Classical Education

Classical education is a form of education that hearkens back to ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval methods of education. Focuses on the study of logic and rhetoric through the subjects of English, Latin, history, science, and mathematics. Places much emphasis on classic literature.

Martianus Capella Wrote allegory De Nuptiis Philologiae et Mercurii (On the Marriage of Philology and Mercury) Displays importance of seven liberal arts: grammar, dialectic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astronomy, and musical harmony.

Dorothy L. Sayers Wrote The Lost Tools of Learning in Called for education reform

“…if we are to produce a society of educated people, fitted to preserve their intellectual freedom amid the complex pressures of our modern society, we must turn back the wheel of progress some four or five hundred years, to the point at which education began to lose sight of its true object, towards the end of the Middle Ages.”

The Trivium Forms the framework for the classical curriculum. Is composed of three levels: grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

Grammar Usually seen today in grades 1-4. Focuses on mastering the foundations for all subject areas. Uses rote memorization through songs and chants. Students read age-appropriate versions of classic literature.

Logic Usually seen today in grades 5-8. Builds upon the grammar stage. Teaches naturally argumentative students how to employ classical logic and critical-thinking. Begin to read “original sources” of classic literature.

Rhetoric Usually seen today in grades Focuses on learning how to articulate ideas and convictions with “clear, forceful, elegant language” (Bauer). Students also encouraged to study other areas of interest such as art, music, computer skills, or religion. Education culminates with a senior thesis.

Pros Students are exposed to large amounts of information that is reviewed year after year. Students learn to be diligent to achieve mastery. Students learn by studying the past. Students gain a mastery of language through Latin study. Classical education is time-tested. Material is usually objective. Classical education follows natural stages of child development.

Cons All students must conform to classical ideas of learning. Not all students will progress along the same track prescribed by the trivium. Classical education may not contain more modern subjects. Some skills, such as learning Latin, may be considered archaic by some.