What is Classical Education?

This is my understanding in a nut shell...

Classical Education is a pedagogy of teaching that  hearkens back to the Ancient Greeks. It's foundation is rooted in the Trivium and Quadrivium and uses three phases of development Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric stages of learning. In each stage of development, students are naturally inclined towards certain learning attributes. The  classic humanities are the subject matter taught. Including: Bible, History, Literature, Art, Music, Latin, PE, Grammar ,Writing, Math and Science.

Grammar Stage

In this stage, children are naturally curious and enjoy learning factual information. This is a skill building phase where students are soaking up information, memorizing terminology, building factual data stores through narration, living books, songs and chants, movement, imitation and play. Children are learning how to learn.

Logic Stage

In this stage, children begin to see the relationship of ideas to one another and they begin to desire a deeper understanding of these connection.  They explore and ask questions to compare and contrast events, relationships, and ideas. Students begin to solidify learning skills and learning habits with an increase in educational rigor.

The Rhetoric Stage

In the final stage of learning, students begin to formulate beliefs and learn to express and articulate themselves well. They have grown to meet the rigors of upper school. They spend time learning the art of argument, and eloquent expression through Socratic discussion and debate. Students have mastered the written word and use it  in persuasive rhetoric. At this stage students have laid the ground work to continue in their education and to be life long learners.