A classical education is a way to learn that focuses on the history of civilization and emphasizes the canons of classical literature and fine arts.
There are several organizations that support the movement.
Modern philosophy is different from classical education
Classical education has been around for over two thousand years.
It is a method of instruction based on the philosophy that people have a "divine spark" within them.
The aim of classical education is to instill a love of wisdom in the student.
It uses a variety of techniques to accomplish this.
These include logic, the use of words, and the study of literature.
Unlike modern education, which treats subjects as discrete topics, classical education emphasizes a scholarly and interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Classical education is rooted in ancient history and draws from the works of great thinkers.
Classical educators often use the method of Socratic teaching, a process involving careful examination of the facts.
A classical curriculum is interdisciplinary and offers a broad view of world history and culture.
This makes it easier for the youngest students to develop a well-rounded knowledge base.
The method of classical education also involves a solid foundation of math and science basics.
Students are taught to be able to accurately analyze information and to describe the general course of human events.
Another hallmark of classical education is the virtues.
All students are encouraged to strive for excellence in every area of their studies.
They are encouraged to develop their logical mind and to grow a virtuous heart.
One of the most important aspects of classical education is the quality of the literature that is read.
Classical educators teach students to make thoughtful, persuasive arguments.
Classical curriculums also involve the study of natural sciences and theological sciences.
In addition, they emphasize the study of the fine arts, such as music and art.
Classical education is a form of education that was the norm during the sixteenth century, but it has continued to be practiced until the present.
Today, many schools have adopted this method of instruction.
The method of classical education emphasizes the importance of cultivating a student's curiosity and imagination.
As a result, students are empowered to pursue any career path they choose.
Educators are required to facilitate their students' learning and to make sure they acquire the necessary skills to succeed.
Three-stage process of training the mind
Classical education is a form of education that emphasizes the interrelation of subjects and develops the student's abilities to think critically.
It is a form of interdisciplinary learning that includes math, literature, art, and scientific discoveries of the time.
One of the main features of this approach is the trivium, a Latin term meaning "the three ways to learn".
The classical curriculum is based on this concept, which consists of the grammar, logic, and the Rhetoric stages.
During the Grammar stage, children are taught the basics of spelling, language, and math.
They also study poems and historical stories.
As they move on, they start to focus on their own identity and how other people perceive them.
By the time they arrive at the Rhetoric stage, students are trained to communicate clearly and persuasively.
In addition, they are taught to compose in-depth essays and argue points with depth and clarity.
The logic stage builds upon the foundation laid by the Grammar stage.
Students in this stage are eager to absorb new information.
This stage involves memorizing vocabulary, learning to write, and gaining an understanding of history and phonics.
The Rhetoric stage is a high school level course where students are challenged to make logical arguments and present them effectively.
Ultimately, this stage is meant to prepare students for further study and to help them to think independently.
The classical method relies on a time-tested pattern of learning development.
It uses the grammar, logic, and the Rhetoric phases as a framework for training students to become free thinkers.
It is a challenging and academically challenging program that helps students to master the fundamental intellectual habits necessary to succeed in the modern world.
Unlike modern educational techniques, which focus on multiple choice tests, classical education gives students a solid foundation to learn, think, and grow into successful individuals.
Classical education is the perfect solution for anyone seeking a better way to learn.
It cultivates a love of learning and fosters a lifelong curiosity.
With the appropriate tools, students are equipped to handle the challenges of an ever-changing society.
Educators have been using this approach to educate students for hundreds of years.
Rhetoric stage (high school level)
Rhetoric is the art of speaking and writing persuasively.
It involves a skill set that combines knowledge of grammar, logic and reasoning, and craftsmanship of elegant discourse.
These skills prepare high school students to express themselves clearly and with force.
They also teach students how to effectively research and present information.
The goal of the Rhetoric stage of classical education is to develop the ability to think critically and creatively.
Students in this stage master the skills of orating, sentence structure, and vocabulary from classical roots.
During their study, they learn to defend their ideas and to debunk false myths.
Classical education teaches young adults to think and to synthesize their beliefs into a coherent whole.
It is structured into three sequential levels, or stages: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.
Each stage has its own curriculum and focuses on developing thinking and communication skills.
Grammar is taught from grades K-4.
During this stage, children begin to argue with each other and poke holes in each other's arguments.
They are also taught how to read and understand written language.
Logic is taught in grades 5-8.
During this stage, students are introduced to formal and informal logic, literary analysis, and the scientific method.
All subjects in this stage require writing papers.
Rhetoric is taught from grades 10-12.
This is the final stage of the Trivium.
High school students are prepared to enter college and engage in careers.
In the Rhetoric Stage, students learn how to research and write well, as well as to present their thoughts and opinions.
Throughout the Rhetoric Stage, students master the principles of mathematics, statistics, and trigonometry.
While it is tempting to skip over Latin and math in the rhetoric stage, it is essential to learn them.
They will not be able to advance to the next stage of formal logic without mastering them.
If they don't enjoy the subject, they can choose to stop the study at any time.
As a result of the Rhetoric Stage, students are able to speak well, to write persuasively, and to develop strong convictions.
With the help of the Rhetoric Stage Master, they are guided in presenting their ideas and extracting relevant knowledge.
Arts are a significant part of our private school curriculum
In the classical private school curriculum, the arts are a significant part of the learning process.
For example, students learn how to play instruments, internalize music, and appreciate the beauty of a piece of art.
This allows them to explore their talents and foster creativity.
Students at the Classical Academy of Franklin are taught by professional educators and are encouraged to become life-long learners.
They are exposed to the classical works of philosophers, scientists, artists, and writers.
The classical curriculum includes language studies, history, and the arts.
In addition to studying the classical works of artists and authors, the curriculum encourages students to read works from a variety of cultures.
Teachers also incorporate writings by authors, including Shakespeare, into the curriculum.
A classical education is a more comprehensive and academic approach to educating children.
It emphasizes the study of the liberal arts, including grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
Combined, these skills give students a holistic understanding of the physical world.
Classical educators believe critical thinking is essential to a free society.
To this end, they require students to challenge arguments in pursuit of truth.
At the same time, teachers encourage students to practice self-discipline and develop their talents.
According to the Nashville Classical charter network, literacy rates in the city of Nashville are lagging.
In order to rectify this, founder Charles Friedman started the school in 2011 with a focus on classical subjects.
Although the school has a minority student body, it produces excellent results.
Regardless of the race or socio-economic status of the students, the goal of classical education is to teach them to use knowledge in a creative and critical way.
Through this approach, students can achieve the status of a Renaissance man.
Many famous people have come from this tradition, including theologians, philosophers, musicians, and scientists.
There are many other benefits to classical education.
Some of them include a deep appreciation for the arts and literature, a strong sense of discipline, and a desire to learn.
Ultimately, it is the power of knowledge that makes true power possible.
When you combine these benefits with an engaging, academically rigorous curriculum, it is no surprise that classical education is becoming popular across the United States.