Examples of Classical Education

How is classical education implemented in Immanuel's curriculum?

  • Accelerated curriculum (most material is advanced by at least one grade level)
  • Memorization and recitation of Bible verses, the Lord’s Prayer, hymns, the Apostles’ Creed and sections of Luther’s Small Catechism
  • Emphasis on the ‘great books’ and classics of literature
  • Learning through singing and reciting in jingles, rhymes, and songs
  • Emphasis on phonics and spelling with early expectation for spelling memorization
  • Formal Latin study beginning in the 3rd grade
  • Christian faith formation beginning with learning the major stories, people, and concepts in Scripture which are critical for proper understanding of Western Civilization
  • Subjects are taught in an interrelated manner rather than as separate “silos” of information
  • Memorization and recitation of poetry and classical literature
  • Development of strong study skills beginning in the grammar years and life-long love of learning
  • Learning and memorization of math facts
  • Traditional grammar conventions used
  • Study of Geography including its application in Literature and Science
  • Study of classical music and important composers
  • Traditional approach to reading literature through understanding the outline of the story, themes
  • Poetry styles studied and written (Diamonte, Haiku, Couplet, etc.)
  • Study of ancient and western civilizations (Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, etc.)
  • Study of significant persons in history (St. Augustine, Justinian, Boethius, etc.) and culture, religion, and politics (how democracy was formed; Ancient Greece, Roman Empire, Middle Ages-Feudalism)
  • Exploration of art styles; reviewing works of the Masters and other important artists
  • Field trips used to reinforce our rich curriculum
  • Emphasis on Christian character formation and the importance of being good citizens
  • Instilling a sense of responsibility and accountability for one’s actions
  • Neatness emphasized (in all subjects) for readability and forming positive habits of writing beautifully for presentation
  • Promotion of objective truths in history, literature, math, and logic
  • Physical Education stresses sound body and soul

 

Tondere mores, ingenium producere, fidem catholicam confiteri.

Cultivating the intellect, refining the character, confessing the Christian faith.