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University-Model & Classical Education

What is Classical Education?

Classical education involves three stages–Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric–also known as the Trivium. In Latin, Trivium means “the three ways” or “the three roads.” Grammar is the mechanics of a language; Logic (or dialectic) is the mechanics of thought and analysis; Rhetoric is the use of language to instruct and persuade.  Typical literature and poetry are also covered in Classical Education.

Each stage of the Trivium educates students as they learn to apply knowledge and think independently.
To learn more about classical Christian education, visit the Association of Classical Christian Schools (ACCS).

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Grammar

Grades 1-4

The Grammar stage (grades 1-4) of knowledge covers core subjects like math, science, English and history. The English courses include subjects like grammar, spelling, composition, and Latin. During the elementary years, students in Grammar accumulate and memorize information about each subject while forming a knowledge base for the second and third stages of instruction, Logic and Rhetoric.

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Logic

Grades 5-8

In the Logic phase (grades 5-8), students take their knowledge foundation into reason, where the student begins to realize principles and gain a better understanding of all subject in general. During the logic years, students synthesize this foundational information to reason, realize principles, and gain an overall understanding of each subject.

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Rhetoric

Grades 9-12

In the Rhetoric phase (grades 9-12), students use an accumulation of understanding and knowledge to learn communications skills both written and oral while incorporating wisdom into their education. During this stage, final preparation for college and life is a key focus, including guidance and mentorship to assist with the next phase of a student's life.

Pre-Grammar (PK - K)

Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten classes are designed to take full advantage of a young child's God-given disposition to learn. Children in this stage of the classical model possess an innate love for learning. Second Baptist School University-Model will maximize this zeal by offering much more than the traditional exploration and social skill activities. Through partnering with parents, we will strive every day to build a solid foundation in which each child will learn to view his/her surroundings, assimilate information and make decisions based on Christ-focused truths."

Pre-Grammar also  includes learning to read through direct phonics instruction, handwriting, literature, introduction to science through in depth study of animals and the human body. Pre-Grammar involves a rigorous math program including manipulatives, games and written work. Centers serve to reinforce objectives, learn to work alongside peers and increase fine motor skills.

Grammar (Grades 1 - 4)

The focus of the Grammar phase is to lay the foundation of knowledge. Children in grades 1-4 are able to memorize remarkable amounts of information. Memorized data will serve as foundational building blocks for the Logic (grades 5-8) and Rhetoric (grades 9-12) phases of learning. The spelling program in Grammar is the building blocks of words, including 70 basic phonograms and 28 spelling rules, in order to decode and encode with confidence. Progress from "learn-to-read" to "read-to-learn" occurs in the Grammar phase through continuation of individual reading programs. Students study the structure of sentences, paragraphs and basic narratives as through labeling, diagramming, dissecting, and writing processes. Additionally, students move from a conceptual math into a more procedural spiral method of math instruction.

 The foundations set in the Grammar phase naturally flow into the Logic and Rhetoric phases. These two phases focus on understanding and wisdom. Students will be able to explore typical classroom subjects as well as deep diving into art, classic literature, scripture, poetry, Latin, Greek, and Spanish.

Logic (Grades 5-8)

The focus of the Logic phase is understanding and organizing thought processes. Students will begin to interpret and understand much of what they have memorized during the Grammar phase. The instructional strategies of classical education correspond to this developmental phase where students naturally begin to question. The Logic School will teach students to think both Biblically and critically about the subjects they have been exploring in the Grammar phase, challenging them to consider the questions of “why” and “how” in all their pursuits.

Rhetoric (Grades 9-12)

Rhetoric students learn to speak and write across all subject areas with eloquence, good diction and winsome presence. Through engaging in oval Harkness table discussions, students will learn to present knowledge of the truth authentically and persuasively. Rhetoric training prepares students for positions of leadership in any endeavor, whether in the sciences, humanities, business, politics, or the arts.