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