Martin Luther, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein all received a classical education. It is a time-tested system. In fact, the classical model reigned supreme until a shift to “progressive education” began under leaders such as Horace Mann and John Dewey in the late nineteenth century.

The classical model follows the Trivium, a pattern of instruction that corresponds to three stages of childhood development:

1. Grammar (grades K-6)—Knowledge This first stage satisfies the child’s natural curiosity and sponge-like capacity through memorization of the essential facts and vocabulary of each subject.  

2. Logic (grades 7-9)—Understanding Emphasis on reasoning and formal logic is coupled with debates and in-class discussion. This corresponds well to a natural tendency in students of this age to question and argue about everything.

3. Rhetoric (grades 10-12)—Wisdom Emphasis on public speaking and formal writing prepares students to communicate thoughtful conclusions and a growing individuality to others.