You’ve researched education options for your child – and are still wondering, “What is best for my child?” You know you want your child to learn in a Christian environment, so public school isn’t really an option, but even some of the private Christian schools don’t meet the vision you have for your child’s education. And homeschool – that just seems way too overwhelming. If only there was an option that leverages someone else who has an expertise in education with proven academic excellence and Biblical focus, in a curriculum already tested. Good news – Classical Christian Education might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.
What’s the ‘Classical’ difference?
Academics set classical education apart. The classical approach was created by the Greeks and Romans and was widely used throughout the world until the mid-1900’s, though classical educators believe that it is a “timeless philosophy of how to train up children to love learning,” (Cornerstone Academy). Among more familiar studies of writing, math, and history are the study of manners, wisdom and virtue, Latin, and cursive. You won’t find technology prevalent in the classroom because their focus is on hands-on learning.
“The first years of schooling are called the “grammar stage” — not because you spend four years doing English, but because these are the years in which the building blocks for all other learning are laid, just as grammar is the foundation for language. In the elementary school years — what we commonly think of as grades one through four — the mind is ready to absorb information. Children at this age actually find memorization fun. So during this period, education involves not self-expression and self-discovery, but rather the learning of facts. Rules of phonics and spelling, rules of grammar, poems, the vocabulary of foreign languages, the stories of history and literature, descriptions of plants and animals and the human body, the facts of mathematics — the list goes on. This information makes up the “grammar,” or the basic building blocks, for the second stage of education.” (Bauer, 2009)
Student Life: What’s most notable about student life at Classical schools is that we are a growing community of families and educators dedicated to seeing children educated within a Christian worldview in a supportive, loving environment. Whether students are solving math problems, learning latin, or out exploring on a field trip, Veritas Classical Christian School prioritizes God’s word above all else. Families are very involved in their students’ success and in activities at the school. They are expected to participate. Students create community between older and younger grades. At some schools, they have a “buddy” program where upper elementary students mentor younger elementary students. High school students spend time with elementary students. Everyone is in community together.
Spiritual Life: Faith is interwoven into every aspect of learning. Students learn to look at every subject through a Biblical worldview. Each Classical school has Bible and Christian education classes as well as Bible memorization and chapel services.
In addition and most importantly, for Biblical reasons our philosophy of education indicates a teacher-led classroom where children are trained in the way they should go (Prov. 22:6). Children are not left to discover truth by themselves, feeling their way in the dark. The light of God’s Word is shed on each area of a child’s life—at home, at school, and at play. The task of education is the teaching and learning of God’s truth, and a proper study of all subject matters will harmonize with God’s Word. (Dr. Susan Kobes – Veritas Classical Christian School)
Classical education has strong academics and community. Similar to Non-Classical Christian schools, you will need to look outside of school for most sports and extracurricular activities; however, Classical education has many other things you won’t find anywhere else, such as low-tech classrooms, training in Latin and cursive, and a strong community of parents and students of all ages.
You’re invited to come explore and attend “Welcome Wednesdays” at Veritas Classical Christian School in Bonney Lake. Sit-in during Bible Class, observe the students learning, and ask your questions during a Q&A. Enrollment is underway for Kindergarten – 10th grade. You’re welcome to call or schedule a private tour at a time that works for you! Learn more: www.veritasccs.org Call today: 253-750-0515
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