A School for the Republic

"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves; nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe." -- Thomas Jefferson

America's commitment to self-government requires educated citizens.  The goal of a classical education is to instill two virtues of great importance to our republic:  wisdom and eloquence.   Through broad study of the liberal arts and sciences, students will learn to see what is timeless and universal in human nature and human institutions.  Reading old books as well as new, students will engage in "The Great Conversation" with thinkers throughout history,  and be challenged to move beyond immediate experience and contemporary concerns to gain an abiding appreciation of the true, the good, and the beautiful in life.  These fruits of a classical education lead to the highest outcome--wisdom--the knowledge of the world, well-developed ideals of what should be, and the character to act accordingly.

Democracy requires persuading others, which is why students must also acquire eloquence.  It is not enough to have a view of the true, the good, and the beautiful--citizens must be able to convey their perspective to others and engage in civil discourse to maintain and advance the republic.  Challenged to work with original sources and to defend a point of view using logic, students will develop their rhetorical skills at a young age and continue to hone them throughout their education.  By studying and articulating ideas about government from Plato to John Locke and beyond, our students learn the principles of American politics that enable statesmanship.