Understanding Christian Classical Education: Frequently Asked Questions


While Christian Classical Education (CCE) is a movement gaining great momentum throughout the United States at this time, the fact is that CCE traces its roots to antiquity. As more people are exposed to CCE, especially parents, there are often numerous questions about its nature, purposes, modes and value.

In this brochure, we attempt to frame and answer a number of the most common inquiries. Regent Schools of the Carolinas hopes this brochure is of value to you, as you consider this extraordinary educational opportunity.

1. What is Christian Classical Education?
CCE is an educational approach grounded in the study of the inherited wisdom and Judeo-Christian values of the western world. Its objective is to equip students with the skills needed to think, interpret information and make sound moral judgments. Students enrolled in Christian Classical Education are active participants in enlightening both the mind and the heart as a core life-long pursuit.

2. How does the CCE curriculum differ from that of a “conventional” school?
Former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt is quoted as having said, “Educating a person in mind and not in morals, is to educate a menace to society”. CCE does not approach students as mere receptacles into which unconnected bits of data are poured. Nor do we focus on preparation for state imposed “standardized” achievement tests.

Instead, we employ a rigorous, yet supportive, curriculum which tracks the normal developmental stages of students. In addition to the general subjects found in all quality schools, we include the study of Scripture, Latin and Classical Literature.

These additional features integrate and balance the curriculum, while providing the Christian values context, within which students are enabled to make sound moral and ethical decisions in their lives.

3. Does Christian Classical Education teach a specific theology?
No. CCE approaches theology from a broad interdenominational prospective which honors and respects the great historical traditions of the Christian faith. Our goal is not to indoctrinate, but rather to learn those life-sustaining values which can be applied to students’ futures in an uncertain world.

4. How do I know if Christian Classical Education is “right for my child?

CCE is probably right for your child if your expectations include:

• A learning environment which honors the integrative force of God in the world.
• An approach to learning which encourages students’ thinking and exploration.
• A setting where students actively participate in their own learning.
• A school where high performance levels are the norm, not the exception.
• A place where students learn to be competent social human beings.
• An atmosphere which produces students who are fully prepared to succeed in college and beyond.

5. Private schools are expensive. What does CCE add to the value of my child’s education?
Because of our focus on active independent thinking within a safe and supportive learning environment, we nurture students characterized by imagination, creativity and intellectual curiosity. And, because of our non-negotiable expectations of courtesy and good manners, we teach our students to respect authority and each other, thus functioning as active members of the learning community. We believe that this combination, coupled with inculcation of Judeo-Christian values, is the best possible preparation for future academic success and responsible adulthood. Now, what is that worth?

6. We hear so much today about disruptive and unsafe schools. Are CCE schools different?
Absolutely. Nobody is required to enroll in a private school. Therefore, our relationship with families is voluntary and contractual. The contract is clear. There is zero tolerance for disorderly or disruptive behavior on the part of anyone within our learning community. Since we subscribe to the belief that all of us–students, teachers and staff–are creatures of God, a high level of demonstrated love and concern for each other is both an expectation and an entitlement.

7. Are the teachers in a CCE as well qualified as those in public schools?
While it may appear to be a bit boastful, our response would be, better qualified!

Not only do our teachers have the same formal academic credentials as their counterparts in the public schools, they know that within our academic community, teachers are freed-up from paperwork and student behavior problems. They can actually teach and students expect to learn! Not surprisingly then, really excellent and passionate teachers seek us out as the most desirable setting in which to carry out their professional calling.

8. What is the college success record of students who have studied a CCE curriculum?
College success requires a responsible, self-directed approach to learning in a highly competitive environment. The curriculum of a CCE school emphasizes all of these components, while respecting individual differences among students.

Due to the rigor of the curriculum, CCE students well versed in independent thinking, research techniques, collaborative study and service learning, perform extremely well in college as compared to their contemporaries who have not had this advantageous training.

 

Summary

Regent Schools of the Carolinas recognizes that the previous eight questions, and their answers, may represent only a fraction of those you have about this subject. The major point we wish to make is that Christian Classical Education is a methodology which, by its very nature, acknowledges the dignity and worth of each student as a child created in the image of God.

Please feel free to contact any of us for further information.
Reverend Marty McCarthy, President: (704) 763-0065