From Soul-Shaping to Job Training: A Classical Christian School Graduate's Story

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Student Produced Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina means Sacred Reading. It is a method of reading the Scriptures devotionally that was developed by Saint Benedict and incorporated into his rule for his monasteries. Benedict created and developed monasteries during the time of the collapsing Roman culture for the purpose of preserving the Christian faith and passing it on to a generation that he hoped would rebuild Christian culture. He instructed his leaders in the priority of the scriptures for maturing disciples with these words... 

"Idleness is the enemy of the soul, therefore, the daily life of discipleship is labor and sacred reading".

Because the goals of classical and Christian schools are also preserving and passing on the faith to a Biblically-reasoning generation of culture-shaping disciples, our students might benefit from the practice of Lectio Divina. The logic stage of learning is an ideal time to introduce students to the practice in order to help them learn and develop a life-long habit of hearing from and responding to God's Word. Here is an example of Lectio Divina, shared with the permission of Javier Mina, 8th grade student at Covenant Christian School in Smyrna, GA.

Today's Scripture: Acts 1

Lectio (Read, identify key words)

Promise: God's promises are true and everlasting
Holy: the Holy Spirit is holy and infallible
Ascension: Jesus ascended into heaven, to an important place or position, a higher level

Meditatio (Think, reflect, ask what is God saying to me?)

He is showing the sovereignty and divinity of Jesus Christ, the one and only Son of God. I believe that God is also trying to show that Jesus did this in a public way to make it known so that thousands of years later in Smyrna, Georgia, a boy named Javier can believe.

Oratio (Pray, respond to God)

God, thank you so much for loving me to have your Son die on the cross for me and then publicly ascend into heaven to be with you, and to make himself known.

Contemplatio (Act, how am I changed by this encounter with God?)

I know now, more than ever, how calculated God was in planning how everything would happen, and how he did everything for each and every one of his followers. I can now go out and live with His light!

Lectio Divina: Christ The Servant at Work

Today's Scripture: Mark 3:1-30

The Four movements of Lectio Divina...

Lectio (Read): Read attentively and carefully, identify key words

V1 Synagogue: an assembly of persons

V2 Sabbath: day of weekly rest from secular avocations

V4 Lawful: is it right to do good v harm, give life v death?

V6 Pharisees: no verbal answer, but left to immediately plot against Jesus

V12 Silenced unclean spirits: why?

V14 Appointed 12: called to service

V14 Apostles: named to preach as ambassadors, messengers of His message, the gospel

V15 Authority to cast out demons: defeating spiritual forces requires Christ’s authority

V21 Family thought Jesus was out of His mind: out of touch with reality

V22 Scribes thought Jesus’s authority came from Beelzebul: the dung god, a wordplay on Beelzebub, a Chaldean name for Satan

V23 Jesus’ answer: Satan’s kingdom is divided and doomed

V27 Jesus’ answer: Satan is bound by Christ’s authority, that’s why Jesus defeats him so easily

V28 Jesus’ answer: that’s blasphemy (denying, defaming the Holy Spirit’s work) and is unforgiveable

Meditatio (Think): Reflect, ask what is God saying to me?

One way to honor the Sabbath is by doing good, giving life apart from wage-earning, secular work. Christ has reserved God-honoring work for His called, named disciples, not for the unholy or unclean. God-honoring work like preaching, healing, and casting out demons requires and reflects His holy authority. All who deny and defame Christ’s authority suffer the consequences of unforgiven sin.

Oratio (Pray): Respond to God

Thank you Lord for reminding me that one way to show the world that I’ve entered a Sabbath rest and I’m resting in and trusting you is to be preaching your gospel, doing good, and bringing life to others. Thank you for reserving this work for me and for naming me as one of your children, called to imitate You in performing your God-honoring work… “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure” (1 John 3:1-3). I know others may say I am insane because I don’t think and act like the world, but as I learn to rely on your authority, I pray that Jesus will be revealed in power and many souls will be turned toward my Savior.

Contemplatio (Act): How am I changed by this encounter with God?

I want to live every day as a called and empowered ambassador for Christ!

Lectio Divina: Discipleship and Evangelism

From the Rule of Saint Benedict: (Idleness is the enemy of the soul)

Therefore, the daily life of discipleship is labor and sacred reading

Today's Scripture: Matthew 10:1-33

Four movements of Lectio Divina:

Lectio (Read): Read attentively and carefully, identify key words

Disciples: a learner, pupil

Apostles: ambassador, commissioner, delegate, messenger

Heal, resurrect, cleanse: requires power

Acquire nothing: depend on those we are serving, offer peace to the receptive, warning to the rejecting

Persecution is opportunity to witness: The Spirit will speak through us in persecution

Persecution is prompted by Christ-likeness: the more we’re like Christ, the more we’re treated like Him

Endurance leads to salvation: if we acknowledge Christ on earth He will acknowledge us in heaven

Do not fear men: fear only God

Meditatio (Think): Reflect, ask what is God saying to me?

An integral part of discipleship is evangelism, or sharing the gospel. As we are faithful to share the gospel, God promises to empower us, provide for us, and speak through us. He also promises that our success will provoke persecution that may test our faith, but staying focused on our Father in heaven will encourage endurance that will produce a stronger witness and increase our assurance of salvation.

Oratio (Pray): Respond to God

Lord, please help me to be sensitive and responsive to the opportunities you provide for me to share the gospel. Increase my faith in your empowering and providing hand and fill me with your anointed words that I might look, live, and love more like Jesus Christ each day. Please keep me focused on You, fearful of no one or nothing of earth, that I might endure persecution with a testimony that exalts Christ here on earth and anticipates His blessed acknowledgement in heaven.

Contemplatio (Act): How am I changed by this encounter with God?

Today, I am reminded of the inseparable link between discipleship and evangelism. With God’s grace, may this reminder make me more sensitive and responsive to gospel-sharing opportunities every day.

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina means Sacred Reading. It is a method of reading the Scriptures devotionally that was developed by Saint Benedict and incorporated into his rule for his monasteries. Benedict created and developed monasteries during the time of the collapsing Roman culture for the purpose of preserving the Christian faith and passing it on to a generation that he hoped would rebuild Christian culture. He instructed his leaders in the priority of the scriptures for maturing disciples with these words... 

"Idleness is the enemy of the soul, therefore, the daily life of discipleship is labor and sacred reading".

Because the goals of classical and Christian schools are also preserving and passing on the faith to a Biblically-reasoning generation of culture-shaping disciples, our students might benefit from the practice of Lectio Divina. The logic stage of learning is an ideal time to introduce students to the practice in order to help them learn and develop a life-long habit of hearing from and responding to God's Word.

The four movements of Lectio Divina are:
Lectio (Read): Read attentively and carefully, identifying key words.
Meditatio (Think): Reflect, ask what is God saying to me?
Oratio (Pray): Prayerfully respond to God, acknowledge the challenge and ask for grace to obey.
Contemplatio (Act): Practically respond to God, ask how am I changed by this encounter with God?

Watch here for samples of Lectio Divina from our faculty and our students!

The Humility that Confirmed Christ's Royalty

Classical and Christian schools integrate Theology and History to help growing disciples discover the transformational power of humility...

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:32-38).

Today we gaze upon a most precious and provoking sight, the humility and suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here we see a clear example of a virtue worthy of imitation by true disciples. As we journey through this temporal and trying world on our way to our true home in heaven, we will encounter in various ways the same kind of rejection Christ endured for us. He took on himself all manner of reproach for our sake. He was reviled from the lowest to the highest. No one pitied him, no one had compassion on him, no one comforted him. Instead, egged on by the Jewish rulers, the crowd raged against him cruelly and without mercy. Yet his goodness was not overcome by their malice. Nothing could hold him back from the work of our salvation which he had begun. I fact, every mockery and taunting merely confirmed His rightful office. His humility in the face of the cruel words and evil attacks at Golgotha served to confirm that Jesus is the Christ of God… “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:8-11). As we journey through a hostile world and mature in the faith we are challenged to follow in His footsteps and imitate the humility that confirmed Christ’s Royalty.

He was settled as chief among criminals. The rulers sought to denigrate Christ as the leader of thieves and murderers, but it was God’s sovereignty that placed the Son of Man at the center of the collapsing worlds of two desperate sinners. True disciples are called to live among and love the desperate and lost souls of our generation so they might be prompted to ask us about the reason for the hope that marks us… “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:13-15). Trust Christ to be right there with you in those tough relationships with those who are not yet saved.

He was stripped of His earthly clothing. The soldiers sought to disgrace Christ by stripping Him naked, but God was preparing Him to be clothed with royal, heavenly raiment. What a beautiful picture of the transformation that awaits every enduring disciple… “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:2-4). Learn to look past the infirmities and weaknesses of today and keep focused on the glory that approaches in eternity.

He was saluted as the King of the Jews. The rulers and soldiers sought to dishonor Christ with a sign that identified Him as the King of the Jews, but God incited them to proclaim the eternal truth that Jesus Christ was, is, and always will be the King of all kings… “which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Let the sign on the cross remind you that Jesus Christ is sovereign over whatever trial you are facing today.

As we grow up into Christ, we are encouraged and strengthened whenever we consider…

The Humility that Confirmed Christ’s Royalty.

The Cross that Incites Us

By helping students discover Biblical truth across all subject areas, classical Christian schools partner with parents and the local church to challenge young disciples to take up "The Cross that Incites Us"...

And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him. But turning to them Jesus said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?” (Luke 23:26-31).

After Pilate declared Him innocent of any guilt worthy of death, he turned Jesus over to the Jews who immediately led Him away to be crucified. They could not dispose of this troublemaker fast enough. He was abused and beaten so badly that the procession toward Golgotha was slowed by His weakness and inability to carry His own cross. A Gentile visitor was seized and forced to carry the cross for Him. Because the Holy Spirit inspired all of the Gospel authors to record the vivid details of the journey of Christ and His cross toward Calvary, we too are part of the crowd, and we get a compelling view of the same cross that provoked anger, confusion, and mourning in the hearts of the diverse crowd that followed Him. We remember Christ’s call to take up His cross… “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). How true that there have been many crucifixions throughout history, but this one cross still stands out as the cross that incites us.

The cross irritated the reason of the Jews. Taking up the cross will disturb our old way of thinking. We are to be renewed in our minds… “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). We do not see shame and humiliation in the cross. We see victory and the consummation of God’s plan of salvation… “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Peter 2:24). As born again disciples we are incited by the cross to exchange our unrighteousness for the righteousness of Christ.

The cross interrupted the life of Simon. Taking up the cross will disrupt our life plan. We will have to refocus our priorities… “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). We will have to discard our temporal life plan and replace it with God’s perfect, eternal life plan… “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). As maturing disciples, we are incited by the cross to follow the example of Simon, and exchange our impure priorities and plans for the perfect purpose and will of God every day.

The cross inspires the heart of true disciples. Jesus taught that taking up His cross will demand our whole heart, to the point of self-denial… “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matthew 10:38-39). To make such an exchange, we have to let God circumcise our heart… “And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live” (Deuteronomy 30:6). The Spirit inspired Paul to share how the grace of God had enabled him to be crucified with Christ, counting the old selfish nature dead in Christ and living a new life in and through Him…. ”I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). As diligent disciples, like Paul, we are incited by the cross to exchange our old life for new life in Christ every day.

As we grow up into Christ, we learn to imitate Him by abandoning the world and taking up…

The Cross that Incites Us.

The Grace that Empowers Us

The common mission to make disciples links the church, family, and classical Christian school together in helping children discover His amazing grace!

When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. And when he learned that he belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time. When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him. So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer. The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate. And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. (Luke 23:6-12).

Jesus’ steady march toward Calvary’s cross took a brief but poignant detour through the court of the tetrarch Herod. This is the puppet ruler who, in a drunken stupor, cruelly and unjustly beheaded John the Baptist to please his party guests… (see Matthew 14:1-12). Luke notes here that Herod… “had long desired to see him because he had heard about him”. We might imagine that Jesus wanted this meeting even more. What a grand opportunity to avenge the death of His cousin and faithful servant John! But Jesus left vengeance to God, who would deal justly with Herod. He was accused by a nephew of conspiracy against the Roman emperor Caligula and ended his days in exile in Gaul. Jesus quietly and submissively trusted God’s grace to use these conspirators and events to propel Him toward the cross… “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20). Diligent disciples, living for and sharing Christ in a sinful world, will find encouragement here to trust the grace that empowers us.

God’s grace responds to cruelty with compassion. Herod’s cruelty prompted the compassion of Christ as instead of judging the foolish adulterer and murderer for beheading His cousin John, Jesus proceeded steadily toward Calvary’s cross. Our Teacher, the Holy Spirit, exhorts us to keep our focus on Jesus as we encounter the cruelty of the unbelieving world around us… “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). When we imitate the compassion of Christ, God’s grace empowers us to become a clearer reflection of His mercy to our hurting world.

God’s grace answers contempt with confirmation. Herod and his soldiers’ contempt produced a confirmation of Christ as sovereign over this and every other moment that led Him to Calvary’s cross. Christ’s quiet confidence before His accusers reminds us of the attitude of Daniel’s friends in a similar confrontation… “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king’” (Daniel 3:16-17). When we imitate the quiet confidence of Christ before our enemies, God’s grace confirms His sovereignty over our lives because we are His children.

God’s grace turns conspiracy into cooperation. Herod’s conspiracy with Pilate unwittingly promoted their cooperation with Christ as the Lord turned their unholy alliance into a stepping stone toward Calvary’s cross. The Spirit inspired David to declare that the corrupt hearts of unholy rulers will always conspire against the coming rule of Christ… “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us’” (Psalm 2:2-3). When we imitate the meekness of Christ when confronted by the power of the world, God’s grace grants us a victory that gives glory to Christ, the King of kings.

As we grow up into Christ, imitating His humility and compassion, we show the world…

The Grace that Empowers Us.

Great Summer Reading for Parents

Classically trained students learn early that it's NOT all about me...

Download Here

This is a great 30 minute summertime read that will remind you about the blessings of classical Christian education that are preparing your children to impact their world for Christ!

Learning HIS-Story Classically

Students in classical Christian schools learn how different Biblical and historical events fit together to reveal HIS-Story!

Click Here to catch a glimpse

The Discipline that Keeps Us Holy

We must teach young disciples by word and example that staying holy in an increasingly unholy world requires rigorous spiritual discipline...

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him (Luke 21:34-38).

Jesus continued preparing His disciples for life in the last days. We’ve learned that the last days began with His ascension and will end with His return… “And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:10-11). Our lord gave much revelation about the conditions and signs of the last days, promising that with increasing intensity the unbelieving world would become more perplexed while we, His disciples should become more prepared for His return. He also gave us a set of spiritual exercises to keep us set apart for kingdom building work through to the end of these last days and today we are challenged to engage wholeheartedly in the discipline that keeps us holy.

Maturing disciples must strengthen ourselves. A true disciple is always growing. Like healthy physical growth, healthy spiritual growth and vitality requires a proper diet. The right nourishment for growing disciples is the truth found in God’s Word… “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus acknowledged this truth (see Luke 4:4), and the Holy Spirit affirmed it through the letter to the Hebrews… “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food” (Hebrews 5:12). To stay strong in the faith, make sure you’re feeding your hungry spirit the faith building truth of God’s Word every day!

Diligent disciples must stay awake. A true disciple has increasing discernment. One primary characteristic of the last days will be a proliferation of false teachers… “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). In today’s text Jesus reveals a connection between strong spiritual discernment and prayer. He affirmed this relationship in a warning to His disciples… “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). To grow strong in the spirit, spend quality time with Jesus Christ in prayer every day.

Faithful disciples must stand up for Christ. A true disciple will provoke opposition. We are living according to a never-changing truth in an ever-changing world and as we are abiding and immersed in the truth of God’s word our increasingly holy lives will convict and stir up the rebellion and wickedness that enslaves the hearts of unbelievers… “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19). The Spirit affirms this truth through Paul’s letter to Timothy… “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus knows how lonely we sometimes feel as family, friends, and others find it easier to abandon us than to hang out with us to get to know the Christ who has captured our hearts and lives within us. That’s why He promises us that we will never be alone if we live for Him… “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). He also revealed that when we stand up for Him in this unrighteous world we will be blessed just as the prophets who stood up for God in every generation… “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12). Don’t miss the prophetic blessings of standing up for Jesus today!

As we grow up into Christ, we become more available and prepared disciples as we follow…

The Discipline that Keeps Us Holy.

The Seven Liberal Arts

The liberal arts (Latin: artes liberales) are those subjects or skills that are considered essential to preparing a person to think critically, and therefore to be liberated or freed to take an active part in civic life. For Ancient Greece, this kind of freedom encouraged participating in public debate, defending oneself in court, serving on juries, engaging in an occupation of choice, and most importantly, military service. Grammar, logic, and rhetoric were the core liberal arts, while arithmetic, geometry, the theory of music, and astronomy also played a part in education. The liberal arts are defined as:

The Trivium: The place where three roads meet

Grammar: Teaches the mechanics of language to the student. This is the step where the student "comes to terms", i.e. defining the objects and information perceived by the five senses. Hence, the Law of Identity: a tree is a tree, and not a cat.

Logic (also dialectic): Teaches the mechanics of thought and of analysis; the process of identifying fallacious arguments and statements, and so systematically removing contradictions, thereby producing factual knowledge that can be trusted.

Rhetoric: Teaches the application of language in order to instruct and to persuade the listener and the reader. It is the knowledge (grammar) now understood (logic) being transmitted outwards, as wisdom (rhetoric).

The Trivium: In summary

Grammar is concerned with the thing as it is symbolized. Logic is concerned with the thing as it is known. Rhetoric is concerned with the thing as it is communicated.

The Quadrivium: The place where four roads meet

Arithmetic: number (pure)

Geometry: number in space (stationary)

Music: number in time (moving)

Astronomy: number in space and time (applied)

The Quadrivium: In summary

The quadrivium was considered preparatory work for the serious study of philosophy (sometimes called the "liberal art par excellence") and theology.

You can see why we believe that alongside of the discovery and application of revealed Biblical truth, the classical method of learning in the liberal arts tradition sets young hearts and minds free to reason Biblically and empowers them to shape the culture of the next generation.

The Trivium of Homework

“Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The golden thread that links the family, the local church, and the Christian school together is the primary ministry of discipleship. Part of the classical Christian school’s responsibility as part of this disciple-making team is to encourage a balance of the time and energy demands of all three of these partners on caring parents. Here is a brief summary of the classical Christian view of homework in the learning process.

Please note the overlap in grades below is because we should begin to transition students into the next stage at age-appropriate times.

In the Grammar stage (Grades K4-6), homework serves to reinforce the mastery of important facts and information that students will begin to work with in later stages of learning. There is much repetition and memorization in Grammar stage homework. Most Grammar stage homework should be completed in class, leaving more time for study and test preparation with the encouragement of parents at home.

In the Logic stage of learning (Grades 5-8), homework introduces students to the relationship between facts as they explore and discover God’s perspective and sovereignty over His creation. There is more student responsibility for organization, time management, reading, research, and reporting in Logic stage homework. Logic stage students are expected to begin doing a little more homework at home in order to begin to develop self-directed study habits.

In the Rhetoric stage of learning (Grades 8-12), homework challenges students to begin developing communicative skills through working with the facts. Creativity, productivity, speech, writing, debate, and more are the essence of homework in the Rhetoric stage. Rhetoric stage students are preparing for university and beyond, where most learning actually takes place outside of the classroom and is increasingly more self-directed.

Grammar stage homework and study time should take 30-60 minutes each evening.

Logic stage homework and study time should take 60-90 minutes each evening.

Rhetoric stage homework and study time should take 90-120 minutes each evening.

It should be the classical Christian teacher’s common practice to:

Communicate clearly with parents regarding homework assignments and expectations, and to listen closely and responsively to parent concerns regarding homework.

Use class time to make sure students understand and know how to complete the homework assigned. In addition to homework, daily classwork not completed in class will be sent home to be completed and returned the next school day. This enables teachers to observe and guide students in the work they might have to complete at home under the supervision of parents.

Respond promptly and individually to students who may be having difficulty completing assignments or taking too much time to complete homework.

Learning is the primary vocation of your child at this special stage of their life. While your child’s learning happens at many times and in many places, the primary arena of their learning is the home and the school. This is where homework can be a valuable tool in preparing them for learning success in thirteenth grade (college or career) and beyond!

The Trivium and Technology

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).

Computers are everywhere. Technology is rapidly evolving and we are quickly becoming immersed in and dependent upon an increasingly complex and vulnerable computer driven culture. Most of us have several computers. We depend on laptops, desktops, phones, and tablets. Then there are the special-purpose computers we rely on to give us directions, monitor and respond to phone and text messages. Computers run our refrigerators, vehicles, televisions and more. The question is not whether or not we should show our children how to use computers, but will we teach them the Biblical Trivium (knowledge, understanding, and wisdom) of computers and related technology? In other words, aren’t parents and the teachers employed by them responsible to teach our children God’s truth about computers so they will understand how they work and become skilled in using them for holy purposes? Effective classical and Christian teaching in the area of technology should result in graduates who are less vulnerable to cyber control and are better prepared to lead the way in impacting an increasingly technological culture for Christ in thirteenth grade and beyond!

There is a grammar (knowledge) of computers. Before they begin to use computers, students should learn the basics of how computers work. In this stage of learning, students discover and begin to master keyboarding and computer language skills.

There is a logic (understanding) of computers. After mastering the basics and learning how computers work, students can be introduced to why we use computers and the right and wrong ways we can make computers work for us. In this stage of learning, students discover and begin to master the tools that make computers work, like word processing, data management, and other applications.

There is a rhetoric (wisdom) of computers. After mastering the basics and learning how computers work, students are ready to discover and master new ways to put computers to work effectively. In this stage of learning, students begin to design new computers and applications, to write new computer programs, and to use computers to impact their world for Christ.

Students that learn the science of computers God’s way will be less vulnerable to dependence upon and manipulation by an increasingly technological culture, but instead will be more effective culture shaping Christian witnesses to their generation.

The Exponential Growth of Classical Christian Education

“Train up a child in the way he should go;

even when he is old he will not depart from it”

(Proverbs 22:6).

Is there a tested and proven method of learning prescribed by the Bible?

Is there a tried and consistent method of learning that has been studied throughout history?

Is there a successful method of learning that is pedagogically developmental?

(goes with the grain)

Is there an attractive method of learning that is capturing the attention of educators and parents?

We believe there is, and it’s called Classical Christian Education!

And others are taking notice…

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/the-exponential-growth-of-classical-christian-education

The Trivium in the Bible

Classical learning is classical because…

   1. It is close to the original (the way God made) way of learning

   2. It is not conquered by modern fads or by the traditions and philosophies of man

   3. It is an influential force that conquers and shapes cultures

If classical learning is truly classical, then we should find much evidence of the Trivium (knowledge or grammar, understanding or logic, wisdom or rhetoric) in God’s Word, and we do…

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6

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A scoffer seeks wisdom in vain, but knowledge is easy for a man of understanding. Proverbs 14:6

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And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

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Youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. Daniel 1:4

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He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; Daniel 2:21

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And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9

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That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2-3