What is Classical Education?
BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
The Trivium
Classical education is built upon a three-part process called the trivium, which systematically develops the mind in stages that align with a student’s natural developmental phases. The trivium begins with the “grammar stage” in the early years, focusing on absorbing foundational knowledge and facts that lay the groundwork for deeper study. During these formative years, students memorize and internalize the essential rules of language, math, history, and science, creating a rich bank of knowledge they can draw upon. As students progress, they move into the “logic stage” in the middle grades, where they build upon these foundations by learning to think analytically, questioning, and connecting ideas across subjects. Finally, high school students enter the “rhetoric stage,” where they develop the skills to communicate their ideas clearly and persuasively, honing their ability to express original thoughts. Each stage of the trivium guides students in both intellectual and personal growth, providing them with the skills to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world.
GRAMMAR, LOGIC, & RHETORIC
Stages of the Trivium
Each stage of the trivium provides a unique set of skills and focus areas that shape students’ intellectual development in stages aligned with their age and cognitive abilities. The grammar stage, encompassing grades 1-4, is based on students’ natural inclination to absorb information; during this time, they engage with the essential building blocks of each subject. Through memorization and structured learning in areas like language, phonics, mathematics, science, and history, students build a foundational understanding. In grades 5-8, students transition to the logic stage, where they begin to think more analytically, moving beyond facts to understand how different concepts interrelate. In this stage, students learn to ask “why” and explore the reasoning behind information, such as understanding historical causes or scientific methods. This stage sets them up for the final, rhetorical stage, in grades 9-12, which focuses on developing expressive and persuasive skills. Here, students learn to present their ideas eloquently and with conviction, applying logical thinking from the previous stage to support their arguments. By mastering each stage of the trivium, students become well-equipped to approach complex problems and articulate their understanding with confidence.
CLASSICAL EDUCATION
A Holistic, Language-Focused Approach to Education
Classical education emphasizes the development of the mind through language and critical engagement rather than passive observation. The curriculum is language-focused, meaning learning is rooted in reading, writing, and dialogue instead of visual aids, fostering habits of thought that require active participation. This method encourages students to translate words into concepts, engaging deeply with content. To bring coherence to the curriculum, subjects are organized around historical periods, allowing students to explore connections between history, literature, science, and art, and gain an integrated view of knowledge. For example, when studying the Renaissance, students not only learn about historical events but also study relevant literature, scientific discoveries, and artwork from that period. This structured yet flexible approach promotes a systematic and rigorous understanding of the world, encouraging students to see knowledge as an interconnected whole. By engaging in this well-rounded, historical approach, classical education prepares students to join what Mortimer Adler calls the “Great Conversation” of ideas, equipping them with disciplined study habits, a well-developed sense of virtue, and a lifelong passion for learning.