the next round of learning.

‍

11.20am – Science

It’s time for a more familiar subject. Today it’s science, with experiments and inquiry.

‍

12:20pm – English

If it was Thursday, the student would have Latin at this time, but today it’s English.

‍

1.20pm – Lunch and Leisure

Lunchtime is for food, rest and friendship. Students share lunch, laugh and enjoy unstructured time—a vital part of building relationships and keeping energy high.

2pm – Mathematics

The block after lunch on Wednesday is a maths class. It’s the last academic class of the day.

‍

3.15 – Creativity Through Arts and Games

At this time on a Friday, school would end, but every other day it’s time for arts, music and games. Altum understands that learning isn’t solely about books, so three hours each week are devoted to these endeavours. In this time students find creativity and build teamwork.

‍

4pm – Prep

This final half-hour is used to build routine and discipline in the students. They’re encouraged to think about the following school day and what they need to prepare for it.

‍

4.30pm – School Day Ends

Over the course of a week studies will include:

• Pillars: Twice a week, students explore virtues like respect and trustworthiness.

• Te Reo Māori: Two sessions a week honour Aotearoa’s heritage. These lessons aren’t just a nod to culture; during this time the students actually learn to speak Te Reo Māori.

• Latin: Twice a week, students connect with classical roots and sharpen their logical thinking.

‍

Altum Classical Academy’s structure works because it provides students with consistency. There’s a clear rhythm to each day and students have a chance to get into good, lasting habits. Because the subjects are interwoven, each one deepens the understanding of the others; and underpinning it all is an education in virtue —  at Altum, character and wisdom are never left behind.

When you see the subject hours broken down into hours per week, you can see how balanced the schedule is. The bulk of learning time is afforded to the study of English and mathematics; closely followed by science, the humanities and pillars of character; then capped off with Te Reo Māori. It’s a hothouse learning structure that grows students academically, creatively and morally—without leaving them feeling overwhelmed.

Although devices are not allowed at Altum, technology is still utilised. It’s just used in a balanced way, to support learning.

Altum’s classrooms are places of calm and structure. Teachers lead with clarity and students learn in distraction-free spaces.

Reading is a cornerstone. Students explore classics like Romeo & Juliet, The Hobbit and To Kill a Mockingbird, engaging with timeless themes and ideas.

By 4:30 pm, students head home with the tools they need to be able to think critically, communicate clearly and live with virtue. Whether they’re decoding Latin, discussing Shakespeare or reflecting on character, every day at Altum is a step towards wisdom.

‍

To view a typical weekly schedule, click below.

‍

Altum Classical Academy charges no fees and opens 2 February 2026 for Years 7, 8 and 9. It’s not too late to enrol.