Preparing children for the whole of life

The Classical Method

An "Old-New" Way


Classical education is the historical approach Christians have used to raise their children. It produced great thinkers such as Galileo, Newton, Shakespeare, the Reformers, and America's founding fathers.

It is proven to prepare children for the whole of life, fostering virtuous character, critical thought, and effective communication. It orients their hearts to love the good, the true, and the beautiful. It creates life-long self learners by cultivating a love of learning. Such an education will prepare them for whatever God leads them to accomplish.

Hallmarks of Classical Education

Classical education is set apart from modern, progressive methods of education in the following ways:

  • The appreciation for the world's great works of literature and art
  • The transfer of the history and heritage of Western civilization
  • Instilling virtue and character
  • An emphasis on the humanities and the liberal arts
  • A focus on studying primary sources
  • The teaching of Latin or another ancient, inflected language (we teach Biblical Greek)
  • The historic Trivium (explained below)

 

The Goals of Classical Education

  1. Rather than focusing on subjects (math, history, science, etc.), classical education focuses on giving students the tools of learning. The subjects are just material on which to practice using the tools. The goal is that they will be ready to learn anything and that they will love learning for the rest of their lives.
  2. Rather than passing on content, classical education seeks to train the mind and the heart. It gives students experience with history's great thinkers, artists, scientists, and musicians, with the intention that they will conform their minds and hearts to that greatness.

What is the Trivium?

Classical education involves passing on the tools of learning, with which they can go on to learn anything in life. Three of the biggest tools are grammar, logic, and rhetoric, and each of these cuts with the grain of a child's development. 

1) The Grammar Stage - A child in the grammar stage (corresponding to the elementary grades) loves reciting facts. Therefore, the grammar stage involves memorizing math, geography, history, and science facts. They learn to read through phonics. Key elements of this phase include rhymes, songs, chants, nature studies, narration, and skits.

2) The Logic Stage - A young person in their adolescent years (corresponding to middle school) enjoys challenging the adults in their lives and likes to argue. Consequently, much attention is given to the principles of logic, recognizing fallacious thinking, and arguing effectively and graciously. Additional elements of this phase include apologetics, Socratic discussion, the scientific method, and debate.

3) The Rhetoric Stage - Young men and women at the high school age level seek to find their place in the world. They are concerned about their appearance and identity. As a result, attention is given to presentation, style, and persuasiveness, along with ethics, civics, and mentorships. Additional elements of this phase include speech, mock trial, senior thesis, and practicums.

ACCS Alumni Statistics

From: Good Soil - The Classical Difference

88%
Received a BA or higher in college
vs. 45% of homeschool alumni
73%
Felt well prepared for a job
vs. 50% of Christian school alumni
55%
Earned all or mostly all As in college
vs. 32% of Christian school alumni
70%
Read the Bible regularly
vs. 55% of Christian and homeschool alumni
88%
Attend church 3x per month
vs. 65% of Christian and homeschool alumni

Wanting More?

Visit our Association to read examples, results, and research of our Classical Christian Method.