Classical Curriculum
Knowledge is Transmitted through Language
The curriculum at Covenant is divided into three stages. These stages function as building blocks, each block building upon a foundation as each student continues to grow up in knowledge and truth.
- Our elementary school (Grammar School) lays the foundation of language. At this age, children are naturally inclined to imitate. Therefore, our grammar curriculum uses music, chant, and memorization in each subject as young children delight in imitating their teachers.
- Our middle school (Logic School) builds upon this foundation by introducing logical reasoning. Instead of only asking what things are, our students dig into why things are. They start to develop tools of discernment and analysis. Teachers follow a Socratic method in the classroom, an approach that makes use of dialogue and challenges students to see opposing sides of concepts, issues and arguments.
- The final stage, high school (Rhetoric School), puts these tools to use by training students not only to discern well, but also to communicate well. Students practice presenting their research with clarity and defending their position with poise. As students progress through Rhetoric School, they are given a literal and figurative seat at the table, positioning them with opportunities to practice wisdom and leadership.
What is Classical Education?
What do we mean by classical education? From the philosophers of ancient Athens to the founding fathers of our own country, the classical approach was the traditional method of educating a child. Instead of educating a child to perform perfectly on an examination, the classical method emphasizes the full formation of a child. By full formation we mean the development of the whole person, their mind and heart and body, into a person that is equipped to engage the world for Christ.
The classical approach orients students to their own formation by setting their sights on pursuing truth, goodness and beauty. This formation progresses in stages that mirror a child’s natural development, stages that have historically been called grammar, logic and rhetoric. We believe that this model, positioned from a Christian worldview, is uniquely able to cultivate the formation of every student and lead them into their God-given potential.
GRAMMAR SCHOOL (PK-6)
Your child will enjoy learning in ways that are engaging, inspiring, and encouraging to begin their love of learning.
LOGIC SCHOOL (7-9)
Students are empowered to think on their own while understanding the world around them and their place in it.
RHETORIC SCHOOL (10-12)
High school students learn to present their ideas persuasively and gain confidence in knowing what they believe.
Not Just Another Christian School
One of our most frequently asked questions by prospective families is, “Do you have a Bible class?” And while we answer yes to that question, classical Christian schools also know that a Bible “class” is not enough. The real power in a classical Christian education is in teaching all subjects through the lens of scripture and from a Christian worldview.
Deuteronomy 6 instructs us to use the Bible as a grid to teach our children all about life. The Christian faith uniquely challenges the faithful to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). In this way, students can address and impact their culture.
As Paul appealed to Athenians based on what he knew of their poets and gods, so classical Christian education will prepare students to address the people and issues of their times. Jesus said that loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). Classical Christian education is a time-proven way to accomplish this command.