Finding Beauty and Wisdom in Poetry: Saint Mary School's 5th Graders Recite Robert Frost

At Saint Mary School, our Catholic Classical Liberal Arts Education seeks to cultivate not just knowledge but also wisdom, virtue, and a love for the true, the good, and the beautiful. This past week, our fifth-grade students exemplified this pursuit as they recited Robert Frost’s timeless poem, Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.

Poetry is an essential component of a Classical education, teaching students the power of language, rhythm, and meaning. It trains the memory, sharpens the intellect, and refines the soul. Robert Frost’s work, rich in imagery and contemplation, invites students to reflect on the natural world, human responsibility, and the deeper mysteries of life—concepts that align beautifully with a Catholic understanding of creation and vocation.

Before recitation, students engaged in guided discussions on the poem’s themes. They considered the beauty of the quiet woods, the weight of duty expressed in the closing lines, and how these ideas resonate with our faith. In a world that often rushes forward without pause, Frost’s words remind us of the importance of stillness, reflection, and discernment—a practice deeply rooted in Catholic tradition.

As the students recited in unison, their voices blended harmoniously, carrying the cadence of Frost’s verse with clarity and confidence. Before their recitation, they offered the Prayer for Memory, seeking God’s grace to strengthen their minds and deepen their understanding. Memorizing and performing poetry as a group fosters unity, instills discipline, and cultivates an appreciation for literary excellence, essential in the formation of articulate, thoughtful young men and women. More than just an academic exercise, this collective recitation was an opportunity to experience beauty as a path to God—a hallmark of a truly Classical Catholic education.

Through experiences like this, Saint Mary School continues to nurture students who not only learn but also grow in wisdom and virtue, preparing them to see the world through the lens of faith and reason. As Frost reminds us, “miles to go before I sleep”—a fitting call to continue our journey in faith and learning, always seeking the good, the true, and the beautiful.