Understanding Classical Education: A Comprehensive Overview

To begin, it’s important to note that classical education encompasses a broad range of concepts. We aim to summarize the essential elements that constitute classical education while highlighting the distinctions between its 16th-century iteration and its 21st-century counterpart. Although the contexts have changed, both share a primary focus: the training of the intellect and the will. This has always been the hallmark of classical educators—from the 1500s to today.

The Purpose of Education: Drawing Out, Not Filling In

When we refer to classical education, we emphasize the training of the mind. The term “education” itself derives from the Latin “educare,” which means “to draw out.” This approach is not about merely imparting knowledge or data; instead, it focuses on developing the faculties of the mind so they can operate effectively. This process is a long-term endeavor requiring patience and dedication, distinguishing classical education from modern educational systems that often prioritize content delivery.

In contemporary education, there is a significant emphasis on meeting specific credit requirements and completing numerous courses—such as finishing calculus by junior year or completing a certain number of AP courses. This narrow focus can lead to a neglect of the essential element of education: the development of the mind. The classical education model encourages a laser-like focus on training the intellect, with all other content serving as secondary tools to facilitate this process.

-Historical Perspectives on Education

For instance, a historical example from the 1880s highlights the inadequacies of modern practical schooling. Dr. Carl Hilderbrand noted that a prominent banker had brought in 30 scholars trained in commerce, yet none succeeded in the trial he set for them. Conversely, students from grammar schools who had no formal business training were able to excel in his firm. This example underscores a recurring theme: the modern focus on knowledge accumulation can overshadow the essential aim of training the mind.

A similar sentiment was echoed in a study from the University of Berlin, which indicated that students from modern practical schools struggled to meet the standards of university courses compared to their classically-educated peers. This study identified issues such as slower cognitive development, inferior research abilities, and a lack of independent judgment—issues that classical education seeks to address.

-The Classical Lesson: Quality Over Quantity

The essence of a classical lesson differs significantly from that of a public school classroom. In a classical setting, a teacher might select a single, well-chosen passage from literature and dedicate a class—possibly even a week—to analyzing that text in depth. This focus on quality over quantity fosters the development of logical thinking and sound judgment, enabling students to exercise their minds and learn to discern truth from falsehood swiftly and effectively.

• An Example of Classical Analysis: To illustrate this, let’s consider how a teacher would guide students through a stanza from Thomas Gray’s poem “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.” The teacher would facilitate an analysis of the stanza’s meaning, encouraging students to express the ideas in their own words. This process would be followed by an examination of the form and structure of the text, leading eventually to a moral analysis that aims to inspire a love for virtue and goodness.

We must also recognize that the choice of content in classical education is crucial. While the content is secondary to the training of the mind, it must still be morally uplifting, free from error, and possess literary value. At Queen of All Saints Academy, lower grades often draw from the works of the Christian Brothers—an educational order founded by St. John Baptist de La Salle—while higher grades utilize the rich traditions established by the Jesuits, particularly their “Ratio Studiorum.”

These historical foundations provide a structured approach to education, aiming to cultivate a love for learning and the development of virtuous habits. The process of selecting content is deliberate and thoughtful, ensuring it aligns with the principles of classical education.

-The Relevance of Classical Subjects

The question of the relevance of subjects like Latin. While practical application may not be immediately evident, the training provided through these subjects equips the student’s mind for optimal development and discipline. This is invaluable in whatever future endeavors they may pursue. The goal in classical education is not to specialize immediately but to lay a solid foundation that prepares students for any path they choose in life. (Read more here about the purpose of studying Latin.)

-The Value of Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities also play a vital role in classical education, contributing to the holistic development of the child. They foster peer connections, provide wholesome recreation, and support the cultivation of the child’s social and physical skills. The culture of excellence created through these activities encourages students to strive for their best while developing a love for learning. At Queen of All Saints Academy, students are supported by the music conservatory, school clubs, and our volunteer program.

-And the Role of Parents in Education?

The role of parents as primary educators cannot be understated. Education continues throughout the day, during the child’s morning ritual, at the grocery store, at the dinner table, etc. Schools, particularly those with a religious foundation, exist simply to support parents in their educational responsibilities, providing expertise and time that parents may lack.

Parents who are interested in reading more about the Jesuit method of Classical education can access a wealth of resources, including the excellent text by Robert Schwickerath, S.J.

In conclusion, classical education is a robust and enriching approach that emphasizes the training of the mind and will. It seeks to cultivate virtues and critical thinking skills, preparing students for any path they may pursue in life.

By understanding the principles of classical education, parents and educators alike can better appreciate its value and the lasting impact it has on the lives of students.

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