Classical Education
At the heart of classical education lies a creative tension between its normative purpose of forming the child into a virtuous adult and the intrinsic commitment to honoring the child as a person made in the image of God, imbued with the free will to choose their own path. The child must be invited to freely explore the vast riches offered by ancient Christianity and the great works of the western tradition while being skillfully guided by a teacher who directs them on their journey toward truth. It is in the gap between where the student currently stands and the knowledge or skill which the teacher seeks to impart that true learning occurs. This gap creates a sense of risk that comes with the possibility of failure but also excitement and a feeling of achievement when the child is able to make the leap. Teachers know the satisfaction of sharing the sacred moment when the eyes of the learner shine bright with the spark of illumination and their face comes alive with the joy of discovery. It is this very spark that fuels the pursuit of truth, initiates life-long learners, and orients the mind to seek meaning in all things.
