Amid growing claims that schools indoctrinate students, ‘classical education’—which teaches kids to think critically and master old books—is making a comeback.
We put our 2 kids in a Classical School right at kindergarten because we loved the idea of them focusing on developing the CHARACTER of our kids. Not teaching them what to think but how. These discussion-led classrooms are amazing, the confidence and public speaking skills are truly off-the-charts amazing to watch in these kids. I wish I'd had such an opportunity in my schooling in the 90's.
Thank you for this bit of great news. Green shoots. It gives me hope. This kind of education, where you are challenged by great teachers to read, argue, speak, and think critically, is exactly what America needs today. I hope this catches fire, and school choice is the vehicle to make that happen.
Well done, Julia. Interestingly to me, from reading comments and the proper editing by such, you are “preaching to the choir” here. I will wager that most children in school today would not be able to form an opinion and coherently be able or have the desire to share it here.
Parents must do the best they can to educate their children to think, read and write in that order. Vouchers is an issue in Texas elections where I live. Tax money could be used for each child with parent’s discretion. Oh, I forgot…government knows best.
If we can keep this movement going it will teach more young people how to read, write, think, speak and debate. These new tools might give students confidence that they can grow and function and advance in the world. It may provide hope.
My daughter is in her 10th year teaching at Atlanta Classical. Go, ACA! I’m a huge fan of classical charters, but here’s the rub. They’re still public schools, which is why they’re “free.” They are subject to the whims of legislators and bureaucrats. Applications can be denied and charters revoked in one election cycle. The way around this pitfall is PRIVATE classical schools with obscenely rich endowments that can generously underwrite tuitions for low-income students. So all you Ivy alums looking to redirect your donations, how about banding together to launch and endow schools that truly educate their students, starting in kindergarten.
Amazing that the teachers unions which have incredible power, are trying to staunch this incredibly positive form of teaching......care only about themselves, don't give a damn about society.....oh...makes sense, they're Dems!
This is just wonderful news! I have read several historians who believe the empires rise/empires fall trajectory is unavoidable. But I have hoped that our tradition of self-reliance and equality and individual rights might interrupt that trajectory. Looks like the restoration is starting.
When people find out that the so called new and improved versions don't work well they have a tendency to go back to what did. It just takes longer now, with social media and influencers, etc. etc. and so forth, for people to make the decision to improve their child's life by rejecting the mandatory and imposed version.
I sent my kids to a classical charter school from 2000-2010, then I sent them to local state universities. Little did I know how it would change them. They came home speaking a new language. Now trying to move them back to their classical roots. No small task.
Who says there's no good news! That you for the article.
Apparently, there is hope. Great article.
We put our 2 kids in a Classical School right at kindergarten because we loved the idea of them focusing on developing the CHARACTER of our kids. Not teaching them what to think but how. These discussion-led classrooms are amazing, the confidence and public speaking skills are truly off-the-charts amazing to watch in these kids. I wish I'd had such an opportunity in my schooling in the 90's.
Thank you for this bit of great news. Green shoots. It gives me hope. This kind of education, where you are challenged by great teachers to read, argue, speak, and think critically, is exactly what America needs today. I hope this catches fire, and school choice is the vehicle to make that happen.
Well done, Julia. Interestingly to me, from reading comments and the proper editing by such, you are “preaching to the choir” here. I will wager that most children in school today would not be able to form an opinion and coherently be able or have the desire to share it here.
Julia - Good piece but improper use of the word 'morphed.' You probably wanted 'proliferated.' Get on your copy editor....
I haven't read all the comments but suggest Julia also look at Montessori and Higher Ground Education schools and what they may be doing.
Exceptionally well written, Julia!
Parents must do the best they can to educate their children to think, read and write in that order. Vouchers is an issue in Texas elections where I live. Tax money could be used for each child with parent’s discretion. Oh, I forgot…government knows best.
Thank you for this well-written article!
If we can keep this movement going it will teach more young people how to read, write, think, speak and debate. These new tools might give students confidence that they can grow and function and advance in the world. It may provide hope.
My daughter is in her 10th year teaching at Atlanta Classical. Go, ACA! I’m a huge fan of classical charters, but here’s the rub. They’re still public schools, which is why they’re “free.” They are subject to the whims of legislators and bureaucrats. Applications can be denied and charters revoked in one election cycle. The way around this pitfall is PRIVATE classical schools with obscenely rich endowments that can generously underwrite tuitions for low-income students. So all you Ivy alums looking to redirect your donations, how about banding together to launch and endow schools that truly educate their students, starting in kindergarten.
Amazing that the teachers unions which have incredible power, are trying to staunch this incredibly positive form of teaching......care only about themselves, don't give a damn about society.....oh...makes sense, they're Dems!
Amazing and hopeful article that seems to show the pendulum is swinging back more toward the center -- but is it too little too late?
This is just wonderful news! I have read several historians who believe the empires rise/empires fall trajectory is unavoidable. But I have hoped that our tradition of self-reliance and equality and individual rights might interrupt that trajectory. Looks like the restoration is starting.
When people find out that the so called new and improved versions don't work well they have a tendency to go back to what did. It just takes longer now, with social media and influencers, etc. etc. and so forth, for people to make the decision to improve their child's life by rejecting the mandatory and imposed version.
I sent my kids to a classical charter school from 2000-2010, then I sent them to local state universities. Little did I know how it would change them. They came home speaking a new language. Now trying to move them back to their classical roots. No small task.