Our Teaching Philosophy
The teaching philosophy of Christian classical education is grounded in the belief that education should cultivate wisdom, virtue, and knowledge, helping students grow intellectually, morally, and spiritually in alignment with Christian principles. This approach integrates the classical tradition of education with Christian faith, viewing learning as a lifelong pursuit of truth that leads to flourishing in all aspects of life. Here are the key elements of the Christian classical education teaching philosophy:
1. The Integration of Faith and Learning
Christian classical education holds that all truth is God’s truth, whether discovered in science, art, history, or literature. Teachers encourage students to see the world through a Christian lens, understanding that learning is not just about accumulating facts but about deepening one’s relationship with God and understanding His creation. This philosophy integrates faith with every subject, showing how each area of study reflects divine order and reveals aspects of God's character.
2. The Development of the Whole Person
Christian classical education is concerned with the holistic development of students—intellectually, morally, and spiritually. It is not just about transmitting knowledge but about shaping students into virtuous, wise, and discerning individuals. It seeks to cultivate students’ intellectual curiosity, moral integrity, and spiritual maturity. Teachers focus on forming students who can live out the Christian faith with both wisdom and humility.
3. The Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric
A core component of Christian classical education is the Trivium, a three-stage model of learning that corresponds to the intellectual development of students:
•Grammar (elementary stage): This stage focuses on foundational knowledge. Students learn basic facts, vocabulary, and rules that form the building blocks for further learning. In a Christian context, this means teaching students the foundational truths of the faith alongside basic academic subjects like math, reading, and writing.
•Logic (middle school stage): At this stage, students are taught to think critically and reason logically. They learn to analyze arguments, identify fallacies, and engage in structured, rational debate. This stage is crucial for developing the ability to understand and evaluate ideas. Christian classical education uses logic to deepen students' understanding of Christian doctrines and to equip them with tools for engaging with the world around them.
•Rhetoric (high school stage): In the rhetoric stage, students learn to express their ideas persuasively and eloquently. They study the art of speaking and writing well, both to communicate truth and to persuade others. In the Christian classical tradition, rhetoric is used to help students articulate the truths of the Christian faith and engage in thoughtful dialogue with others.
4. Socratic Method and Dialogue
A key element of Christian classical education is the Socratic method, which emphasizes dialogue, questioning, and critical thinking. Teachers often engage students in discussions that encourage them to ask questions, reason through problems, and articulate their thoughts clearly. This approach fosters independent thinking and helps students develop a deep, personal understanding of the material, rather than simply memorizing information.
5. A Strong Foundation in the Liberal Arts
Christian classical education emphasizes the liberal arts—subjects that cultivate the intellectual virtues and help students think broadly and critically. The liberal arts include subjects such as literature, history, mathematics, science, rhetoric, and philosophy. These subjects are viewed not only as important for academic success but also as essential for shaping wise and virtuous individuals. They provide students with the tools to understand the world, engage with ideas, and contribute meaningfully to society.
6. Emphasis on Character and Virtue Formation
Christian classical education is committed to the moral and ethical development of students. Teachers guide students not only in intellectual pursuits but also in how to live virtuous lives. Students are encouraged to practice and cultivate virtues such as courage, humility, honesty, and perseverance. Moral formation is integrated into every subject, and students are taught to reflect on how their learning relates to Christian moral teachings.
7. A Focus on the Great Books and Ideas
A central part of the Christian classical curriculum is the study of the Great Books—works of literature, philosophy, theology, and history that have shaped Western thought and Christian tradition. These books, including the Bible, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the works of philosophers and poets from antiquity to the present, are studied for their insight into the human condition, the nature of God, and the meaning of life. The Great Books provide students with a rich intellectual heritage and a foundation for engaging with the most profound questions of existence.
8. The Role of Teachers as Guides
In Christian classical education, teachers are seen not as mere dispensers of information but as guides, mentors, and role models. Teachers are expected to be deeply knowledgeable, intellectually rigorous, and committed to their own moral and spiritual growth. They help students navigate their studies, cultivate curiosity, and inspire a love of learning. Teachers also play a crucial role in shaping the character of their students by modeling Christian virtues and engaging students in discussions about faith, morality, and life.
9. The Goal of Wisdom and Flourishing
The ultimate goal of Christian classical education is the formation of wise, virtuous, and God-honoring individuals who can live faithfully in a complex and challenging world. Wisdom is viewed as the ability to know and love God, understand His creation, and make decisions that honor Him. Flourishing involves living a life of purpose, guided by the principles of Scripture, and contributing positively to society. Education, in this view, is not just about intellectual achievement but about preparing students to live meaningful, God-centered lives.
10. Truth, Beauty and Virtue
In a classical education rooted in a Christian worldview, the pursuit of truth, beauty, and virtue serves as a pathway for children to ultimately seek and know God. At the heart of this educational model is the belief that all truth is God’s truth, and that all beauty reflects the divine order He has created. By immersing children in the study of the great works of literature, philosophy, and science, classical education invites them to explore the depths of God’s creation and His revelation to humanity. This pursuit of truth is not simply about acquiring knowledge, but about understanding the divine order of the world, His moral law, and His unfolding plan for salvation. Through this lens, children are taught to reason and think critically in ways that deepen their relationship with God, fostering a lifelong quest for wisdom and understanding that centers on Him as the ultimate source of all truth.
Beauty, as seen in the world around us, is a reflection of God’s character and handiwork. The study of art, music, literature, and nature within a classical framework allows children to recognize and appreciate the divine order, harmony, and goodness inherent in creation. As they come to see beauty as a direct reflection of God’s glory, their hearts are drawn toward Him in awe and reverence. This cultivation of beauty nurtures a sense of wonder that directs their thoughts and affections to the Creator, helping them understand that beauty is not merely for aesthetic pleasure but a pointer toward the divine. As children grow in their appreciation for beauty, they are not only enriched in their emotional lives but are led to seek God, the ultimate source of all that is good, true, and beautiful.
The cultivation of virtue, guided by the teachings of Scripture and the great moral traditions of the Church, provides children with the moral foundation to pursue holiness and grow in Christlikeness. Through the study of moral philosophy, Scripture, and the lives of saints, children learn to embrace virtues such as courage, justice, temperance, and wisdom, which enable them to live in accordance with God’s will. These virtues are not ends in themselves but are cultivated to reflect the character of Christ. As children learn to make decisions based on God’s truth and live out these virtues, they become more equipped to navigate the challenges of life with integrity and grace, always seeking to honor God in all they do.