ACADEMICS

Courses of Study

What is a classical Christian education?

ACCA’s parents increasingly want to equip their children with the knowledge and skills to think logically, read broadly, understand deeply, be formed in personal character, and come to love God and serve his world. To do so, they are turning to the pedagogical ways of old found in classical Christian education. But what is a classical education, why does it work, and how does ACCA utilize ancient educational means to prepare Alexandria’s children to lead in solving societal challenges of our time?

Dr. Christopher Perrin defines a classical education as, “a traditional approach to education that blends Christian theology with the historic curriculum and pedagogy of the seven liberal arts in order to cultivate societal leaders characterized by wisdom, virtue and eloquence.”

Such a rich definition begs explanation. Educators at Alexandria Classical Christian Academy feed children’s minds through the seven liberal arts and through a developmental stage approach to human development.

Popularized by Dorothy Sayers, classical Christian schools often observe and teach according to three stages of development during a child’s primary years.

01

In elementary school, when children love to memorize, sing, and repeat back what they hear (sometimes to the embarrassment of parents!), ACCA educators feed them factual information through chants, songs, memorization, and liturgy. You will see students in our classrooms memorizing timelines of world history, memorizing mathematical rules and principles, reciting passages and contemplating great works of literature, recreating great pieces of art, studying the world around them and establishing knowledge of the scientific patterns that influence our daily lives, and listening to complex musical pieces. These years are characterized by remarkable intellectual curiosity, high levels of energy, good cheer and enthusiasm for the world around them.
02

In middle school, ACCA students have developed a wonder for learning as well as a firm foundation of facts. At this stage, students begin to wonder how and why the world functions as it does and their brains develop increased capability for abstract thinking. ACCA educators teach principles of subjects, as well as build skills in reasoning, debate, and discussion. You will hear Logic Stage students discussing great books, art, and ideas, crafting opinions and arguments, and joining in debates.
03

By the time ACCA students reach high school, they are well-read, can draw on a wealth of facts, and have been given the tools to express themselves effectively. At this stage, students want to voice their ideas and leave an imprint on the world, so ACCA educators train them in writing, speech, and refine their ability to order their thoughts. ACCA’s rhetoric students will be creators in their own right: writing speeches, drafting solutions to today’s societal problems, and drafting original art and poetry.

*ACCA does not currently have a high school but our goal is to expand over the years offering JK-12th grade.

Subjects Taught in Each Grade

through robust scripture studies and a comprehensive system of scripture memorization as well as imparting knowledge of the historicity of the Christian church on earth. Undergirded by daily classroom liturgies of prayer, confession, and forgiveness, students experience life in Christian community each day while growing in understanding of the historic and orthodox Christian faith. Most of all, students are daily taught of their need for Christ and for Christ’s abounding love for them!

as the great language by which the Lord wrote the earth into being and governs the movements of our universe. For students to understand mathematics, they must have a disciplined and comprehensive ease of arithmetic as well as the ability to think creatively and problem solve. Students in younger grades focus primarily on mastering the skills and memory required by arithmetic while older students engage more heavily in the work of developing lateral thinking skills and problem solving.

by reading and enjoying whole books. Young students learn to read phonetically and practice understanding of technical components of a story along with working to build a sense of wonder for the truths, characters, and adventures they explore in each new book. They pour over great pieces of literature embodying the time periods they study in history and are taught to read for pleasure as well as knowledge. As students grow, they begin to engage in literary critique and theory through guided Socatic discussion and written reflection.

by equipping students to compose writing with logical reasoning, proper grammar, accurate spelling, and a sense of beauty. Young students begin their written work by utilizing the historic methods of copywork and dictation, and by exposure and study of great writing. As they mature, students begin to compose their own written work. Emphasis is first placed on developing the component technical skills of writing, and then on the dialectic and persuasive elements of written communication.

in lieu of social studies. History is told as a living story within a particular time period while students in the logic schooling years begin to explore the primary sources of the stories they know so well. In art and science classes, students learn about advancements and discoveries throughout our history and begin to explore the ways that current events influence scientists and artists as they work.

first and foremost as the study of the world around us. Wisdom begins in wonder (Socrates), and much of the elementary years for our students begins in cultivating wonder through much exposure and observation of the world around us. Grasping the great order of the universe through understanding the systems of taxonomies and classifications of both the plant and animal worlds prepares students for the greater complexity of chemistry, physics, and machines.