TEACHING GOODNESS, TRUTH, AND BEAUTY
CLASSICALLY-INSPIRED
LEARNING
A comprehensive approach to education that develops students’ hearts and minds so they can be empowered to think for themselves, live good and meaningful lives, and possess a solid foundation in the classical texts, timeless values, and rich history that shaped our heritage.
WHAT ARE THE PILLARS
OF OUR CLASSICALLY-INSPIRED APPROACH?
The Three Arts of Learning (Trivium) - Our classically-inspired approach acknowledges the stages of student development. In the Grammar Stage (grades TK-5), students develop foundational literacy skills, memorize important content, and learn stories that foster cultural literacy. In the Logic Stage (grades 6-9), students expand upon their grammar foundations and begin to think logically and critically, and construct clear arguments. In the Rhetoric Stage (grades 10-12), students apply their grammar and logic skills to solve problems, create art and music, and develop important leadership skills.
Great Books - The AHCS Great Books curriculum allows students to explore timeless and diverse works of literature, philosophy, art, and history. Students learn to approach these masterpieces, consider their arguments, and apply important ideas to their own lives. A key component of the Great Books program is the Socratic seminar, where students engage in meaningful discussions with their peers based on their reading assignments.
Virtue and Ethics Curriculum - The third pillar of the AHCS classically-inspired approach places a strong emphasis on virtue and ethics, with a focus on developing strong character. Through an integrated curriculum spanning all subjects and grade levels, students learn the importance of good character and citizenship through stories, songs, and literature.
WHY DO WE EMBRACE
CLASSICALLY-INSPIRED LEARNING?
At AHCS, we are incredibly proud of our thirty-year history of academic success. This achievement is largely due to our core educational philosophy: a back-to-basics curriculum, high expectations for students, rigorous academic standards, and the continuous improvement of the educational experience.
With such a successful track record, why embrace classically inspired learning?
We realize that embracing a classically-inspired educational approach is the best way to honor our legacy, improve academic achievement, and meet the current needs of our community. Classical education excels at preparing students to be successful after graduation, and prepares them to be civically engaged.
The AHCS staff is confident that our classically-educated graduates will step into college, the workplace, and civic leadership positions with a strong foundation and the core values to be successful leaders in our community.
HOW DOES THE AHCS CORE KNOWLEDGE SEQUENCE
FIT INTO OUR CLASSICALLY-INSPIRED APPROACH?
A foundational belief of the AHCS curriculum is that all students should have access to a shared body of knowledge that is necessary for the development of cultural literacy and further learning. The AHCS Core Knowledge Sequence spans grades TK-12.
At the heart of the AHCS Core Knowledge Sequence are three principles:
- Common foundational knowledge is essential for a functioning society. This shared understanding fosters effective communication, critical thinking, and civic engagement.
- Direct teaching of essential facts, concepts, and skills are necessary to ensure all students have access to the same foundational knowledge.
- The AHCS Core Knowledge Sequence prioritizes the teaching of specific content that has been carefully selected to provide a broad and balanced education, rather than focusing solely on skills or state mandated standards.
WHO BENEFITS
FROM CLASSICALLY-INSPIRED LEARNING?
Students - Our classical approach to education equips students with foundational reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking skills, which prepares them for success in high school and beyond. Our students receive a complete, well-rounded education that builds character and confidence. Grounding our approach in the AHCS Core Knowledge Sequence ensures that all students develop cultural literacy, and experience a sense of belonging that encourages them to contribute to our democratic society.
Families - We offer many opportunities for parents to learn alongside their children. Throughout the school year, we offer classical learning seminars and presentations that empower parents as their children’s primary educators. Our classically-inspired education fosters a positive learning culture that encourages both students and parents to be life-long learners.
The AHCS Staff - In the classical education method, teachers are not considered “experts” who have nothing left to learn. Teachers, like their students, are lifelong learners who lead by example in their own personal search for truth, and receive incredible insight from dialoguing with their students.
Our Community - Our classically-educated students will become the civic leaders of tomorrow. Our society will only benefit from well-formed men and women becoming the business owners, inventors, politicians, and thought leaders of the future.
HOW DO WE EMPOWER PARENTS
TO BE LIFELONG LEARNERS?
CONSORTIO (“Companionship and Conversation”) - AHCS partners with parents to build community by offering monthly classical education presentations. Presently, these presentations are available for parents whose students are in grades TK-2 (we will be expanding this offering to parents of higher grade levels each year). These presentations will cover significant classically-inspired learning topics, including:
- “Classical Education at AHCS”
- “Wonder and Attention: Notebooking/ Three Questions of Inquiry”
- “Nurturing and Guiding Curiosity in our Children”
- “What is Virtue and Why is it Important?“
COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUMS - AHCS will host symposiums during the 2024-2025 school year for AHCS parents and the community. Each symposium will address important issues in education and will include interesting guest speakers, faculty, and community leaders. More details to come.
