Classical Model

Naperville Christian Academy’s model for education is not a new invention; it was actually developed and used effectively over the past 2,000 years by the prevailing civilizations of the world.  The classical method of learning was developed during Greco-Roman times, formalized in the medieval period, and nearly universally embraced by educators in the English-speaking world until the early 20th century when experiments with alternative and “progressive” forms of education began.  During the past 30 years, there has been a recognition of the proven excellence of the classical approach and a huge resurgence in the classical movement.   Classical Christian schools are flourishing across America and the world.  Naperville Christian Academy is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS), which has hundreds of member schools across 45 states and 10 foreign countries.

The Classical approach to education is based on the model known as the Trivium.  The Trivium organizes learning around the maturing capacity of a child’s mind and comprises three stages: the elementary school Grammar Stage, in which the student acquires the building blocks of information; the middle school Logic Stage, in which the student begins to think more analytically and form logical arguments; and the high school Rhetoric Stage, in which the student learns to write and speak with excellence and originality.  A summary of the Trivium is shown below:

Trivium Stage
Biblical Equivalent
Grades
Primary Goals
Grammar Knowledge K – 5 Information Acquisition
Knowledge Mastery
Logic Understanding 6 – 8 Principle Comprehension
Understanding
Reason
Rhetoric Wisdom 9 - 12 Application
Communication
Effective Presentation

Understanding Classical Education

Are you considering a classical school for your child? In these short lessons of just 5 to 10 minutes each, Dr. Christopher Perrin and Justin Whitmel Earley invite you to learn more about this educational renewal. ParentU is a free resource of ClassicalU that contains material for parents who want to learn more about this educational tradition.

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