Classical Education 101: Programs & Homeschool Curriculum

If you’re considering implementing a classical education model into your homeschool, this article is the perfect place to start. You’ll learn what classical homeschooling is, and we’ll also share the pros and cons of a classical education. Then, we’ll share the best classical homeschool curriculum with you.

In this article, you will learn about the classical education model. Here’s what you’ll discover.

• Classical education method definition and explanation.
• The pros and cons of a classical education approach.
• Online classical homeschool curriculum.
• Classical homeschool books.
• How to find an online academy or classical academy near you.
• How you can teach a faith-based or secular classical homeschool curriculum.
• A podcast episode about classical homeschooling.

Video: Classical Education & Homeschooling

What Is a Classical Education Model?

In brief, classical education is a traditional learning model rooted in ancient Rome & Greece. Educating your children classically includes extensive reading of The Great Books and study of the Seven Liberal Arts. The seven liberal arts include grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, music, and astronomy. The classical education model is designed to cultivate virtuous and wise human beings who seek the truth and know how to think and what to do.

Classical Education & The Socratic Method

Classical education began in ancient Rome & Greece with philosophers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, & St. Augustine. As a result, a classical education method utilizes the Socratic Method. When using the Socratic Method, the teacher asks more questions than they answer. By using this method, you can help your child or student learn how to think.

While a classical method of education has roots in ancient history, it still has value as an educational philosophy today.

“Today, classical education is synonymous with ‘authoritative, traditional and enduring.’

The teaching of ancient Greek and Latin languages and literature endures, but the designation ‘classical’ has been broadened to include languages and literature beyond Rome and Athens that uphold the virtue of ‘excellence.’

Educators today define classical education as an education that teaches the best of the West.”

Brandon McCoy. Classical Education: An Attractive School Choice for Parents. July 29, 2021. Manhattan Institute. Accessed March 10, 2023.

The Seven Liberal Arts & The Great Books

A classic educational model is a methodical approach focusing on two main components.

1. The Seven Liberal Arts.
2. The Great Books of the Western World.

Varying Definitions of The Great Books

Please note that the terminology, The Great Books, can be used differently.

1. The Great Books can reference a very specific collection that Encyclopedia Britannica produced.
2. Great Books can also refer to various books that modern-day scholars agree are the essential foundation of literature in Western culture.

Either way, a book must be important to Western Culture to be considered one of The Great Books.

The HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast

Each week, we share two podcast episodes with parents around the world. Mindset Mondays are designed to uplift and inspire homeschooling parents. Wednesday Wisdom is about education, homeschooling, and parenting.

Listen to this episode about classical homeschooling on the HomeSchool ThinkTank Parenting Podcast.

What Are the Seven Liberal Arts?

The seven liberal arts comprise grammar, logic, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, music, and astronomy.

The Trivium

The three stages of the trivium include grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

1. Grammar. The rules of a language.
2. Logic. A proper or reasonable way of thinking that is based on truth.
3. Rhetoric. The ability to communicate well through the written or spoken word.

The Quadrivium

The quadrivium includes geometry, arithmetic, music, and astronomy.

1. Geometry: The oldest branch of mathematics includes distance, shape, size, and space around objects.
2. Arithmetic: The basics of math include adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, raising powers, and the extraction of roots.
3. Music: Understanding rhythm, melody, and harmony to appreciate or create vocal or instrumental sounds.
4. Astronomy: The study of the sun, moon, stars, planets, and galaxies.

The Word Trivium Has Two Meanings In This Article

In this article, we talk about The Trivium in two different ways.

1. Above, we’ve described The Trivium as it relates to the Seven Liberal Arts. The Trivium used in that sense refers to grammar, logic, and rhetoric.
2. Below, we describe The Trivium as it equates to the Three Stages of Learning. The three developmental stages of learning are elementary school, middle school, and high school.

Hopefully, we’ve cleared this up before it was too confusing!

The Trivium: Three Stages of Learning

A classical model of education is a three-stage process of learning.

1. Grammar Stage: 1st-4th grades.
2. Logic Stage: 5th-8th grades.
3. Rhetoric Stage: 9th-12th grades.

“Classical education depends on a three-part process of training the mind.

1. The early years of school are spent absorbing facts and systematically laying the foundations for advanced study.
2. In the middle grades, students learn to think through arguments.
3. In their high school years, students learn to express themselves.

This classical pattern is called the trivium.“

Altered slightly. Susan Wise Bauer, What Is A Well Trained Mind? June 3, 2009. Well Trained Mind. Accessed March 11, 2023.

Memoria Press: Video with Martin Cothran

A Classical Education: Forming Wise & Virtuous Students

“That’s what all schools did.

They did classical education up until the early 20th century.

Schools were trying to form wise & virtuous students.

They were trying to teach them how to think and what to do.”

Martin Cothran. What Is A Classical Education. August 21, 2018. Accessed March 11, 2023. Memoria Press (YouTube video).

Pros & Cons of Classical Education

On the surface, a classical learning model seems amazing, and it can be an excellent way to help your child lay a solid foundation for their education. However, this method may not be a good fit for some kids. For this reason, we suggest thoroughly exploring your options for homeschooling and considering your family dynamic and your children’s learning styles and temperaments before deciding how to approach homeschooling your kids.

Benefits of a Classical Education

When your child follows a classical education model, they will develop a strong foundation for their education.

• Strong emphasis on core subjects, including an intense study of history.
• Vast study and reading of classical literature.
• Produces strong readers, writers, and speakers.
• Math, science, and music are core components of classical education.
• The study of Latin, foreign languages, and fine arts are incorporated into a classical education model.
• Classical education is excellent for kids who learn well through reading and listening.
• Conversation and critical thinking skills are well-developed.
• A classical curriculum is designed to help children develop good moral character.

Pros & Cons of Classical Homeschooling

Pros: Benefits of Classical Homeschooling	Cons: Drawbacks of Classical Homeschooling
Emphasis on core subjects, including an intense study of history.	The classical education model needs to be combined with an education in technology and modern skills.
Vast study and reading of classical literature.	Reading is focused on books from Western cultures and should be supplemented with books from Eastern cultures.
Produces strong readers, writers, and speakers.	Children may develop a disdain for learning if they are pushed too quickly beyond their current abilities.
Math, science, and music are core components of classical education.	A classical education model is teacher-driven and may feel overwhelming to homeschool parents.
The study of Latin, foreign languages, and fine arts are incorporated into a classical education model.	Parents may need to hire tutors or enroll their kids in classes to meet the requirements of a classical education.
Classical education is excellent for kids who learn well through reading and listening.	This can be a difficult model for children who learn better by doing and moving.
Conversation and critical thinking skills are well-developed.	A classical education approach may need to be adjusted for kids with special needs.
A classical curriculum is designed to help children develop good moral character.	www.HomeSchoolThinkTank.com

Cons of a Classical Homeschooling Method of Education

• The classical education model needs to be combined with an education in technology and skills from modern times.
• Reading is focused on books from Western cultures and should be supplemented with books from Eastern cultures.
• Children may develop a disdain for learning if they are pushed too far beyond their abilities.
• A classical education model is teacher-driven and may feel overwhelming to homeschool parents.
• Parents may need to hire tutors or enroll their kids in classes to meet the requirements of a classical education.
• This can be a difficult model for children who learn better by doing and moving.
• A classical education approach may need to be adjusted for kids with special needs.

Get Homeschool Support

Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned homeschooling parent, you will find the support you need inside THRIVE. This is our online coaching program that’s designed to support homeschooling parents.

Notes About the Classical Learning Model

Understanding a classical liberal arts education model is helpful as you homeschool your kids. While you may or may not fully adopt this model, we suggest you consider adopting some aspects of a classical approach in your child’s education.

Faith-Based or Secular Classical Education Curriculum

If you’re interested in pursuing a classical liberal arts education, you’ll quickly discover that most classical curriculum is rooted in Christian principles. This is a great fit for people who want a Christian curriculum. However, you’ll face a few more challenges if you prefer not to purchase a Christian-based curriculum.

Whether you plan to use a religious or secular classical education plan, we suggest starting with The Well-Trained Mind. In this book, you’ll find faith-based and secular recommendations. Please note that it is not possible to have a classical education that is truly secular because history is based on many Christian principles.

Whether using a faith-based or secular classical education model in homeschooling, look for curricula that include all aspects of the Seven Liberal Arts and a study of The Great Books.

Classical Homeschooling & Education: Books for Parents

Below, you’ll find a combination of books, websites, and online programs for classical education and homeschooling.

• Ancient History from Primary Sources: A Literary Timeline by Laurie Bluedorn.
• Consider This: Charlotte Mason and the Classical Tradition by Karen Glass.
• Harp and Laurel Wreath: Poetry and Dictation for the Classical Curriculum by Laura M. Berquist.
• Rethinking School: How to Take Charge of Your Child’s Education by Susan Wise Bauer
• The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers.
• A Thomas Jefferson Education: Teaching a Generation of Leaders for the Twenty-First Century by Oliver DeMille.
• Timeline of Classics – Historical Context for the Good and Great Books by Gail Ledbetter.
• The Well Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer and Jesse Wise.

Classical Homeschool Curriculum for Your Kids & Teens by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise

Susan Wise Bauer is known for her expertise in classical education. Her book, The Well Trained Mind, was written to guide parents in implementing classical homeschooling. Susan Wise Bauer offers language arts, history curriculum, and homeschool programs.

• The Complete Writer by Susan Wise Bauer.
• First Language Lessons by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise.
• Jesse Wise. Curriculum related to classical education.
• Susan Wise Bauer. Books and curricula related to classical education.
• The Story of the World: Textbooks, Workbooks, and CDs by Susan Wise Bauer.
  • Story of the World, Vol. 1: History for the Classical Child: Ancient Times
  • The Story of the World, Vol. 2: History for the Classical Child: The Middle Ages: From the Fall of Rome to the Rise of the Renaissance
  • Story of the World, Vol 3: History for the Classical Child: Early Modern Times
  • Story of the World, Vol 4 History for the Classical Child: The Modern Age
• Well-Trained Mind Academy

More classical education online programs and blogs by classical educators are near the end of this page.

How to Find a Classical Academy for Your Kids

If you prefer to send your child to a Classical Education Academy, search your town, city, or state and type in “Classical Academy,” “Classical Schools,” “Classical Charter Schools,” or “Online Classical Academies.” If one is near you, it should appear in your search results.

Classical Homeschool Programs and Blogs

Build your foundation of knowledge and learn from the best classical teachers and educators. Achieve academic excellence through online classes, a homeschool program, or an online classical academy. These are among the best classical educational programs.

• Classical Academic Press
• The Classical Classroom
• Classical Conversations
• Classical Liberal Arts Academy
• Classical U
• Hillsdale College Free Online Courses.
• Memoria Press
• St. Johns College Reading List: A Great Books Curriculum.
• Veritas Press
• Well-Trained Mind Academy

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