Why are we classical?
Classical Christian education is a proven educational approach that fosters the seven Christian virtues, and equips students with reasoning skills through the Trivium—Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric—and invites children to participate in “the great conversation” by exploring the historical Great Books.
Parents are increasingly embracing classical Christian K-12 education due to the discernible distinctions it offers. These parents aspire for their children to achieve flourishing lives rather than merely subsisting. Their aspirations extend beyond mere college preparation; they seek holistic development for their children throughout their lives.
When engaging with educators in contemporary settings, one frequently encounters a prevailing objective: “College and Career Readiness." However, a thought-provoking question arises: what if students were invited to aspire towards a greater purpose? Parents enrolled in classical Christian schools realize that their children can strive for something more profound, something richer, should we dare to envision it.
We mentor students to cultivate a passion for great art, great literature, and to recognize the Greatness of God. As they approach graduation, following years of immersion in classical Christian education, observers often note a remarkable distinction.
No other form of education can match the success documented within classical Christian institutions.
The Trivium
Grammar
(K-6th)
Logic
(7th-8th)
Rhetoric
(9th-12th)
The Trivium Explained
The Grammar Stage (K-6th):
Young children demonstrate a unique capacity for memorization. They can learn chants, songs, and rhythmic verses and be instructed in a significant quantity of information. By exercising this capability, students maintain proficiency in the art of memorizing. Students learn to love things that are true, beautiful, and good, which are rooted in Scripture. They will learn and practice the art of memorizing. We teach them phonics and languages such as Latin, Hebrew, Greek, and Sign Language. Students will also learn Cursive and Traditional Writing, Biblical Studies, Christianity, American History, Government, World History, Music, Geography, the Arts of the English Language, and Math.
The Logic Stage (7th-9th):
Adolescent children exhibit increased argumentative behavior. Their capacity to synthesize a series of facts commences development at this stage. This phenomenon is referred to as the dialectic or logic phase, during which students refine their skills in the science of accurate reasoning.
As children transition into adolescence, they frequently ponder one key question: “Why?” This question often forms the foundation of their comprehension of various concepts. Students studying logic value the chance to explore and verify their knowledge and the reasoning supporting it. Instructors prioritize debates rooted in reliable information during logic lessons, a practice that also carries over into mathematics classes.
Students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of the Old Testament, enhancing their Christian journey by recognizing God’s grace in the lives of His people. They will identify formal logic and logical fallacies, articulate rationales for the inherent beauty found in various subjects, participate in conversations in Latin during class, perform a theatrical presentation—either a work by Shakespeare or a Greek tragedy—and apply deductive reasoning within experimental sciences.
The Rhetoric Stage (10th-12th):
High school students begin to comprehend how they are perceived by others and acknowledge various forms of expression. They acquire the skills necessary to communicate effectively through both verbal and written forms to connect with their audience in a clear and persuasive manner.
Students will start recognizing their leadership abilities and have increased chances to mentor younger peers. They take on classroom responsibilities, which helps them grow during these formative years. These experiences will aid their growth as Christians, positively impacting their relationships in college, their careers, and within their families and churches throughout life.
The Portrait of a Graduate
-Students graduate equipped with a robust foundation in biblical worldview, alongside well-developed spiritual, psychological, social, and physical habits and practices fundamentally grounded in Jesus Christ's teachings.
-Cultivate advanced proficiency in communication, critical thinking, information literacy, and mathematics.
-Understand the pedagogical perspective and Christian ideology to foster the development of spiritual, psychological, social, and physical value-driven habits and practices.
-Engage in a specialized area of interest within vocation-oriented disciplines founded on robust principles in the liberal arts.
-Cultivate an appreciation for the Western heritage and the diverse aspects of American historical events.
-Demonstrate awareness, understanding, and compassion for other cultures and events locally and globally.
-Aspire to maintain a commitment to Christian stewardship characterized by integrity, attentiveness to others' needs, social leadership, and enthusiastic expression of the Christian faith. In practice, this commitment manifests as a life dedicated to guiding individuals toward Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the Sovereign of all existence and their personal Redeemer.