What is a Classical Education?

In short, a classical education is learning that emerged from the Greeks and Romans and then developed further, having been implemented throughout history until a little over a hundred years ago. Although roots of a classical education have remained in various domains, it is now being reintroduced more broadly in the 21st century in order to recapture the time-tested learning techniques that produced clear and persuasive thinkers.

Simply put, classical education uses natural stages of growth and development in a child to reach its goals. Grammar, or the rules for each subject, are emphasized in the early years of Kindergarten through 5th grade. Logic, which is the understanding for the ordered relationship between subjects, is prioritized in 6th-8th grades. Finally, logic and grammar come together in the teaching and use of Rhetoric, the expression of the understanding of subjects, in grades 9 through 12.

Charlotte Mason, an 18th century educator, will also influence the teaching style of Ambassador Christian Academy through:

• Living books by authors passionate about their subject, written in a narrative style

• Time in nature

• Narration

• Art and Composer Study

• Scripture and Poetry Memorization

Grammar - Grades K-5

Rhetoric - Grades 9-12

Grammar - Grades K-5

The Grammar stage is when children have a remarkable ability for memorization. Young children learn songs, rhymes, and recite facts without much effort. Because young children are so eager to memorize and they enjoy rhymes, the classical approach challenges them by providing key facts for them to memorize. Each subject has its own grammar. For example, in science, children memorize facts about nature. In math, children memorize times tables. In Latin, children memorize vocabulary. Throughout each year in the grammar stage, classically educated children learn the factual foundation of each subject, using songs, chants, and rhymes to help them enjoy the learning experience.

Logic - Grades 6-8

Rhetoric - Grades 9-12

Grammar - Grades K-5

The middle school years are when children begin to think independently and often develop a tendency for argument. Classical education teaches children in the logic stage to think critically, as well as spot fallacies and faulty arguments. They are then taught how to argue well by arranging facts into organized statements and arguments. The study of formal logic helps students understand the fundamentals of a good argument. Practice in making written and oral arguments helps to further develop these skills. Teachers encourage the use of argumentation in each subject. Again, each subject has its own logic. For example, science uses the development and testing of hypotheses; math develops a student's ability to logically orient numbers through the more abstract concepts of geometry and algebra.

Rhetoric - Grades 9-12

Rhetoric is the art of polished, persuasive communication. Once a student has obtained knowledge of the facts (grammar) and developed the skills necessary to arrange those facts into organized arguments (logic), the student develops the skill of effectively communicating those arguments to others (rhetoric). Classical education in the rhetoric stage teaches students to think and articulate concepts to others. Each subject has its own rhetoric. Written papers, research, and oration are skills required in all subjects.