Distinctives

A classical education is, to a large degree, a “liberal arts” education. The liberal arts are simply seven arts (or skills) that classical educators trained students in to equip them in the mastery of language and mathematics. The liberal arts are divided into three language arts (the “Trivium”) and four mathematical arts (the “Quadrivium”). 

The three language arts are grammar, logic, and rhetoric.

• In grammar, students are given a solid foundation in language so they are equipped to read with comprehension and communicate with clarity. 

• In logic, students are equipped with the skills of reason that enable them to discover the truth and discern truth from error. In logic, students are taught not merely what to think but how to think. 

• In rhetoric, students are taught how to articulate the truth with clarity, power, and persuasion. As a result, students not only know the truth and why they believe it, but are prepared to effectively persuade others of the truth. 

The four mathematical arts are arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. 

• In arithmetic, students study numbers and their properties, focusing on the fundamental operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

• In geometry, students study shapes, sizes, and the properties of space.

• In music, students study the principles of harmony and the mathematical relationships in music.

• In astronomy, students study the stars, planets, and the structure of the universe, focusing on their movements, positions, and the laws governing them.

The seven liberal arts are powerful tools which equip students with a mastery of language and number so that they are prepared not just to do one thing but are fit to do anything.

In 1947, British author Dorothy Sayers delivered an address entitled “The Lost Tools of Learning” in which she advocated for a return to the classical Trivium in education. Her essay became a catalyst in the resurgence of classical Christian education. 

In it she argues that “although we often succeed in teaching our pupils ‘subjects,’ we fail lamentably on the whole in teaching them how to think: they learn everything, except the art of learning.” To remedy this failure, Sayers applies the subjects of the Trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) to a student’s developmental stages. 

• The Grammar stage roughly coincides with kindergarten and elementary school. In this stage, students learn the “grammar,” or main facts and skills, of each subject. At this age, students have a natural love and ability to memorize a wealth of information, so this stage should be used to teach them meaningful facts and skills they will need for their future education. In the Grammar stage, students learn the WHO, WHAT, and WHEN. 

• The Logic stage roughly coincides with junior high. In this stage, students are naturally more inquisitive and argumentative. So, they should be taught the skills of logic so that they can reason well and pinpoint the logical fallacies they encounter. In the Logic stage, students learn the HOW and WHY. 

• The Rhetoric stage roughly coincides with high school. In this stage, students are naturally more concerned about expressing themselves and their beliefs. So, they should be taught how to communicate and argue for the truth in a way that is clear, powerful, and persuasive. 

Sayers’ approach has been applied in classical Christian schools for about 40 years and it has been incredibly fruitful in providing students with the tools of learning that will serve them for a lifetime. At Logos, we utilize Sayers’ insights to instill in our students “the art of learning.”

In addition to being a liberal arts education, classical Christian education is also a “great books education.” At Logos, we cherish the great books of the past that have had a formative and lasting influence on Western civilization. From Aristotle to Augustine, from Shakespeare to C.S. Lewis, the great stories, poetry, and writings of the great thinkers of the past are read deeply and widely in order to form our students’ minds, hearts, and imaginations in a love for the good, true, and beautiful. 

God is a Creator who cares deeply about beauty. He did not create a merely utilitarian world. He created a world full of stunning beauty and endless creativity (Psalm 104). Being made in his image, God has created us to reflect him when we create works of creativity and beauty. At Logos, our students encounter beautiful works of art and music, cultivating a love and appreciation for beauty. They not only study great art, they also learn to create beauty for themselves, reflecting the God who made them in his image. 

Two core elements of classical education, reason and virtue, are sadly absent in many of today’s schools. At Logos, we believe these are absolutely foundational to the proper education of every student.

• Reason - The kind of education that will serve students for a lifetime is one in which they are taught not simply what to think but how to think. Students need more than mere content. They need the skills of logic and reason which enable them to discern truth from error and provide them with the skills for a lifetime of new learning. 

• Virtue - Our goal in education is not simply the transfer of information, but the transfer of a way of life. Our desire is not just to impart facts but to form the soul, character, and heart of the student toward godliness and virtue. We emphasize the seven Christian virtues (justice, prudence, temperance, fortitude, faith, hope, and love) as well as the many virtues taught in Scripture. Through story, habit, recitation, and school culture, we seek to instill these virtues in every one of our students. 

Only 27% of high school seniors are proficient in writing. At Logos, proficiency and mastery of writing and rhetoric are at the heart of our education. We provide a strong foundation in grammar, logic, and rhetoric that enable students to express themselves in a way that is clear, creative, and compelling. 

Starting in 3rd grade, we utilize the classical Progymnasmata (Greek for “preliminary exercises”) to train students in the art of writing and rhetoric. Our students will learn by imitating the masters and move step-by-step toward mastery in the art of writing and rhetoric. As a result, students will be equipped to glorify God by communicating effectively in both the written and spoken word. 

Throughout the course of their education, our students will learn the classical languages of Latin and Greek. These “dead languages” are anything but dead. About 80% of the English language is based on Latin and Greek. As our students encounter the complexity and brilliance of these languages, they will enrich their own facility and mastery of the English language. 

We will confirm in the minds of students the truth that the final authority for all of life is the Word of God, both written and revealed in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible is not only the source of our knowledge about Christ but is also the basis for knowing everything else. 

School personnel believe and teach that a true knowledge of God and the principles of Scripture are foundational to any and all true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom across any curriculum. The Bible teaches that an individual’s knowledge, in the only true and fullest sense, begins with Jesus Christ, so, consequently Logos offers a calculated, Christ-centered curriculum and culture.

From K-12th grade, we will provide a robust Bible education that grounds students in the grand story and great truths of Scripture. In elementary school, we teach students the grand story of Scripture as well as the foundational teachings of the Bible. In middle school and high school, we ground students in the great doctrines of Scripture in our study of theology. At Logos, we have the highest regard for Scripture and unwaveringly hold to the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God upon which we can place our complete confidence and trust. 

Students in today’s world need to be prepared with not only what they believe but with why they believe it. Apologetics is the defense of the Christian faith. Students at Logos will learn how to defend the truth of Christianity against the many competing worldviews they will encounter. As 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, they will be prepared to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” with boldness, love, and compassion. Students will, therefore, be firmly grounded in the truth of Christianity and effectively prepared to articulate and defend the truth of Scripture to a world in need of Christ.