Classical Christian education focuses on the whole-person goal of education.  Not only does it sharpen the mind, but it also cultivates virtue and character in the lives of students and points them to Christ – the source of life and learning (Proverbs 2:6). If we only instruct for knowledge sake and forsake wisdom and moral character, we risk “producing” what C.S. Lewis called “a more clever devil.” 

What makes classical education so effective? It is largely because of its approach to how and when students are taught. Regardless of their learning style, children learn in three phases or stages (grammar, logic/dialectic, and rhetoric), known in classical education as the trivium. 

Grammar Stage (grades K–6). Students are naturally adept at memorizing facts through songs, chants, and rhymes. If you can get children in this stage to sing or chant something, they will remember it for a lifetime.  

Dialectic Stage (grades 7–8). Teenaged students are naturally more “argumentative” and begin to question authority and facts. They want to know the “why” of something—the logic or reason behind it. During this stage, students develop critical thinking skills and how to argue with wisdom, respect and decorum.  

Rhetoric Stage (grades 9–12). This stage is naturally when students become more independent thinkers and communicators. They continue the study of logic and practice rhetoric, which is the art of persuasive speaking and debate as well as effective writing.  

It is this approach to teaching students based on their developmental stage that makes classical education so very effective.  As Christian Classical learners we hold to the wisdom of scripture, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 

(Adapted from Perrin, Christopher A. An Introduction to Classical Education: A Guide for Parents. Classical Academic Press, 2004.)