What is Classical Education?

Guest post by Kim Nielsen

Both receiving a good education in the public schools, Zach and I never thought we would make any other choice for our own kids. Then we started to move to other parts of the country and hear murmurings from friends sending their kids to private schools and even homeschooling (this was just plain wierd when we were kids). It was from this homeschooling community that we were first introduced to the term "Classical Education". After reading my first booklet, I was intrigued. After our experience with a classical school in Albuquerque called Oak Grove Classical Academy (a much longer story than we have time for here), we were hooked. There was no turning back. I fell in love with this age-old method of education and wanted nothing less for our children (and also for myself).

After moving to Madison, WI, where the public school system is great, we decided that we would continue to pursue classical education for our kids by homeschooling. This past year, we have enjoyed our time but couldn't shake the idea of founding a school similar to Oak Grove in Madison. Long-term, we could think of no better option for our kids. And so Charis Classical Academy is in the birthing process. Why? What is "Classical Education"? What is the big deal? Why put in all the effort of starting a school? Although, there are four distinctive elements to Charis: gospel-centered, classical, University-Model®, and joyful discovery, classical education is really where most of the questions come. So, I thought over the next couple of posts, I'd introduce you to what classical education is about.

In An Introduction to Classical Education: A Guide for Parents by Dr. Christopher A. Perin he says,

Classical education is a long tradition of asking questions and digging up answers, consulting others, then asking, seeking, and finding once more. It is joining, as one writer puts it, the "Great Conversation." That means reading great books (the classics), studying them, mining them, talking to others about the influential ideas they contain. Whatever else classical education is, it is an ongoing series of questions and answers.

So, while there is much more to say on classical education, I am looking forward to journeying together this week into this "Great Conversation". We will be seeking what this method of education is all about and the kind of men and women it produces.