At its core, classical education recognizes the value of every student. It’s about learning to understand human nature, helping young people be the best versions of themselves through a deep exploration of the liberal arts and sciences and the enduring virtues of courage, moderation, justice, responsibility,
AN INCREASING number of parents want the ability to choose an education for their children, rather than just accept the one that comes with their ZIP codes. The growing school choice movement includes people of every race and socioeconomic background. It’s a genuine desire felt in urban cities and rural towns alike.
In the last 18 months, the demand for increased choice in education has become overwhelming. The pandemic showed parents what was happening — or not happening — in classrooms. Parents who were home with their children considered homeschooling, and other alternatives to traditional schooling suddenly seemed more attractive. Like the school choice movement, the classical school movement continues gathering steam with parents and teachers.
At its core, classical education recognizes the value of every student. It’s about learning to understand human nature, helping young people be the best versions of themselves through a deep exploration of the liberal arts and sciences and the enduring virtues of courage, moderation, justice, responsibility, friendship, prudence, and wisdom. It’s not easy to start a school and even more difficult to start a truly excellent one. But a tried and true, content-rich education should be an option for as many families as possible.
When you walk through a properly run classical school, you’ll see well-educated and inspiring faculty members using teacher-led methods of instruction. You’ll hear lively classroom discussions that are guided by a teacher who is knowledgeable about the material and asks thought-provoking questions. You’ll see classrooms that use technology appropriately without diminishing the student’s effort, which is critical to any academic achievement.
Classical education guides students toward intellectual and moral virtue through a content-rich curriculum. During the formative years between kindergarten and 12th grade, students come to know both themselves and the wider world. Through instruction in civics, history, the fine arts, Latin, literature, mathematics, physical education, and the sciences, students develop a foundation of skills, knowledge, and virtue from which they can pursue specialized training, higher education, or military service. In other words, classical students are well-rounded students.
The demand for this type of classical education has never been higher. Every one of our affiliated charter schools has a waiting list, and this year, Hillsdale College’s K-12 education office received a record number of new school applications from local groups made up of parents, community members, and educators across the country. The classical education Hillsdale helps schools to provide doesn’t end with high school graduation. In the process of helping to form their character, we set students on the path toward freedom, responsibility, and self-government.
Parents, teachers, and communities are looking for an approach to K-12 education that has results they can count on. It’s high time that charter school expansion became a key objective for state legislators across the country so that parents are granted the freedom to choose what they so desire.
Kathleen O’Toole is assistant provost of K–12 education at Hillsdale College and the founding headmaster of a K–12 classical charter school.