FAQs

Q:

A:

Classical education is the imparting of wisdom and virtue through the study of the liberal arts and humanities. The liberal arts are the fundamental intellectual skills used in every academic discipline and the humanities are the history and literature of Western civilization through which we learn, through precept and example, the ideas and values of our culture.

Although it is the best way to learn the skills for both employment and citizenship, it does not focus on narrow job skills training or political indoctrination. Rather, its focus is passing on the culture of the Christian West to the next generation.

Children who are educated classically develop a life long love of learning that enables them to do any job or start any business. They learn the critical thinking skills to conquer any task and figure out what they need to do to accomplish a goal. And they have a strong moral background steeped in what is good, true, and beautiful. This is the way the greatest men and women of our country have been educated for centuries. Only in the last 50 years have people tried to derail the system that produced some of the greatest minds. But time has proven that the classical way is the best way.

Our Curriculum

The curriculum at the center of the Excelsior program is Memoria Press’ Classical Core Curriculum. The curriculum focuses on the cultivation of wisdom and virtue through meditation on the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. This is accomplished in two ways: first, through training in the liberal arts; and secondly, through a familiarity with the great books and the great thinkers of the Western tradition. This curriculum is constructed with two central ideas in mind: mastery and simplicity.

Mastery of content is the goal of every program within the Classical Core Curriculum. Students are guided through the material in a way that emphasizes mastering a concept before moving on to a new one. The ability to immediately recall information and explain ideas is the end-goal of each program within the Classical Core Curriculum.

Simplicity is central to the design of each program. Rather than building the curricula full of extras and dress-ups, Memoria Press provides a robust, thorough, and focused exploration of each subject as it is studied. The purpose is to present a product that is highly accessible and effectively taught.

To learn more about the products and support Memoria Press offers homeschooling families, visit their website.

The Classical Distinction

A classical Christian education aspires to give students the kind of wisdom that would require a lifetime of experience to achieve on their own. This wisdom is gained by reading the classics under the guidance of teachers who have integrity, knowledge, and wisdom.

The curriculum is a coherent whole in which each year of study builds upon the skills and knowledge of the previous year. Families should not be deterred, however, by the cumulative nature of our curriculum. With assistance from the mothers who teach, and some possibly some summer preparation, motivated students can enter our program of studies at any grade level and be successful.

Our formal classical curriculum begins in 3rd grade, so students who enter our program any year after 3rd grade are encouraged to select books from our curriculum list for summer reading. For Latin, however, no extra preparation is necessary. An age-appropriate beginner class, called Latina Christiana, is available for all new students.

The typical high school courses, such as American Literature or World History, are missing from our curriculum; instead there are the three “Studies” areas—Classical/Christian Studies, English Studies, and American/Modern Studies. In these integrated courses, students learn the history, geography, literature, and art of each culture. We believe this is an effective method of learning about the past, one which decreases fragmentation and increases understanding and retention. Courses in our three-pronged “Studies” curriculum satisfy college requirements for history, English, and geography.

Philosophy

Latin and Greek, mathematics, and music are foundational and universal languages. They are the cumulative and challenging subjects in the Memoria Press curriculum, enabling students to reach their full intellectual potential by developing the powers of the mind as no other subjects can. The singing of hymns (which we call sacred music) awakens the soul to God and assists in creating a community of faith, hope, and love. A careful reading of the classics, guided by the truths of Scripture, develops wisdom and virtue.

Our curriculum is organized into the following six academic subjects plus music, art, and physical education:
• Classical Languages • Mathematics • Classical/Christian Studies
• English Studies • Science • American/Modern Studies

Q:

A:

1. We cheerfully and promptly obey the authority under which we are placed.

2. We can appeal respectfully and courteously. We do not argue or negotiate.

3. We love and honor one another.

4. We give encouragement to each other.

5. We do not point out the shortcomings of others in order to build ourselves up.

6. We tell the truth.

7. We do not disrespect the classroom and teacher by passing notes or otherwise interrupting.

8. We do not spread rumors or gossip.

9. We will not make excuses for our wrong actions but will admit them.

10. We avoid cliques, clubs, or games that exclude others.

11. When others are sorry, we forgive them.

12. When others are sad, we comfort them.

13. When we have work to do, we do it without complaining.

14. If we make a mess, we clean it up.

15. We treat one another with respect and patience.