what is classical education

My friend Lori has been doing a series on what Classical Education is. So for those that wonder what it entails...especially if you don't have time to sit down and read books on it...she has been outlining it in a "to the point" condensed way. If you want the "nutshell" of classical education check out part 1. Here's a little snippet of part 2A:

"All free men, regardless of the work they will eventually pursue, need a measure of knowledge, understanding and wisdom which will enable them to lead virtuous lives. Therefore, classical ed neglects, for a time, strictly utilitarian, job-specific skills in favor of cultivating a mastery of language, perspicuity of thought and purity of life."

She goes on to say:

"The goal, then, of Classical Education is not for its students to achieve high SAT scores, be accepted at an Ivy League school, obtain a particular job, reach a certain level of financial gain, or to be labeled as successful, but rather to acquire wisdom which will enable its possessor to live well in every capacity of life - his home, his workplace, his neighborhod, his community, and his world."

In part 2B she also covers the goal of Christian Classical Education, to "live well", by saying:

"It means to manifest honesty, integrity, faithfulness, sobriety, respect, determination, compassion, charity, patience, generosity and selflessness....In order to last, true virtue must be rooted in Christianity. Unless firmly grounded and held in place by a system of belief, it will be blown about by every new wind, or blown away like chaff."

Lori did a good job clearly explaining Classical Education (and is continuing to) on her blog. So if you're curious, do read it. I get asked a lot about what Classical Education is and I don't feel like I explain it well...as I'm still learning about what it fully entails.