What is Classical Education?
Classical education is a holistic approach to learning that cultivates faith and reason for the full flourishing of the student in mind, body, and soul for the purpose of true freedom. Rooted in the liberal arts, the great books, and the traditional tools of learning— the trivium and quadrivium— it pursues wisdom by cultivating intellectual virtue and encouraging moral and physical virtue through a rich and ordered course of study. This course begins with grammar, mathematics, natural science, reading, and writing, and ascends through humane letters and philosophy, culminating in the study of theology. Its end is true freedom: an informed self-rule and a well-ordered understanding of human nature, the cosmos, and God—forming wise and virtuous individuals equipped to lead well in all aspects of life.
Where can I learn more?
Many Catholic and Classical Schools have varying definitions of what ‘classical education’ means. We recommend the following resources for those interested in learning more.
Basil, Address to Young Men
Augustine, De Magistro and On Christian Teaching
Chrysostom, On Vainglory and the Education of Children
Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy
Hugh of St. Victor, Didascalicon
Aquinas, Disputed Questions on Truth
John Senior, Death of Christan Culture
James Taylor, Poetic Knowledge
James Schall, A Student's Guide to Liberal Learning
Archbishop Miller, Holy See's Teaching on Catholic Education
Jared Staudt, Words Made Flesh: The Sacramental Mission of Catholic Education
Stratford Caldecott, Beauty for Truth's Sake
Matthew Crawford, Shop Class as Soul Craft
Josef Pieper, Leisure the Basis of Culture
For more, read Headmaster Dr. Richard Meloche’s article, Exploring the New Springtime for Catholic Classical Education
Many Catholic and Classical Schools have varying definitions of what ‘classical education’ means. We recommend the following resources for those interested in learning more.
Anthony Esolen, Classical Catechism
Mortimer Adler, the Great Conversation
Jeffery Lehman, Liberal Education: A Working Definition
For those interested in Great Books, we recommend
Deacon Harrison Garlick: Ascend: the Great Books Podcast
Louise Cowan and Os Guiness: Invitation to the Classics: A Guide to Books You've Always Wanted to Read
John Senior 1000 Good Books