2024 Sam Newell Road · Matthews, NC 28105 · 704-841-2292 · info@blessedsacramentacademy.org
In keeping with the goals of traditional Catholic education, BSA offers a classical curriculum suited to the intellectual and spiritual needs of its students.
A classical education teaches children to think, to make distinctions, to follow an argument, and eventually, to use their powers of reason to make right judgments. A classical curriculum is not concerned primarily with accumulating facts, but rather in imparting the tools (and the love) of learning.
The student's mind is immersed in what is intrinsically worth knowing. Such knowledge is appreciated for its own sake, not because it is "useful," but because it is good, true, and beautiful. The mind is trained to desire what is good and reject what is not.
In the earliest years, the child learns how to learn, building fundamental skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. The power of memory is developed and filled with rich images. Exposure to the beauty and harmony of God's creation, in poetry, music, art and other cultural treasures, encourages the child to appreciate excellence.
As the child matures, his mind becomes ready to express ideas about the subjects studied. While care is given to the selection of good subject matter, what is taught is the method of thinking, observing, expressing opinion, and drawing conclusions.
Entering the middle school years, students trained in this classical approach will be able to construct an intellectual argument through analysis and discussion. Their powers of reason are applied to everything they study; their minds can appreciate finer distinctions and discern what is true and what is false.
Small classes are critical to the success of this teaching method. Interactions with the teacher and the other students are rich, and there is ample time for discussion and debate. "Grade level" does not restrict the students' progress; they advance to more challenging material as their minds are ready. Mixed-age classrooms benefit all, as learning is seen as a fluid endeavor that proceeds at varied rates for each student in every subject.
Spiritual formation is at the heart of a classical education. An attitude of intellectual curiosity must have at its root an appreciation for God and all His wondrous works. The moral virtues are essential, for one must be disciplined and willing in order to learn well.
Specific curriculum sources are available from our admissions director upon request.
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