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Academics » Academic Distinctives

Academic Distinctives

Internalizing Knowledge –
 
  • Students commit essential facts to memory so that they are knowledgeable about subjects of learning and the world.
  • Students memorize important, beautiful, and powerful passages of poetry and prose so that the excellent uses of language become part of their way of thinking and presenting themselves.
  • Students hear or read a passage, then “tell it back” in their own words to expand comprehension and Own their knowledge.
 
kindergarten students photo
 
Thinking Analytically and Synthetically –
 
  • Students learn to analyze the structure of language (grammar) and thought (logic), making them better communicators and thinkers.
  • Students analyze the patterns, principles, and interconnected parts within a subject, making them better equipped for deep understanding and using knowledge and skills in creative and effective ways.
  • Students are challenged to practice humility, curiosity, close observation, intellectual tenacity, careful and precise thinking, and fair-mindedness, making them lifelong learners.
 
Latin and Modern Language Study –
 
The study of Latin has proven for centuries to
      • Aid in mastery of English language and grammar
      • Exercise the “logic muscles” to decode and discover meaning in words
      • Unlock to broad vocabulary building
      • Connect students to the historical heritage and foundation of our American understanding of individual rights and responsibilities, government, law, and civic engagement.
 
The study of Modern languages has the capacity to
      • Develop a better appreciation for the diversity of world cultures
      • Make students better users of language
      • Equip students to participate in the international community and marketplace
      • Become more fully human through exposure to richer human diversity
 
ht grad picture
 
Great Books and Big Ideas – 
 
  • Students read and discuss the enduring works that shape our modern American way of thinking, entering into that “great discussion” to consider what it means to live “a good life.”
  • Students complete a Senior Thesis, a capstone project in which they explore a ‘big idea” (“the transformational power of love,” “the individual and society,” “daily life and imagination,” “the limitations of freedom” for example) and explore both historical thought on such issues and their relevance to contemporary life. 
 
“Much not Many” and “Make Haste Slowly” –
 
  • We focus on learning the most pivotal pieces of knowledge deeply, rather than learning many things superficially.
  • We take the time to learn for mastery, laying the “groundwork” for more efficient learning at higher levels later in the education.