A recent trend in education has been the resurgence of classical education, the model of teaching and learning that was predominant in western schools from the Middle Ages through the beginning of the 20th century, when modern educational theory made its way into the classroom. Classical education, which seeks to form a child as a whole person – intellectually, socially, and emotionally – and integrates all human knowledge rather than treating different content areas in a piecemeal manner, reaches its full potential for children when it is employed in the context of a robust formation in the Catholic faith. According to the Pew Research Center, there are over 51 million Catholics in the United States, accounting for about one-fifth of the entire U.S. population. Below are some ways the resurgence of classical education in Catholic private schools is overcoming the perils of what often appears to be a culture in decline.
Rediscovering and Reviving Important Education Traditions
The value of education has been lost in the modern era. The Catholic classical education system is reviving this with a greater emphasis on curating educational traditions. The recent interest in classical education is also due to a renewed appreciation for the idea in education that views cultural heritage as a key to instilling deep-rooted values and virtues within its students.
Promotion of Civic and Personal Virtue
Pursuing excellence in academic achievement and development of personal character is paramount. The resurgence of classical education is achieving this by introducing to students important historical figures and their virtues. Far from ignoring their human foibles and faults, students come to appreciate the challenges these historical figures faced and come to understand how they overcame those challenges in the context of the times in which they lived.
Renewal of Civilization
Thanks to the resurgence of classical education, Catholic classical schools can promote a culture of Christian virtue. Forming students in this way leads to a renewal of our civilization. Intangible assets such as knowledge and values are at the core of building strong communities. Students with this formation are at an advantage when it comes to assisting society in overcoming its challenges and avoiding self-destruction.
Institutions Are Fostering a Love of Personal Virtue, Family, and Country
In addition to instilling a deep understanding of ethical behavior, the Catholic classical education system also fosters a love of personal virtue, family, and country. Schools are acting as vital institutions in supporting the role of parents as the primary educations and formators of their children, rather than supplanting them. Teachers in Catholic classical schools can inspire students by exposing children to deeply rooted, timeless truths rather than the superficial values that pervade our modern society. These well-formed children will be prepared as adults to help develop institutions for the betterment of future generations.
By learning to love virtue, our children will have the strength and perseverance to overcome hardship and rise to face the challenges they will undoubtedly face in the modern world. For more details on how your child can benefit from a Catholic classical education, contact us today.
