Classical Education

A Timeless Approach to Learning

  • What is Classical Education?

    At Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences, classical education is rooted in the time-honored pursuit of wisdom and virtue. It is a robust, structured, and meaningful approach to learning that builds a strong foundation in language, logic, and critical thinking through the trivium, the three stages of learning: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Our approach integrates the study of Latin.

  • What is the Goal of Classical Education?

    A classical education at Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences seeks to develop the whole student—mind, heart, and soul—by fostering deep intellectual engagement and moral excellence. Rather than training students solely for specialized careers, we emphasize the formation of thinkers, leaders, and lifelong learners.

    The trivium structures learning into three progressive stages:

    The Grammar Stage (Early Years): Students absorb knowledge through memorization, repetition, and foundational skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic.

    The Logic Stage (Middle Years): Students learn to analyze, question, and think critically, honing their ability to reason through complex ideas.

    The Rhetoric Stage (Upper Years): Students refine their communication skills, expressing themselves eloquently and persuasively in both spoken and written form.

    By following this natural progression, students learn how to learn—a skill more valuable than mere information retention. Classical education resists modern trends of fragmented and superficial learning, instead fostering depth, discipline, and a love for truth.

  • What Distinguishes a Classical Education?

    At Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences, education is not simply about acquiring knowledge; it is about mastery, discipline, and purpose. True education is not dictated by fleeting trends but by enduring wisdom.

    Our curriculum is robust—grounded in the study of classical languages, history, literature, philosophy, and the sciences. Students engage deeply with the Great Books, learning from history’s most profound thinkers, from Socrates to Augustine, from Dante to Shakespeare. This shared intellectual heritage equips them to contribute meaningfully to society, bridging the past with the future.

    A student of classical education does not merely acquire facts but develops habits of the mind—logic, discernment, and eloquence. This approach ensures they are prepared not just for academic success but for life itself, instilled with the virtues of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty.

  • Why is Latin the Core of a Classical Curriculum?

    Latin is a pillar of classical education at Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences. More than just a language, it is a powerful tool that trains the mind in precision, discipline, and analytical thinking. Latin forms the foundation of many modern languages, strengthens vocabulary, and cultivates the ability to understand complex structures in writing and reasoning.

    Studying Latin is not merely an academic exercise—it is an intellectual discipline that refines thought, enhances comprehension, and unlocks the rich heritage of Western civilization. To study Latin is to engage in a tradition of rigorous thought and clarity of expression that is unmatched in modern education.

  • Who Benefits from a Classical Education?

    Everyone. A well-planned classical education is not exclusive to a select few but is a gift that can benefit all students. At Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences, we recognize the dignity and potential of every learner. Our curriculum is designed to be accessible yet rigorous, structured yet adaptable, ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds thrive in an environment that values intellectual excellence and character development.

  • How Does Our Curriculum Ensure Success?

    At Porter Academy of Arts and Sciences, we believe that students are capable of great achievement when given the right tools. Our curriculum follows a structured yet flexible framework that includes:

    Carefully curated classical literature and historical texts

    Explicit instruction in logic, debate, and rhetoric

    Latin and classical languages for linguistic and analytical strength

    Immersive exposure to the arts, music, and scientific inquiry

    Strong emphasis on virtue, discipline, and moral character

    Our method is intentional and robust, ensuring that students develop both the intellect and the discipline needed for a lifelong pursuit of wisdom.