Education goes beyond vocational training as the building and instilling of character development and virtues. It is more than the sum of facts, people, processes, skills, and experiences imparted in the classroom. Classical education focuses on soul formation, by inclining appetites toward recognizing and desiring that which is True, Good, and Beautiful. This is accomplished through the three stages of the Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.
“THE MAIN SKILL AND GROUNDWORK WILL BE, TO TEMPER THEM SUCH LECTURES AND EXPLANATIONS UPON EVERY OPPORTUNITY, AS MAY LEAD AND DRAW THEM IN WILLING OBEDIENCE, ENFLAMED WITH THE STUDY OF LEARNING, AND THE ADMIRATION OF VIRTUE; STIRRED UP WITH HIGH HOPES OF LIVING TO BE BRAVE MEN, AND WORTHY PATRIOTS, DEAR TO GOD.”
GRAMMAR
Primer School students (Kindergarten) are taught wonder at God's creation by harnessing their natural curiosity and fostering a love of learning. Primer nurtures academic, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual growth in a small, personal setting to provide children with a solid foundation. The program serves children who are 5 by September 1. It focuses on building healthy relationships and confidence, following directions, establishing routines, developing gross and fine motor skills through discovery-based and hands-on learning. Through these methods students gain a better understanding of their Creator and the world around them in a fun, loving, supportive Christian environment.
Grammar School students (1st-6th grade) are taught to observe and enjoy God’s creation and memorize facts in addition to providing each student with basic proficiency in writing, reading, arithmetic, and the study of Latin. Students gain a thorough knowledge of geography, science, math, and history. They read and recite from time-tested literature, experience beautiful music, study master works of art, and memorize poetry and Scripture. A young mind thrives on learning the basic rules and content of every subject through joyful singing, recitation, music, repetition, movement, and rhymes. As a result of using their bodies through motion, and minds through memorization, they retain vast amounts of information to be built on in the following stages of learning. Grammar School students thrive in an orderly, engaging, and joyful learning environment. They are taught to respect, serve others, and practice loving their neighbors as themselves.
LOGIC
Logic School students (7th-8th grade) use formal logic as a tool while they study the ordered relationship of the facts and ideas they committed to memory in the Grammar years. Logic is the study and practice of correct reasoning, which helps us make sense of everything including the Bible. Through the study of logic, ECS students sharpen their abilities to evaluate differing opinions, follow and refute opposing arguments, distinguish between excellent and poor writing, pursue self-directed learning, and defend their faith. The ordered relationships between ideas, events, and data will form the backbone of their study.
RHETORIC
Once Rhetoric School students (9th-12th grade) become proficient and logical thinkers, they are ready to learn eloquence and persuasiveness both in the spoken and written word. They do this with both wisdom and discernment. Through study of classical rhetoric, students develop the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and begin to solidify their own opinions and beliefs. Our older Rhetoric School students will be given ample opportunity for self-expression, creativity, and the evaluation of seminal ideas in man’s dealings with God and His creation through Worldview courses and the study of church doctrine. With God’s grace an ECS graduate will love God and his fellow man by pursuing truth, beauty, and goodness in all of life’s endeavors, and graduate well prepared for college, work, service, or any future noble pursuits.