Classical education is ancient but also innovative. At Great Oaks Academy we understand classical education through a distinction between not only what our aim is, but how we achieve that goal.

The Classical curriculum is built on the foundation of the Trivium, a roadmap for instruction that guides students through the Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric stages, taking advantage of the natural tendencies of each stage to engage and challenge each mind.

First, the aim of our classical education is to cultivate in young people a mastery of the the arts [skills] and sciences [knowledge], and their virtuous engagement in a lifelong pursuit of what is beautiful, good, and true.

Second, we accomplish this through the study of the seven Liberal Arts, the first three of which are called the Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric. These three stages are a roadmap for instruction that guides students through natural stages of development.

When students are in the Grammar stage, they are hungry for knowledge, so we sing, chant, memorize, narrate, explore, and get hands on. When students are in the Logic stage, they are argumentative, so we debate, discuss, read and write using the Socratic method.

When students are in the Rhetoric stage, they are learning independence, and so are ready to experiment using the Arts to form their own contribution to society through the Great Books, extensive seminars, research, and projects.

In addition, we use the chronological study of history as a spine for our curriculum and organize our literature, science, music, and art lessons around this framework. We prioritize Great Books from the Western Tradition rooted in ancient Greek and Roman culture, and primary texts instead of textbooks. We teach Latin and grammar, and believe character is as important as intellect.⁠

The Trivium is a term used in classical education that refers to the three foundational disciplines of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. It’s a method of teaching that dates back to ancient Greece and Rome and was later formalized during the Middle Ages.

1. Grammar Stage – This stage is like laying the foundation of a building. It involves gathering the basic building blocks of knowledge. Just as a builder needs bricks, students in the grammar stage collect facts, vocabulary, and basic principles across various subjects like language, history, and science.
2. Logic Stage – Once the foundation is set, students move to the logic stage, where they start to make sense of the information they’ve gathered. This is akin to constructing the frame of a building. Students learn to think critically, analyze information, identify patterns, and understand the relationships between different ideas. They develop logical reasoning skills and learn to discern truth from fallacy.
3. Rhetoric Stage – In the rhetoric stage, students refine their communication skills, much like putting the finishing touches on a building. They learn to express themselves eloquently, persuade others, and present their ideas effectively. This involves mastering the art of public speaking, writing persuasively, and crafting compelling arguments.

The Trivium provides a structured approach to education, emphasizing the development of foundational knowledge, critical thinking skills, and effective communication abilities. It has been a cornerstone of classical education for centuries and continues to influence educational philosophies and approaches today.

What is Virtue?

To be virtuous means living well and achieving one’s human potential. Virtue is an excellent trait of character that results in a life lived well. A life well-lived produces true happiness—this is referenced in the Declaration of Independence as “the pursuit of happiness.” Great Oaks Academy teachers look for, and intentionally plan, opportunities to model virtues to our young scholars through enduring, classic literature and rich learning experiences.

1. Compassion: having the patience to notice the suffering of others, and having the kindness to do something about it.
2. Fortitude: the courage to persevere in the face of great fear, challenge, or hardship.
3. Gratitude: the habit of expressing genuine joy for what is in one’s life.
4. Justice: acting fairly and wisely to do what is right and give everyone their due.
5. Temperance: being in control of oneself no matter the situation. This may mean sacrificing something in the present to gain a better future.
6. Wisdom: having the experience, knowledge, and sense to make good choices in order to achieve a worthy outcome.