Through homeschooling, micro-schools, parochial schools, and church schools classical education is growing in the United States. Still, many parents and public educators don’t know what a classical education is or why it might be the answer to many of the problems plaguing American classrooms today.

Classical education refers to an educational philosophy that focuses on developmentally appropriate learning, great books, a search for truth and beauty, and the cultivation of virtue. If this sounds old-fashioned, it’s because it is. Classical education traces its roots to Ancient Greece, and considering that many of history’s great saints, scholars, and philosophers were educated in this style, it’s worth considering the benefits of a classical education.

Classical education is developmentally sound.

In the classical education model there are three stages known as the trivium.  The first stage is the grammar stage, roughly age 4 years old – 5th grade. Children this age love memorization, chant, songs, and facts. They are sponges. The focus during the grammar stage is on gathering information as a way of building brain muscles and creating mental hooks on which to hang later learning.

By around 6th grade, students have entered the logic or dialectic stage. At this age, children are no longer satisfied with just the facts. They want to know why things are as they are. They are naturally argumentative and challenging (think middle school.) Students in the logic phase thrive on discussion and begin to write persuasively. They use the knowledge they gained when they were younger–sometimes against their teacher or each other.

The high school years make up the rhetoric stage. During this time students are becoming young adults, and they yearn to express their (hopefully) well-formed opinions. Students in this phase focus on synthesizing their knowledge and logic into their own ideas, and they learn to write and speak eloquently and powerfully and to express these ideas.

Classical education preserves our literary heritage.

There’s a lot of debate among educators today about the importance of classic literature. What constitutes a classic, and why do the classics matter–or do they? Why should kids be forced to read books that aren’t relevant and don’t interest them?

Classical educators would argue that it’s our job to make the classics interesting and relevant by showing students how they relate to our lives today. While there is no official canon of classic literature or great books, classical education maintans that Great Books not only expose children and teenagers to truth and beauty, but they also link generations through common experiences and stories. This isn’t to say that new books can’t be read or even considered classics. But it does mean that the stories and novels that form and inspire each generation will be passed down. This is how we stay connected to the past and learn from it.

Classical education teaches thinking.

The goal of modern education is to make students employable by preparing them for college and careers. This isn’t a bad goal, but it puts the educational cart before the horse. Our goal should not be to produce workers but thinkers. Sure, modern education gives a lot of lip service to critical thinking, but one of the main strategies used to produce critical thinkers has been to do away with rote memorization–even in the younger grades. In an effort to rush students into being thinkers, we’ve stripped them of the tools that form their minds and give them ideas to think about. Instead, classical education doesn’t so much teach critical thinking as it cultivates it through a steady and gentle pace toward this natural end. 

Classical education makes good use of technology.

Just because classical education is old-fashioned doesn’t mean it’s out of touch. It does not eschew technology. Rather, within the classical framework, mastery of technology is a tool for learning and self-expression rather than the goal of education. In other words, through thoughtful study, students gain insight and wisdom to use technology wisely and responsibly. When it comes to technology they are taught not only to ask how but why–and even if.

Classical education cultivates virtue.

To understand this, it is important to be clear about the difference between morals and virtues. Morals are ideas or principles about right and wrong, and to some extent what is considered moral varies from culture to culture or even person to person. But virtues are character traits that allow individuals to live out their moral code and act for the good of the greater community. Virtues include traits like honesty, courage, self-control, compassion, and work ethic and are common to nearly all cultures and religions. Classical education cultivates virtue naturally through the thoughtful study of the humanities–history, philosophy, literature, and art.

Classical education equips students for the future.

It’s a fast-moving world, and both the professional and social landscape are everchanging. By focusing on creating virtuous thinkers, equipped with knowledge and the skills for self-expression, classical education better equips students to meet whatever changes and challenges they might face.

Making the switch from modern education to classical education would take a lot of convincing from concerned parents and teachers, but in the meantime, there are ways to bring classical principles into the classroom. Encourage memorization. Read great books. Promote lively and thoughtful discussion. And help students find what is true and good and virtuous in all their studies. To learn more about classical education, check out these resources.

Classical Education: What it is, and why it matters now