Parents choose private schools because they want something distinctly different for their children. If a parent chooses a Catholic classical education, they want to truly make sure their child receives a well-rounded education that is steeped in virtue. Catholic classical education is not just about making a grade and getting into a good college one day. These schools are designed to be an extending arm of the church that forms disciples for Jesus Christ. In 2018, 58,048 persons were received into full communion with the Catholic church. Teaching theological and cardinal virtues can help to accomplish this. Let's look at a few of these virtues that are important in the academic realm.
Prudence and Temperance
Prudence helps children recognize limits, and it also helps people understand how to put faith into action. Prudence can be very relevant to the academic journey because when we start something new we might be tempted to take on too much too fast leading to frustration. Prudence helps us set priorities.
Temperance is about self-control, and this is a virtue we need in every area of life especially when it comes to disciplining ourselves to complete tasks. When temperance is learned at a young age, an individual has more power to reign in their distractions and make progress toward goals.
Fortitude and Justice
Fortitude is another word for bravery. For children, the world is often riddled with fearful things. Some of those things warrant a healthy fear and caution, but others do not. Teaching the virtue of fortitude can help a child conquer their fears and, in turn, become a much resilient individual.
Justice is a virtue that is often lacking in many areas of human life. When there is a lack of justice, terrible things can happen. Bullying, assault, cheating, and other problems arise in a school environment when students are not taught a healthy sense of justice.
Theological Virtues
As well as teaching the above-mentioned cardinal virtues, Catholic classical education will also work to instill the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity. These virtues are the foundation on which a person can build a fulfilling and meaningful life. When these are taught early on at home, in church, and at school, children have a strong underlying sense of what is right and good.
Theological and cardinal virtues serve as the bedrock of classical Catholic education, reflecting the aspirations of parents who seek not just academic excellence but also a profound cultivation of goodness. Additionally, the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, when taught from an early age at home, in church, and in school, provide the fundamental framework for a meaningful and virtuous life, empowering children with a strong sense of morality and values. If you are interested in learning more about Catholic classical education, please contact us today. We are here to help your child on their educational and spiritual journey.
