Academics

At Emmaus Academy, we cherish the rich traditions of classical education while embracing the dynamic influence of Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. With a vibrant community of approximately 140 students, ages 6-18, we are dedicated to cultivating a love for learning and a passion for truth, beauty, and goodness.

The Essence of Classical Education

Classical education is rooted in the trivium, a three-part process of training the mind. The trivium consists of the grammar, logic, and rhetoric stages, each corresponding to a child’s cognitive development. However, our approach also incorporates the broader framework of the Liberal Arts Tradition, as articulated by Kevin Clark and Ravi Jain, which extends beyond the trivium to include the cultivation of the virtues through the PGMAPT model.

Grammar Stage (Form I and II): At this stage, young students delight in memorization and are naturally adept at absorbing information. We capitalize on this by focusing on foundational knowledge—facts, rules, and the fundamentals of various subjects. Children learn phonics, spelling, grammar, arithmetic, and Latin, laying the groundwork for future learning. In addition, we develop the moral imagination through poetry, fairy tales, story, and song.

Logic Stage (Form III and IV): As students grow, they develop the capacity for abstract thought. The logic stage nurtures this by encouraging analytical thinking and the understanding of cause and effect. Students engage in more complex subjects like formal writing, algebraic reasoning, logic and debate, and scientific methods. They learn to argue well, discern fallacies, and understand the interconnectedness of ideas. They ask many, many questions. 

Rhetoric Stage (Form V and VI): In the final stage, students refine their understanding and begin to express their knowledge eloquently and persuasively. They delve into advanced studies, including literature, philosophy, theology, and rhetoric itself. This stage emphasizes the articulation of thoughts, enabling students to convey their ideas with clarity and conviction.

Beyond the Trivium: The Liberal Arts Tradition

The Liberal Arts Tradition expands the classical model to emphasize the integration of the seven liberal arts with the cultivation of wisdom and virtue. 

Cultivation of Virtue: We emphasize the formation of moral and intellectual virtues alongside academic pursuits. Through the study of classical texts, participation in community life, and engagement in service projects, students are encouraged to develop habits of mind and heart that reflect the character of Christ.

The Paideia of the Lord: We fulfill our calling in Christian classical education by developing “a curriculum that nourishes godly children, wise and ready to serve in the kingdom of God”.¹ We believe the only true education is a profoundly Christian education, which recognizes that its rights and responsibilities as granted to us by the Lord and by the parents to whom He has entrusted our students.

Integration: Our curriculum is designed to bridge the gap between the sciences and the humanities, encouraging students to see the interconnectedness of all knowledge. This integrated approach nurtures a well-rounded intellect and prepares students to engage thoughtfully with the world.

Charlotte Mason’s Influence

Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy beautifully complements the classical model. She emphasized a broad curriculum, the importance of living books over dry textbooks, and the cultivation of good habits. Her methods encourage students to develop a love for learning through narration, nature study, and the arts.

Living Books: Instead of textbooks, we use living books—works written by passionate authors who convey their subjects with narrative skill and enthusiasm. This approach makes learning more engaging and memorable.

Narration: A cornerstone of Mason’s methodology, narration involves students retelling what they have learned in their own words. This practice reinforces understanding and retention, while also developing communication skills.

Nature Study: Regular interaction with nature fosters a sense of wonder and respect for God’s creation. Students maintain nature journals, observing and recording the changing seasons and the intricacies of the natural world.

Habits and Virtues: We prioritize the formation of good habits and virtues. Mason believed that character is formed through the cultivation of habits, and we integrate this into our daily routines, guiding students in habits of attention, diligence, and truthfulness.

The Hybrid: A Unique Model for the 21st century Homeschool

Our hybrid model blends the best of classical education with the flexibility of modern homeschooling. Students attend classes on campus for part of the week, engaging in direct instruction, collaborative projects, and hands-on activities. On the remaining days, they continue their studies at home under the guidance of their parents.

On-Campus Days: During on-campus days, students participate in discussions, receive instruction from experienced teachers, and engage in group activities that enrich their learning experience. The small class sizes ensure personalized attention and foster a close-knit community.

At-Home Days: On at-home days, parents take an active role in their children’s education, guiding them through assignments and projects that reinforce and expand upon what was learned in class. This partnership between home and school allows for a customized learning experience that meets the needs of each student.

Community and Faith

Our school is more than an academic institution; it is a community grounded in Christian faith. We believe that education is not just about the acquisition of knowledge, but the formation of the whole person. Students are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Christ and to live out their faith in their daily lives.

Conclusion

At Emmaus Academy, we are committed to providing an education that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. By integrating the classical model with Charlotte Mason’s rich educational philosophy, we offer a unique and holistic approach to learning. Our hybrid model provides the structure and community of a traditional school, with the flexibility and personalization of homeschooling. Join us in this journey of discovery and growth, where education is not just preparation for life, but a joyous and fulfilling part of life itself!

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^{1. [Clark, Kevin, and Ravi Scott Jain. “Calling, Culture, and Curriculum.” The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Classical Christian Education, Revised ed., Version 2.0, Classical Academic Press, Camp Hill, PA, 2019, pp. 212–213.]↩}