Classical Education Schools Experience Rapid Growth

Lockdowns have given American parents a glimpse ⁣into what public⁤ schools teach their children, leading to a surge in enrollment​ for⁣ classical education, according to​ leaders of multiple K-12 networks.

The Association of Christian Classical⁢ Schools (ACCS) reported a nearly threefold increase in new school startups in⁢ 2022 and 2023 compared to previous years. Classical Conversations, a large homeschooling network, has seen ⁤a 20% increase‍ in student enrollment from 2020 ​to 2023. These numbers⁢ reflect a growing interest in classical⁢ education as an alternative ⁣to conventional public schooling.

Classical​ education ‌aims to introduce children ⁣to their⁢ cultural heritage through the study of​ the greatest works in history. ​Unlike many ‌public schools, classical schools prioritize teaching philosophical and theological virtues, fostering articulate, clear-thinking, and well-rounded individuals.

What⁢ Is Classical Education?

Classical education seeks to educate children‌ about their cultural heritage by exposing them​ to the arts, sciences, and the great works of civilization. In contrast to public schools,⁣ which⁤ often promote racial and sexual falsehoods,⁣ classical schools focus on teaching virtues such ⁤as prudence,⁤ courage, temperance, and justice. Christian classical ⁢schools also⁢ emphasize faith,​ hope, ‍and love.

By studying history and understanding the‌ sacrifices, mistakes, and advancements of the past, students in ‍classical education gain a nuanced ​perspective on moral questions and develop the skills ​to make informed decisions. This approach equips​ them ‍to navigate the complexities of⁣ the world while enjoying their educational⁣ journey.

Classical education⁤ has ​experienced significant‍ growth⁤ in recent years. Classical Conversations, for example, has seen a 500%⁣ increase in enrollment over the past decade. The ACCS, which started with only 10 schools in 1994, now boasts approximately​ 500‌ schools. Other classical ‍education networks, such as‌ the Institute⁢ for Catholic Liberal Education and the Consortium for Classical Lutheran ‍Education, have also witnessed substantial expansion.

Despite its success, classical ⁢education faces challenges from internal and external sources. Internal struggles include attempts⁣ to introduce ​Marxist ideologies into the⁤ curriculum, while external attacks come from media and leftist ⁣pressure groups. However, classical⁤ education remains committed to upholding truth, goodness, and beauty, which ​sets it apart from identity politics ⁤and cultural Marxism.

The Struggle Is Real and Unavoidable

Classical ⁤education’s growth⁢ has⁤ made it a target for those ‍who oppose its principles. Attacks from media outlets and leftist groups aim to undermine classical education’s values and⁢ distort its mission. ⁢However, proponents of classical ​education recognize the importance of staying true⁣ to their principles and providing⁣ an​ alternative to the prevailing cultural‍ narrative.

While classical education may not be directly political, its commitment to truth and ⁢virtue inherently challenges the ideologies of cultural Marxism. ​As ⁤a result, classical education leaders find themselves ⁣engaged in the broader culture war, defending the ​pursuit of truth and the preservation of Western civilization’s intellectual heritage.

Despite​ the challenges, classical education continues to thrive and attract families seeking a holistic and morally grounded education for⁤ their children. The growing enrollment numbers and the success stories ‌of students transitioning from public schools ​to classical education demonstrate the positive ⁢impact of this educational approach.