The question of pros and cons of classical education came up recently as young parents with pre-kindergarteners wanted to know: should they embark on the classical education model? For some, there was no question: they were truly devoted to the idea from their own perspective, and were confident that their children would be as well, and, if the children were not, there was plenty of time to find out.
Then there is the second group. These parents are attracted by the idea of a classical education, its seriousness, its high ideals, its unwavering devotion to at least the idea of truth and seeking that truth diligently, but they were worried. Was there, perhaps, a downside to classical education? Would their child be effected by the downside?
I have to admit there *is* a downside, and I put together this chart so that these parents who are concerned can refer to it and see how they think their child would respond to these possible classical education pitfalls. And classical educators and administrators may want to read the chart to muse on whether they are part of the problem or part of the solution … (hides behind desk)
| PROS | CONS | |
| LITERATURE AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY: ACADEMIC OUTCOMES | ||
| In the classical model, there is an attempt to read “the best that is thought and said.” In primary school, this tends to go well; nursery rhymes and poetry are popular with young children. In the intermediate years, likewise, children enjoy reading classic tales of adventure. In high school, more difficult and serious books are read. Language and speaking skills developed from these books tend to be higher-order and impressive. | Some middle and high school students may reject classical book choices because they seem remote from current situations and life. In addition, some students may reject them because of their difficulty. Teachers may not be skilled in differentiating the work, and less able students may fall through the cracks. | |
| The study of Latin is critical in the classical curriculum, at least in high school. This has the effect of raising SAT scores and, it is argued, reading ability in English.
Foreign language study also improves understanding of world cultures and unquestionably sharpens the mind. |
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| MATH: ACADEMIC OUTCOMES | ||
| Math in a classical school tends to be challenging and rigorous. Students will probably have high-level curriculum such as Saxon or Singapore math. | Finding good math teachers, always a challenge for any school, can be harder in charter or specialized schools. Support for struggling students and extensions for higher-level students may be lacking. Hands on projects that make math more vital and real are often skipped. | |
| Science is often taught well in classical education; there tends to be an emphasis on the scientific method and the more-proven and researched areas of science. | ||
| MORAL CHARACTER/ETHICS | ||
| Students should receive a sound curriculum in moral philosophy and citizenship from an ancient as well as modern civil perspective. Some classical schools are religious in nature and teach from that perspective as well. | If teachers are not themselves highly principled and compassionate, the high-minded messages they give about moral thinking and life may seem hypocritical to students and ultimately be ineffective. | |
| PREPARATION FOR ADULT WORK | ||
| Classical education teaches a strong work ethic. Students know what’s expected of them and how to follow directions. In general, a humanities education has been shown to be a strong preparation for college work, and to some degree, a good preparation for non-college fields as well. | Students who want to be in technical or trade fields may be upset by lack of opportunity for technical classes. | |
| EMOTIONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING SPORTS | ||
| Tends to teach virtues explicitly and demonstrate strong justice. Publicly funded schools have some counseling and support services as mandated by law. | Because of the academic focus, students who are strong academically but have personal problems may just be ignored. Classical education teachers tend to be strong in their subject matter but may not be skilled at handling students’ socio-emotional development. Of course, that may be true with other schools as well. | |
| Some classical schools are hugely into traditional classical education sports, some have regular local sports, such as football and basketball. Likewise, there are schools which have a great deal of extra curricular activities. Check individual schools. | If your child is interested in a sport or activity and the school doesn’t have it, that can actually be a very serious ‘con.’ Some classical schools don’t have well-developed sports and extra curricular programs. | |
| PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET | ||
| Tend to be solid and organized people, not the type who are routinely late or fail to show up. Some can be very intellectual, others rather straight laced … but over all, they tend to be people you’d want in your court. It’s good to remember that there are various reasons for choosing a classical education, however. | Over the years, most of my best friends have been classical education teachers and parents. That said, there are those individuals in classical ed who are pretty hard-core judgemental, in terms of religion or politics. And classical education sometimes attracts true “fringe” types, sovereign citizens, thousand-guns-in-the basement types. | |
| CONVENIENCE | ||
| Many classical schools are K-8 or even K-12, meaning you don’t have to switch schools as the children age. Required materials are simple and straightforward. Homework and projects tend to be things parents understand and can easily support. | If the school is not in your neighborhood, you’ll probably have to drive because most private and charter schools have no bus service. | |
| COST | ||
| Classical charter schools are free like regular public schools. | Classical private schools may cost between $6000 to $20,000 a year or more. | |
| DISCIPLINE | ||
| High expectations means that classrooms are rarely loud or rowdy. Routines and deadlines tend to be clear. So does discipline in the office. | Students who struggle with self control may find the high discipline standards difficult. |
