What is classical Christian?

[et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” specialty=”off” next_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_fullwidth_code _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

[page-banner]<!– [et_pb_line_break_holder] –>[breadcrumbs]

[/et_pb_fullwidth_code][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” prev_background_color=”#000000″][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

Our Definition

Classical Christian education is the cultivation of virtue and wisdom by nourishing the soul on truth, goodness, and beauty according to God’s Revelation using the classical liberal arts. Its purpose is to train the soul to love that which is worth loving.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_video admin_label=”What is Classical Christian” src=”https://vimeo.com/134966818&#8243; _builder_version=”3.0.95″ /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.95″ module_alignment=”center” use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”70%”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.95″ color=”#492f8d” hide_on_mobile=”on” show_divider=”on” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.95″ module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”padding: 0 0;”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”|10||” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

As a classical Christian school, Westminster integrates all subjects together with Scripture at the center. We aim to equip children for the future with methods that have proven successful for over 1,500 years by giving students the tools to learn and think for themselves. We strive to operate as an extension of the family under the biblical principle that education is primarily the responsibility of family. Our curriculum is intentionally planned with the end in mind, so that our very youngest are already learning the skills building toward a successful future.

Classical Christian schools frame their education in terms of the Trivium; three stages based on the verbal arts of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. The Trivium works through a progression that corresponds with a child’s natural stages of development.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

The Stages of the Trivium

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.95″ /][et_pb_toggle title=”Grammar” closed_toggle_background_color=”#492f8d” closed_toggle_text_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”3.19.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_width_all=”10″ border_color_all=”#d9d9d9″ use_border_color=”on”]

Memorizing
The Grammar stage encompasses the elementary grades. A child’s mind is like a sponge that can quickly and easily retain information. In this stage, we build a solid foundation across the curriculum by focusing primarily on language development, learning the skills of reading and writing while enjoying classic children’s literature, mastering the facts of math, basic science, Bible stories, and Scripture memory. In 2nd through 6th grades, students enjoy learning the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary, and translation through chants and songs. 

[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Logic” closed_toggle_background_color=”#492f8d” closed_toggle_text_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_width_all=”10″ border_color_all=”#d9d9d9″ use_border_color=”on” open=”off”]

Analyzing
In the Logic Stage, students begin to reason. Students take the facts mastered in the Grammar Stage and learn how to organize and apply them and build structured arguments. In order to utilize these developing skills, students are expected to discuss actively in their classes. This prepares them for a deep and meaningful exploration in all subjects within a Christian world-view. The formal study of logic begins in 8th grade, but all students are intentionally taught reasoning skills beginning in Grammar School.

[/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”Rhetoric” closed_toggle_background_color=”#492f8d” closed_toggle_text_color=”#ffffff” _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” border_width_all=”10″ border_color_all=”#d9d9d9″ use_border_color=”on” open=”off”]

Synthesizing
Rhetoric is the final stage of the Trivium. Teens in the Rhetoric Stage are most concerned with self-expression and persuasion. In order to guide these interests in a positive direction, students learn to communicate across all disciplines in both speech and the writing. Formal study of rhetoric begins in 10th grade, but the basic skills of public speaking and argumentation are instilled through all levels of Westminster.

[/et_pb_toggle][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.95″ use_custom_width=”on” width_unit=”off” custom_width_percent=”70%”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.0.95″ color=”#492f8d” hide_on_mobile=”on” show_divider=”on” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.95″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

Interested in learning more about a classical Christian Education?

Click here to download a resource list to help you get started. 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]