About Classical Education
Classical education has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman cultures and was the prominent form of education through the 19th century in the western world. Because of the emphasis on moral character, civic virtue, and servant leadership, classical education is experiencing a resurgence across the country and is the preferred choice by a growing number of homeschool communities, micro-school pods, private schools, and public charter schools. The core subjects of English and language arts, math, science, history, art, and foreign languages are taught with a new purpose. The purpose of a classical education is to develop wisdom and virtue in students. It teaches what it means to be a citizen in a representative republic, leading to active engagement in building, sustaining, and transforming the social fabric of their communities in principle-centered ways.
Classical education prepares students to make a great life, not just a good living.
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The study of English language and literature is intended to develop critical thinking skills, enhance communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the human experience. Teaching methods emphasize grammar, vocabulary, and syntax in order to read, write, and speak effectively. They explore a wide range of literature, including poetry, drama, and fiction, to help students understand the themes, characters, and ideas that have shaped human culture over time. Classical education highlights the importance of speaking and listening skills through discussions and presentations which help students learn to communicate effectively and persuasively.
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Classical education utilizes an integration structure across core disciplines that emphasizes the study of ancient Greek and Roman literature, history, math, and science, leading to the development of critical thinking skills and a deep understanding not only of the human experience, but also the advancements within societies across millennia. By integrating these core disciplines, classical education develops students who are able to think critically, communicate effectively, and understand the world around them in an interconnected way.
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In classical education, a spiraling structure within core disciplines refers to a teaching method in which students revisit core subjects and topics multiple times throughout their education, with each encounter building upon prior knowledge and skills. Students are exposed to the same concepts and skills at increasingly sophisticated levels of complexity as they advance in grade levels. This method fosters within students a deep and thorough understanding of core subjects and concepts, beyond memorizing facts or formulas, while also developing a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for classical literature and culture.
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The Socratic Method promotes critical thinking, encourages discussion and debate, and develops reasoning skills among students. Teachers ask purposeful questions to stimulate critical thinking and encourage students to come up with their own ideas and answers. By engaging in this type of questioning, students are encouraged to think more deeply about the text and to develop their own interpretations.
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At the heart of classical education is the Trivium - a teaching framework for organizing the study of language and the development of critical thinking skills. The Trivium has three stages: grammar stage, logic stage, and rhetoric stage. During the grammar stage, students learn the basic rules of language and how to read and write effectively. During the logic stage, students learn how to think logically and critically about the information they have learned. During the rhetoric stage, students learn how to express their thoughts and ideas effectively and persuasively.
The Trivium
Additional Resources
https://k12.hillsdale.edu/About/Classical-Education/
https://www.americanclassicalschools.com/