For the life of the world

Education is preparation for life.

The classical Christian model of education is the time-tested means of preparing students with the intellectual and spiritual formation they need to be competent, virtuous learners themselves, and the practical experience to apply that learning wisely for the life of the world.

We believe the best preparation for life is a classical liberal arts education, where learning begins in wonder and culminates in wisdom and service.

Classical Christian Curriculum

There is no better summary of the classical Christian curriculum than St. Paul’s words in Philippians 4:

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Children’s souls, their hearts and minds, were made for what is true, good, and beautiful, in a word, what is real. Before setting curriculum before the child, we ask - Is this true? Is this good? Is this beautiful? Is it real? Is this worthy of a child’s gaze and loving attention?

This is why we connect learning to the things themselves - the natural world, good books, the story of human history, beautiful works of art and music, the Scriptures.

Classical Christian Teaching and Learning

There are two parts to classical Christian teaching - directing (beckoning, engaging, connecting) students to what is real, and giving them the tools to learn for themselves.

In early years, the mode of learning is imitative. Teaching and learning are focused on awakening students’ wonder and directing their gaze through practices like narration, nature study, drawing, manipulatives and models, song and recitation.

In later years, the mode is dialogical. Teaching and learning are focused on following questions, finding arguments, and demonstrating truth through practices like catechism, the question and answer (even playful refutation) of dialogue, and facilitated discussion.