Classical Chrisitan Education
The premier form of Education that has stood the test of time. Embracing a legacy of learning that spans more than two millennia.
Why Classical?
Classical education considers the whole person, including their worldview, habits, thought patterns, character, and culture. As a person grows up, they absorb their surroundings, not just the answers to test questions. Their education shapes who they are, and how they see the world and act within it.
Subjects are not taught in isolation, and the purpose of education is not to master a body of knowledge. Instead, it is to acquire universal tools of learning so the student will be equipped for a lifelong journey of acquiring knowledge. The well-trained mind can apply itself to any area of study but especially to the deep questions of the nature of God and eternal truth.
Why Christian?
All truth and knowledge are rooted in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of truth. We strive to teach all knowledge as an integrated whole, centered in Jesus Christ as He is revealed in the Bible. No subject is purely secular or separated from the truth of God. All subjects must correlate to every other subject because they all flow from the same source: the one true God. As a Christ-centered school, PCA teaches students so they will see how math, science, English, Latin, and even art all affect one another. Students are also consistently guided in what these subjects teach us about the person and nature of God.
The 7 Liberal Arts
The Seven Liberal Arts, foundational to classical education, are traditionally divided into two categories: the Trivium and the Quadrivium. These disciplines were considered essential for a free person to master in order to participate actively in civic life and to pursue further knowledge.
The Trivium:
The Trivium comprises three arts focused on language and critical thinking:
Grammar: Teaches the mechanics of language to students. It covers the correct use of words, sentences, and structure, forming the foundation for effective communication and understanding.
Rhetoric: Focuses on the art of persuasion, enabling students to construct and present arguments effectively. It emphasizes the use of language to influence or persuade audiences in written or spoken form.
Logic (also known as Dialectic): Involves the study of reasoning, teaching students how to think in a structured and clear manner. It is the methodology for deductive reasoning, helping to distinguish between correct and incorrect arguments.
The Quadrivium:
The Quadrivium consists of four arts that are mathematical in nature:
Arithmetic: The study of numbers and their properties. It deals with the basic operations of mathematics, number theory, and the concept of numerical relationships.
Geometry: Concerned with the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, and solids. It explores spatial relationships and shapes, both in the abstract and in the physical world.
Music (or Harmonics): Examines the theory of sound, especially the mathematical relationships that form the basis of musical harmony and the creation of musical scales.
Astronomy: The study of the stars, planets, and the cosmos. It involves observing celestial bodies and understanding their movements, cycles, and the laws that govern the universe.
Together, the Trivium and Quadrivium encompass a comprehensive educational foundation, aiming to cultivate a well-rounded intellect capable of critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep understanding of the natural world.
Memoria Press Curriculum
Memoria Press is a curriculum provider that specializes in Classical Christian education, aiming to cultivate wisdom and virtue through the teaching of the classical liberal arts. Their curriculum is meticulously designed to develop the skills associated with the Trivium and Quadrivium, foundational to the liberal arts tradition.
Developing the Trivium:
Grammar: Memoria Press introduces students to the fundamentals of language through rigorous Latin studies, alongside a structured English grammar curriculum. This approach not only reinforces the rules and structure of language but also enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Rhetoric: Through classical literature and composition courses, students are taught to appreciate the beauty and power of language. They learn to analyze texts, construct coherent arguments, and express themselves eloquently, both in writing and speech.
Logic: Logic is woven into the curriculum, teaching students to reason accurately and critically. Beginning with the basic principles of logical thinking, the curriculum progresses to more advanced studies in formal and informal logic, equipping students with the skills to discern truth and make sound arguments.
Cultivating the Quadrivium:
Arithmetic and Geometry: Memoria Press integrates traditional mathematics education with a classical approach, emphasizing the beauty and order of mathematical principles. Through their curriculum, students explore the foundational concepts of arithmetic and geometry, seeing their applications both in the abstract and in the natural world.
Music: Recognizing music as a reflection of mathematical harmony and cosmic order, the curriculum includes an introduction to music theory. This fosters an appreciation of musical beauty and its underlying mathematical relationships.
Astronomy: Although not as prominently featured as the other disciplines, astronomy is touched upon within the science curriculum. Students are encouraged to marvel at the wonders of the universe, understanding celestial phenomena and their movements through a classical lens.
Overall, Memoria Press’s curriculum is designed to not only impart knowledge but also to cultivate intellectual virtues, fostering a love of learning and a deep appreciation for the wisdom of the past. Through a blend of rigorous academic standards and a commitment to the Christian classical tradition, Memoria Press aims to prepare students not only for academic success but also for a life of virtue and purpose.