A classical education is a return to the roots of western education before the 19th century, where education focused on children developing a knowledge foundation of Latin, scripture, and the Seven Liberal Arts. While other education philosophies also aim to develop critical thinking, a classical education values the ideas of history’s great thinkers and prepares students to communicate with depth and insight—potentially adding knowledge to the world in higher education (i.e., Masters, PhD).

Strong societies depend on competent leaders to persuade the public and competent followers to discern truth from lies. A classical education gives children the capacity for both leadership and supportive roles, promoting virtuous action in any capacity.

No, a classical education supports children in using the scientific method as a tool for further learning and discovery. With a strong foundational knowledge of history and the languages of science (Latin and math), students will be able to ask more insightful questions and develop better hypotheses.

The Seven Liberal Arts are divided into two main categories: Trivium (language) and Quadrivium (maths).

Learning from the great thinkers of the past promotes innovation and improves the quality of what is being created. Young children (ages 4 to 5) have a natural appreciation for the physicality of words, making the rhyme and rhythm of words delightful to them even if they don’t understand their meaning. Once they learn the rules of writing, they can manipulate words to artfully increase the depth and meaning of their writing. If a person never leans grammar, their writing will be amateur, limited by its inconsistency and ambiguity. Navigating the sciences and other Latin languages will be easier. Latin will simplify studies in computer science, biology, chemistry, astronomy, psychology, sociology, and economics. Asking better questions and making insightful hypotheses is easier with a knowledge base to draw from. Before entering college or university, classical education students will benefit from the humbling experience of realizing how much more there is to learn and be motivated to pursue life long learning. They will be prepared to enter higher education: looking to deepen their understanding and follow their interests.

Heck no! That’s the benefit of being a part of a home school community. You get inspired by the creativity of other families. A common criticism of a classical education is that it positions children as passive recipients of information in a highly hierarchical atmosphere—picture a teacher forcing students to parrot facts as they melt into the floor from boredom. No! There is endless room for creativity and fun in a classical education. Imagine learning about Julius Caesar by memorizing a history catechism, narrating a story about him, studying art depicting him, doing a puppet show of Shakespeare’s play (kid’s version), or researching Roman instruments and listening to modern interpretations of Roman music. Fun right!? Littles: Absorb facts through story, singing, chanting, recitation, collecting, and memorization. All things they like to do anyway! Middles: Engage with facts through reading, analyzing, and comparing information with their memory ark. They seek meaning in what they’ve read and challenge it with debate! All things they do naturally! Older…s: Explore their knowledge through composition, creating things of beauty and depth. School assignments are a source of self-expression, knowledge synthesis, and pursuing personal interests. All things they want to do anyway!