Classical education is a holistic form of education. It encompasses, in its different phases, a complete understanding of human knowledge. In its grammar phase it is the pure gathering of information, moving on in logic to understanding what they have been taught, and in rhetoric to appreciating, analyzing, and applying that information. In rhetoric history we attempt to get the students to take their foundations, go deeper, get an understanding of what is going on in the world by analyzing and thinking through the philosophies, methods and direction of communication they will encounter when going into a university or work setting. They need to understand and be able to communicate their ideas and life philosophy. We do this by writing in various forms, learning how to take large ideas and boil them down to succinct and meaningful communication. We also teach them to take the facts of history or government and be able to present verbally their own ideas with confidence and depth.
In Government and US History we want them to understand and appreciate the whole of what is going on in our country, to see the genius in the ideas and philosophy that created it, and to be able to understand what is going on today. This will help them see the contributions they can make individually to our future. We want them to see problems, come up with solutions, and be able to communicate them in a way that will be effective. We are preparing leaders for tomorrow,who will be equipped with what they need to be successful in their future endeavors.
In World History we want them to see how God’s plan has evolved from the beginning, in every country around the world and through time, working together for His purposes.
The most important thing we are doing in a classical Christian education is pointing our students toward the understanding of God’s creation and His purposes to glorify Him in all of our ideas and communication.
