At Clapham, I know my children are going to encounter the world’s great ideas, not superficial fluff!
Christian families have intuitively embraced classical education across the nation. In fact, the Association of Classical and Christian Schools (ACCS) has over 200 members across the United States. High academic standards are generally applied in schools embracing a classical curriculum.
If you have visited a classical school in other parts of the country, you may have observed the advanced levels of student learning. The best example of academic achievement is the exuberance that comes from the classrooms at Clapham. We invite you to visit to observe that for yourself! In addition, unlike other Christian schools (and some other classical schools), we measure ourselves against the best private schools in the country in the standardized tests that we administer to students. Clapham students consistently score very well on these tests.
What do we mean by a Classical Framework?
A Clapham education will be distinctive in its use of the Trivium and in its study of the classics and Latin. While we believe there are many valid ways to educate children, the classical framework at the Clapham School emphasizes history, literature, languages, arts and the great ideas of human civilization.
In the context of Christian love and academic rigor, we seek to develop our student's God given capacities as persons made in the image of God. This will include moving from the basic building blocks of learning to the formulation of logical arguments and finally to ownership and eloquent expression of a Christian worldview.
The Trivium
This is a three-phase model that corresponds to the natural stages in child development.
The grammar phase is the first stage of the Trivium, which capitalizes on the natural curiosity of the elementary student. Fundamental elements in each field of study are emphasized.
The logic phase is the second stage, where students begin to systematize and interpret the facts learned during the grammar phase. Students also start to question, challenge, and test what they learned. Formal and informal logic are taught as the basis for reasoning skills.
The rhetoric phase is the third stage, where students are taught to communicate their thoughts and opinions clearly, eloquently, and persuasively.
The Classics
At every level, we desire to expose our students to literature, art and music. Clapham students read age appropriate versions of the Greek tragedies and Shakespeare. They memorize the poetry of Keats and Browning. In the early years, the students are exposed to some of the popular masters of art such as Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Monet. They also recognize the music of Mozart and Bach. In addition, we take advantage of the cultural richness of Chicago through outings to the City's museums, concert halls and architectural landmarks.
Since we consider the Bible to be foremost among the classics and the truth underlying our Christian worldview, we read, memorize and study it as part of our curriculum and use it to guide our acts of service to the community.
The Study of Latin
The study of Latin informs our study of the English language as 50% of the English vocabulary has a Latin root. It provides a solid foundation for the study of other languages. It is very useful for the future study of science, medicine, law and philosophy. At Clapham, the study of Latin begins in Class 3.
Other Information / Tools
Information on classical education abounds. We recommend the following articles and websites for some excellent information on classical education:
In addition, we highly recommend the following reading list as you consider a classical education at Clapham School for your child.
- "The Lost Tools of Learning" by Dorothy Sayers
- The Abolition of Man by C.S Lewis
- Wisdom and Eloquence by Robert Littlejohn and Charles Evans
- When Children Love to Learn by Elaine Cooper
- For the Children's Sake by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
- Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning by Douglas Wilson
- The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise
- The Case for Classical Christian Education by Douglas Wilson
- Breakpoint Commentary by Chuck Colson, Nov. 8, 2005
- Kenneth G. Elzinga "Christian Academe vs. Christians in Academe," Sept. 30, 2005
Our Model
