Karissa Tunis

Learn about the Classical Christian Education approach

In this article you will find a Q&A with Veritas Academy. They are a preschool through 12th grade Christian school with a classical approach to education. While they might not be local to you, I hope that you find their information informative as you research education options in your own area

Read below to learn more about this unique way of education and learning…

Q:  What is the Classical Christian education philosophy?

The Classical Christian model is an innovative approach to education based on a time-tested philosophy of academic excellence. In fact, many of the leaders of the Renaissance, Reformation, and most of America’s Founders were classically educated.

This learning model is shaped by a Christian worldview. It also encourages students to deepen their faith by exploring why they believe what they believe. Our goal is to provide students with the tools to understand how to think, reason, and communicate well.

While there is a great emphasis on studying the Bible and the Great Books, math and science training is equally just as important. The arts are also held in high esteem as a crucial component of a well-rounded education, and with an appreciation for the world and culture. Truth, beauty, and goodness are often referred to in Classical Christian education as the “transcendentals” of study.

Classical Christian Education Through the Years

In the elementary years, the Classical model allows children to learn foundational, educational truths. They will discover the joy of learning through song, chants, and movement. This is the Grammar phase.

In the middle school years, the focus shifts to developing strong skills for critical thinking. This is the Logic phase.

Then in the later years, the classical approach trains students to communicate effectively through speaking and writing persuasively. This is the Rhetoric phase. Together, these comprise what we call The Trivium, which is a foundation of the Classical model.

The skills cultivated in a Classical Christian Education transcend careers and cultural trends. They offer transferrable skills that are always in demand, no matter the job market. Classical Christian Education aims to produce a graduate who is well-read, well-spoken, a critical thinker, and a lifelong learner. In addition, students will develop a deep appreciation for God’s word and works.

EDUCATION OPTIONS

This collection was created to shed light and answer questions surrounding different types of schooling and education. However, we are not trying to compare, but rather provide you with insight into the differences. Each family will need to make their own decision regarding what works best for their child and family. There are no “right” answers. It is an individual decision that needs to be made based on your student’s individual needs, learning style, abilities, and resources. Read below for more information about Classical Christian Education.

Our goal of this Education Options collection is to allow you to dive a little deeper into the possibilities and opportunities around you!

Public | Private | Homeschool/Cyber | Montessori | Waldorf | Classical | Unschooling

Q:  What are some similarities and differences in comparison to traditional schooling?

The Classical Christian Education model goes back to “old school” schooling. You won’t find Common Core at a Classical school. However, children are taught in classrooms separated by grade, just like most other public and private schools.

Some key differences in Classical Christian Education include:

Study of History

A comprehensive, chronological study of history also integrates theology/Bible history, literature, the arts, and sciences. This will help students get a breadth of understanding for how the world got to where it is today. Especially in Grammar School (K-6), this often involves immersive experiences that include dressing up and acting out living history.

Memorization

Memorization in Grammar School often includes singing, chants, and movement. Students can learn the facts of math, grammar, history, geography, and more in this fun way. Parents are astound at what their child can retain because of it. It’s not unusual to walk the halls of a Classical School and hear singing and chanting coming from the classrooms.

Latin

All students begin learning Latin in 2nd grade to help with vocabulary and grammar. This also encourages an appreciation for Classical and theological literature.

Logic

The Logic phase (middle school, 7th-9th grade) offers all classes in a way that helps students practice the principles that they are learning. Starting in 7th grade, there is an intentional focus on dialogue and discussion.

Great Books

There is an appreciation for the Great Books of the world. Civics, theology, and historical studies are also in the secondary school Omnibus classes. This means that students will read a great number of challenging and influential books throughout their school career. This will help provide them with an understanding of how these books reflect and shape our culture. And after reading these thought-provoking, and even controversial works of history; we will study and discuss them through a Biblical worldview.

Science

Core sciences, and even advanced science classes, allow students to learn the “why’s” and “how’s” of science and the physical world. Our goal is to not only train the kids to study well, but to also ask the right questions. While you might not see a lot of “STEM” focus in Classical Schools, science is taught thoroughly to give students transferable skills of research and application. And because Classical students, especially those who begin early in grammar school, are often more advance than their traditional school counterparts in math; the calculating and thinking skills developed through the math program gives students much of what they need to succeed in STEAM-related fields.

A Classical Christian Education is known for its academic structure. The classes are challenging and fast-paced, with the foundation laid in Grammar School. Students who have been Classically educated are often advanced in math and reading. However, it is not necessarily because they are naturally academically gifted, but because of the way they are taught.

Q:  How does a Classical Christian Education benefit the students?

The Trivium Classical Process

This process trains the muscles of a student’s mind to reason well and communicate effectively. Classical Christian Education teaches students how to think, but not what to think. In return, this helps to develop the graduates who are known to possess exceptional critical thinking skills.

The Socratic Method

This method of classroom instruction and discussion fosters a respectful deliberation and analysis between teachers and students. Questions are designed to provoke thought on a topic. As a result, this produces students who model thoughtful dialogue.

The Grammar School Memory Work

Memory Work presents a beautifully joyful way of learning for students. They have fun with the chants and songs, and can amaze adults with their vast knowledge of history, geography and more. Beginning in second grade, classes learn to identify the countries of each continent and each state in the U.S. By the time they graduate 6th grade, they can identify every country on a blank map of the world. And all thanks to song and memory learning.

Students Who Graduate

Graduates from a Classical Christian School will be well-rounded, well-read, and well-spoken. The skills that they receive from this comprehensive liberal arts education prepares them well for college. By introducing this type of advanced, discussion-based education, many students will find that their Classical high school covered much of what they learn in their early college years. As one recent graduate put it: “When I got to college freshman year, it was funny because I wondered ‘when am I going to start learning something new?’ since I already knew most of what we were learning!”

These competencies developed in a Classical Christian Education also greatly benefit students in preparing them for life outside of school. Whether in the workforce or in their personal life, a Classical student will prosper from this type of education. By knowing what they believe, why they believe it, and how to articulate that belief in a winsome manner; they will benefit no matter the subject or situation. These traits help students transition to confident, poised young adults.

Q. What does a day in the life of one of your students look like?

In Grammar School, students begin their day all together for Memory Period. This includes songs and chants that cover history, grammar, Latin, geography and more. After dispersing to their classrooms, their day will include active learning in math, grammar, spelling, history, and Bible. Literature time is spent cozying up in reading nooks together with their teacher as they read classic works together. Science class involves fascinating visuals and hands-on learning for biology and earth science.

All students participate in two music classes each week and one choir rehearsal. Third and fourth graders will have an opportunity to learn stringed instruments once a week in music. Latin is taught daily to students beginning in 2nd grade, again often through music and active learning. Each grammar school year studies a different period of world or US history, and their classrooms are fully decorated as such. Many of their other subjects are taught around the period in history they are learning.

Special feasts, games, memorable field trips, and inter-class activities often involve dining, dressing up, and more. So seeing students in full historical costume (like ancient Egyptians or Colonial Americans,) or smelling delicious food, is a normal thing around a Classical school. It should be noted that, at Veritas Academy in Leola, there is a no-homework policy through 4th grade. Students have two recesses per day (outdoor, weather permitting…and if there is snow, students sled on the back hill!) and lunch together in the school cafeteria.

In Secondary School

Beginning in secondary school (7th grade) at Veritas, students are placed into one of four “Houses”. This is essentially a multi-grade homeroom. The four houses meet at the beginning of the day for devotions, team-building activities, school event planning and more. Each house has its own special traditions and culture, and getting your house assignment is a big rite of passage for Veritas students. Each house is named after a great scholar or theologian from history.

Logic Phase

In the 7th through 9th-grade logic phase, students begin semester-based classes with seven periods per day (moving from class to class). These classes include a Primary and Secondary Omnibus class, math (usually Algebra and Geometry), science (physical science, earth science, and biology), language (Latin, plus Greek, Spanish, or French), a fine arts class (choir, orchestra, or an art class), a writing class, and an elective.

The Omnibus class is a cornerstone of Classical curriculum. This discussion-centered class combines literature, history, civics, philosophy, and theology, all based on readings of the Great Books from ancient through modern eras. Classical schools are deep in tradition. And these secondary students will find again plenty of feasts and activities, both curriculum-related and simple fun, that liven up their daily school life. Classes are mostly discussion-based which helps the students develop their critical thinking and communicating skills.

Rhetoric Phase

In the 10th-12th-grade Rhetoric phase students also begin their days in their respective houses before continuing onto the seven periods. These upper school students again will take two Omnibus Classes per semester, math (usually Trigonometry, Calculus I and II), science (Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, or Scientific Research, Design, and Experimentation), language (Latin, French, or Spanish), fine arts, and an elective.

The central classes of this phase are Rhetoric, Junior Thesis, and Senior Thesis, with the latter being the capstone course for graduation. These courses require students to choose a stance on a cultural or theological topic, thoroughly research that stance, compose a scholarly paper explaining their stance, and then (in Junior and Senior thesis) defend it before a panel of community experts who challenge their findings. This helps them put fully into practice their knowledge, logic, and rhetoric principles. All classes continue in the dialectic, discussion-based strategy started in the Logic phase. And allow student discussions to grow deeper and evolve into more thought-provoking topics. Our goal is to encourage students to think deeply about all subjects.

Q:  How can families find more information about this style of learning?

To learn more about Classical Christian Education, families can visit the Association of Classical Christian Schools website at classicalchristian.org, or visit our school’s website at www.veritasacademy.com

A big thank you to Veritas Academy in Leola, PA for taking the time to provide us with this information! We hope that you will give Veritas Academy consideration when deciding upon your child’s education. And if you are not local to Lancaster County, we hope that you will keep an open mind and check out your local Classical Christian Education options.

Our goal of this Education Options collection is to allow you to dive a little deeper into the possibilities and opportunities around you!

Public | Private | Homeschool/Cyber | Montessori | Waldorf | Classical | Unschooling