Classical
This language rich method of study helps train students to recognize and love that which is true, good, and beautiful. Classical education guides affections as students are taught to learn, think, and reason for themselves. The core of a Classical education is built on the ‘Trivium’– Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric– stages that integrate methods aligned with the natural phases of child development.
Christian
Starting with a faculty and staff who have all received Jesus as their Savior, we approach everything we teach from the recognition that Christ is Lord over all. This includes God being over all subjects, thus being created by Him for His glory. What this means is that all things true, good, and beautiful found in what we study, can be traced back to Christ.
Collaborative
Collaborative
Chambers will offer an opportunity for parents to partner with classroom teachers. If a parent desires to both homeschool and give their child a private Christian education, this collaborative model offers both. Two days a week, a student will learn at school with their classroom teacher. On the alternate days, students will be given work to complete at home with a parent.
The Trivium
In Classical Education, every subject is identified in each stage of the Trivium – Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. These three stages integrate methods aligned with the natural phases of child development.
Grammar (K-6)
In the Grammar stage, a child's natural ability to memorize is emphasized. Songs and chants are used as poetry, scripture, and facts are introduced. Students are exposed to the full narrative of history, read language-rich literature, and partake in exploring different world cultures. Through dress-up feasts and presentations, the Grammar stage is full of joy as the foundation is laid and built upon in the next two stages.
Key Elements of the Grammar Stage:
- Acquiring and establishing the basic building blocks of knowledge across all subjects
- Memorization of scripture, poems, grammar rules, phonemes, Latin vocabulary
- Learning through repetition and structured learning
- Exposure to world history, other cultures, music, art, and language-rich literature
- The use of natural curiosity and active learning
- Training attention to detail through handwriting, active listening, spelling and grammar rules, and word problems
- Hands-on projects, living history days, and exploration of God's creation
Logic (7-8)
In the Logic stage, a child's natural inclination to argue is recognized. Taking from the strong foundation of information memorized in Grammar, students go deeper in study by comparing and contrasting ideas and learning how to make reasonable arguments. Students want to know the 'why' and 'how' – the logic behind what they are learning. The formal study of logic begins, discussions are emphasized, and students are directed to test ideas for truth.
Key Elements of the Logic Stage:
- The formal study of logic and debate
- Comparing and contrasting ideas within all subjects of learning
- Develop the ability to reason, analyze, and question information
- Critically think about the relationship between concepts
- Instruction on how to formulate good questions, sort information, and application of the knowledge learned in Grammar
- The study of natural order and patterns across all subject matter
- The study of cause and effect
Rhetoric (9-12)
The Rhetoric stage focuses on the art of effective communication – whether spoken or written. Using what was learned in the previous two stages, students learn to use their knowledge and analytical skills to inform, persuade, and craft their own ideas. In the Rhetoric stage, all subjects emphasize writing and discussion/debate. The senior thesis is the capstone of a Classical education, putting together all that has been learned in the three stages of the Trivium.
Key Elements of the Rhetoric Stage:
- Persuasively expressing ideas through speech and writing
- Studying original works and great books
- Gaining the ability to consider multiple angles of arguments
- The use of words, along with calculations and experiments, to express understanding
- Harkness Table discussions
- Construct strong arguments and defend ideas
- Presenting and defending a researched thesis of the student's choice
