Classical Transition
Our transition to a classical model
Why Classical?
CCS has always based its educational philosophy upon the preeminence of Christ and the power, authority, and wisdom of God’s Word. Over the years, we have experimented with slight variations in curriculum and pedagogy, but our foundation has remained steadfast. A few years ago, we began exploring the classical approach to Christian education, and what became obvious to us is that the classical model is the formal model we have been informally seeking to implement for many years.
So, “Why Classical?” The visionary answer is simple. We believe the classical approach is the most effective, time-tested vehicle for delivering the kind of thoroughly Christian education CCS has faithfully endeavored to provide for almost four decades. The more practical answers to this question are what follows.
What is Classical Christian Education?
Classical Christian Education (CCE) used to be known simply as… education. For two millennia, the foundations of western civilization and culture were laid by CCE. This foundation extended to the shores of the American continent in the 1600’s and served as the essential mode of education in the U.S. until the early 20th century. The Association of Classical Christian Schools provides a clear, succinct description of CCE as follows:
Classical Christian Education (CCE) is education as it was practiced prior to the progressive movement early in the 20th century when the focus switched to job training. Instead, CCE sharpens students’ reasoning, language, and rhetorical skills with a Christian vision for all truth and knowledge. Classical education was created by the Greeks to train citizens to self-govern and live in freedom. Later, it was Christianized to become “Classical Christian.” In the medieval era, “scholastics” refined the form into what inspires classical Christian education today. Rather than emphasizing “subjects,” it emphasizes seven “liberal arts,” which liberate the mind to be less subject to controlling influences. The goal is to cultivate wisdom in light of Christ’s creation and kingdom (ACCS).
General CCE Resources
Dr. Christopher Perrin
on CCE’s history
In the video from ClassicalU, Dr. Christopher Perrin asks and answers questions about where classical education has come from and what it is today. Addtional resources are avialable at ClassicalU.com.
An Introduction to
Classical Education
This brief booklet from Classical Academic Press by Dr. Christopher Perrin is a helpful introduction to classical education, its history, and its modern renaissance. It also highlights key CCE distinctives and examples of student achievement.
Forging a
new path
The video above is part of a series called Geronimo, Amen! produced by ACCS. Forging a New Path provides a helpful presentation about the history, purpose, and value of CCE from the perspectives of parents, educators and students.
The Lost Tools
of Learning
In 1947, Dorothy Sayers first delivered this speech at Oxford University. She persuasively articulates a need to rediscover the 3 “lost tools” in classical education: grammar, logic and rhetoric. About 40 years ago, this work sparked a renewal of CCE here in the U.S.
What is Classical
Christian Education?
The “What is Classical Christian Education?” page on the ACCS website is a well-organized and robust repository of information and links that thoroughly address this important question.
CCS Classical Transition Updates
Primary School (PreK-6):
Our Primary School focuses on establishing a strong foundation across all learning disciplines by mastering the building blocks of language, writing, and mathematics. The process of teaching students “how to learn” starts in PreK and continues through 6th grade.
We utilize classical techniques and methods successfully employed for generations to produce excellent student learning outcomes. Our objective is to cultivate curiosity and a love of learning, while instilling core learning skills and a foundational biblical perspective.
2024-25 Language Arts
Curriculum Map
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2024-25 Math
Curriculum Map
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2024-25 Bible/History/Science
Curriculum Map
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Secondary School (7-12):
The objective of CCS’s Secondary School is to form students into thoughtfully discipled, well-educated young people capable of thinking deeply and critically and viewing the world through a biblically focused, Christ-centered ethical and moral lens. To achieve these objectives, we employ the time-tested classical education method, which utilizes traditional educational techniques, classical primary source material, and the great books of the Western Christian tradition.
Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, the new classical curriculum will commence in earnest for grades 7-9. For students in grades 10-12, there will be some elements of the new curriculum implemented for them; however, this will be somewhat constrained by the limited time remaining in their high school careers at CCS.
The curriculum maps below provide visuals of where students will begin in 2024-25 and where they will be at full implementation in year five of our transition plan. Click on each image for a larger view.
In the spring of 2024, Mr. Jim Sweeney, our Secondary School Principal, delivered the online presentation above to CCS parents outlining our 5-year transition to a fully Classical Christian model.
2024-25 Curriculum Map
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Master Curriculum Map
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