Classical Education: The Trivium – A Brief Overview

Note: Within the Classical Trivium, there are obvious overlaps as a child moves through each learning stage. In the end, the Classical Trivium seeks to cooperate with the developmental and learning tendencies God has given children.

Grammar- Grades K-6

Elementary. Also known as the Poll-Parrot stage, the Grammar stage is a time to excite children about learning, while filling them full of interesting and essential facts, such as math tables, geography, dates, events, plant and animal classifications and characteristics; anything that lends itself to easy repetition and assimilation in a young mind. Material is presented in interactive, fun ways that encourage young students to learn and parrot back. During the Grammar stage, children possess a great natural ability to memorize large amounts of material, even though they may not always understand its significance. The grammar stage capitalizes on a child’s natural tendency to please and trust their teachers. As Christian disciples, it is essential that self-confidence and a life-long love for reading and learning be cultivated during the Grammar stage.

Logic- Grades 7-8

Junior High. Also known as the Pert or Dialectic stage, the Pert stage is a time when a young person is not only interested in learning facts. During this stage, the student begins to use reason to ask questions based upon what was learned during the Grammar stage. This is an exciting and challenging time for students and teachers. It is at this stage that formal logic is introduced. As Christian disciples, the desired outcome is clear: logical thinking and the ability to separate truth from fiction and fact from theory.

Rhetoric- Grades 9-12

High School. Also known as the Poetic stage, this is the stage during which students are taught to apply the facts of grammar and utilize logic in their thinking. Creative thinking and problem solving do not spring forth from a void, but come from a vital foundation of content and organized thought. Rhetorical skills are taught so as to leverage grammar (basics) and logic (sound thinking) into the student’s academic interests, future educational specializations, and potential employment options. As Christian disciples, the goal for graduates from this stage is the capacity to dream big dreams, conquer life’s challenges, and in particular, provide clear, articulate responses to questions of faith. Our hope is that Rhetoric graduates will be able followers of Jesus Christ.

Class Sizes

Class sizes at veritas are kept small compared to other schools in the area. Small class sizes allow students to receive more personal instruction. Class caps are as follows:

15/1 – K-Quest- Kindergarten

18/1- 1st- 4th grades

20/1- 5th-6th grades

25/1- 7th-12th grades