At Veritas Christian Academy, we believe that the best way to prepare our students is an education that develops the skills to think critically, reason effectively and communicate clearly and persuasively. Classical Christian education is a time-proven, three-part educational process patterned according to God's design of the way children learn, which progresses from knowledge to understanding to wisdom.

The classical model facilitates accomplishment of the goals of a biblically based Christian school, which are (1) to assist families in nurturing a Christian worldview, a philosophy of life that is the driving force behind behavior, actions, and attitude; and (2) to equip students with the tools of learning, enabling them to think independently and become lifelong learners.

To be successful, the process emphasizes methodology and content.

Methodology:

Classical education seeks to tailor the curriculum subject matter to a child's cognitive development. This approach of "teaching with the grain" utilizes the innate desires and abilities of the students.

The three parts of this process are sometimes referred to as the "trivium." The trivium emphasizes:

Knowledge: Concrete thinking and memorization of the facts of subjects in the early years;

Understanding: Analytical thinking and understanding of the subjects in upper elementary and middle school; and

Wisdom: Abstract thinking and articulation of the subjects in middle school and beyond.

This progression of learning from facts to understanding to expression (the stages of the trivium) corresponds with the biblical model of learning -- knowledge, understanding and wisdom.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." ~ Proverbs 2:6

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Esteem her and she will exalt you." ~ Proverbs 4:7

"In Christ are hidden all the treasures of knowledge and wisdom." ~ Colossians 2:3

Content:

Classical education offers a challenging liberal arts curriculum with a strong emphasis given to the "core" subjects of math, English, history, science, and Bible, which are taught daily. Subjects unique to classical education which help accomplish the goals of the trivium are:

Grammar: the science of language usage;

Logic: the science of critical thinking; and

Rhetoric: the science of verbal and written expression.

Classical education is further characterized by a rich exposure to the history, art and culture of Western Civilization, including its languages (Latin) and its philosophy and literature (the Great Books of Western Civilization and Christian tradition).

"We cannot say our job as educators is done until the children have been taught how to learn for themselves and how to express what they learn. When that has happened, the children, now young adults, have been equipped to face the world."

~ Douglas Wilson, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning