About Classical Education
What is Classical Education?
Classical education employs teaching methods distinctly different from those practiced in most Christian and private schools. The classical method capitalizes on a child’s developmental readiness for new concepts. Classical education is specifically designed to develop inquisitive and analytical thinkers who become eager, wise, and independent learners.
Classical education also emphasizes the teaching of wisdom and virtue. This is accomplished through the teaching of what is true, good, and beautiful. We follow the exhortation of the Apostle Paul as he says in writing to the Philippians (4:8):
"whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things."
Classical education is divided into three phases known as the trivium. The trivium is a methodology that employs a child's strengths that correspond to his or her developmental stage. Our curriculum places a heavy emphasis on persuasive writing and a careful reading of classical literature that is grade and age appropriate. The curriculum embraces a thorough teaching of ancient and modern history, math, science, art, music, and Latin.
The Trivium
Grammar: (K-6th Grade) This is the stage of development when children are best at memorization and the collection of facts and data. Each academic subject has its own vocabulary of facts. The facts are the building blocks of each subject and facts are learned through memorization. From K-6 grade children learn numbers, math facts, phonics, vocabulary, spelling rules, historical names, dates and places.
Logic: (7th-9th Grade) After thoroughly committing the facts of their subjects to memory, the next step, covered in grades 7-9, is to explore the Why and How behind the data. This begins the study of formal logic (fallacies and syllogisms) and debating skills. In this stage students also learn pre-algebra, algebra, persuasive and analytical writing, and the logical understanding of the reasons behind cultural changes, political revolutions, and wars. Now students are becoming adept at debating, presenting logical arguments, and understanding ordered relationships.
Rhetoric: (10th-12th Grade) Completing the academics of Classical education, students learn physics, chemistry, and the analyization and interpretation of historical and current events. In addition, they are now accomplished in the expository writing of essays, public speaking, and are able to wisely express and defend their Christian worldview through persuasive, respectful and creative speech and writing Students at this stage are interested in persuading others and communicating with style.
