Questions...
1. What is Classical Education?
2. How does Classical & Christian Education differ from Modern or Contemporary Education?
3. "Is Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy a member of any organizations?

What is Classical Education?
It is an effort to recover the educational methods and standards of the past. Classical education is a conscious return to the ancient goal of education: teaching children to think and learn for themselves by imparting to them the tools of learning. It is an approach to education that is rooted in the ancient medieval concept of the Trivium. The Trivium is comprised of three basic tools of learning; Grammar (the tool of knowledge), Logic (the tool of reasoning) and Rhetoric (the tool of communication and expression). The Trivium can be viewed as (1) An approach to subjects, (2) An approach to students, and (3) A set of subjects.

The Three Functions of the Trivium

Trivium
Category

An Approach to Subjects An Approach to Students A Set of Subjects
Grammar Mastery of fundamental facts and rules Elementary Age: Concrete thinkers Information sponges Memorization comes naturally Latin (An ancient language that’s at the root of most English words.)
Logic Training in comprehension and sound reasoning skills Middle School Age: Beginning to think abstractly Growth of reasoning and analytical thinking abilities Logic (The study of the science of sound reasoning.)
Rhetoric Development of communication, expression and application skills High School Age: Abstract thinkers Interest in self-expression, communication and creativity Rhetoric (The study of the effective use of language in speech and writing.)

How does Classical & Christian Education differ from Modern or Contemporary Education?

  Modern/Contemporary Education* Classical and Christian Education
Phonics Often emphasizes look/say & whole language. Emphasizes mastery of the units of sound.
Reading Student progresses from basal readers to popular trade books. Student begins reading “great books” as soon as he is able.
Mathematics Emphasizes abstract concepts above rote learning of math facts, tables, rules, etc. Emphasizes mastery of facts, rules, tables, etc. as well as repetitive drills to make math processes habitual.
Bible Explicit teaching of Bible is usually discouraged or prohibited. Emphasizes systematic Bible reading, study and application.
Spelling Less emphasis on rules. Sometimes allows for inventive spelling. Rule-guided, prescriptive spelling. If it’s not right, it’s wrong.
History Multi-cultural influences lead to ignorance of achievements of Western Civilization. Revisionism is often used to support vogue ideological agendas. Emphasizes history as having purpose because it is the work of God’s providence. Holds that our heritage should be understood, and unless at variance with Scripture, appreciated.
Rhetoric/ Speech Emphasis on creativity and self-expression, as opposed to the more rigorous discipline of wordsmithing. Teaches student to recognize and use formal structures of persuasion and presentation (the science of Rhetoric).
Thinking/ Logic Skills Promotes expression of student’s own opinion, along with whatever reasons he may have for holding it. The end goal tends to be self-expression as opposed to discovery of the truth. Emphasizes real difference between truth and validity. Teaches student to identify fallacies of form and distraction –Logic as science.
Language/ Latin Foreign languages are not required for non-native speakers and are taught only for practical or multicultural/diversity reasons. Latin is now virtually extinct and is usually viewed as irrelevant. Foreign languages are taught to develop intellectual discipline. Practical side-benefits are secondary. Latin is seen as a foundation for precise thinking, English vocabulary, appreciation of classical culture, and of course, et cetera.
Literature General tendency is to bring books down to level of the contemporary student –books that will not overwhelm a limited vocabulary, cultural isolation, and a reluctance to read anything unfamiliar or difficult. Object is to bring student up to the level of great and classical literature, to teach appreciation for challenging books of all ages.

* Although there are exceptions to these statements in many public and private schools, these statements are fair descriptions of the general trends in contemporary approaches to education.

Is Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy a member of any organizations?

Yes, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS).  For more information about ACCS please visit www.ACCSedu.org.

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