What is Classical Education?

An Introduction

Saint Mary School offers a Catholic Classical liberal education rooted in faith and reason, encompassing the liberal arts and sciences, and championed by the Catholic Church. This educational tradition has produced revered saints and brilliant minds, such as St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Pope Benedict XVI. In a secular world, this approach is making a resurgence in Catholic schools, reclaiming a rich educational heritage.

It's not just about adopting a new model; it's about nurturing students who perceive the Creator's presence in truth, virtue, and beauty. This education aims for liberation in Christ, transcending job preparedness. It's a shared goal among schools like Saint Mary's, which seek to shape individuals in God's image.

This Catholic Classical liberal education is universal, benefitting students of all backgrounds. It cultivates critical thinking, intellectual virtues, and moral character, providing a profoundly human formation that goes beyond intellect.

For inquiries about this education, visit this link for more information: Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools.

What’s the difference?

Classical, liberal-arts schools are sweeping the nation - and for good reason - classical education simply works.

Contemporary Education

  • Ordered to material, temporal ends

  • Fragmented, industrialized

  • Focus on practical skills

  • Emphasis on information

  • One mile wide, one inch deep

  • Lectures + testing = passive learning

  • Susceptible to indoctrination

Classical Education

  • Ordered to eternal happiness

  • Integration of subjects, knowledge, faith

  • Restores meaning and purpose

  • Formation; awakens wonder

  • Cultivates habits of deep thinking

  • Constant discussion = active learning

  • Develops intellectual freedom