In this episode, Megan Atherton, an expert in classical Christian education, discusses whether classical schools are elitist. They explore the challenges of marketing and teacher approaches, teaching critical thinking without judgment, creating an environment of open discussion and respect, addressing concerns of elitism, and making classical education accessible to a wider range of students.
Classical education values excellence but also humility and gratitude, and schools should strive to create an environment that fosters respect and healthy discussions.
Parents and educators play a crucial role in building confidence and gratitude in students by praising effort, character, and virtue, and educators in classical schools emphasize dignity and a person's worth beyond their intelligence or academic achievements.
Deep dives
Classical education is not elitist
Classical education is often perceived as elitist due to its challenging curriculum, uniforms, and emphasis on Western civilization. However, it is important to recognize that classical education values excellence but also humility and gratitude. The danger of elitism lies in taking ourselves too seriously. Schools should strive to create an environment that fosters respect, open-mindedness, and healthy discussions. Classical education teaches critical thinking skills without breeding judgmental and elitist attitudes.
Building confidence and gratitude
Parents and educators play a crucial role in building confidence and gratitude in students. Parents should examine their own values and what they praise in their children. Praising effort, character, and virtue rather than just results or grades goes a long way in fostering confidence. Educators in classical schools are uniquely positioned to emphasize dignity and a person's worth beyond their intelligence or academic achievements. Students should understand that there are many pathways to a dignified life and intelligence does not determine a person's worth.
Classical education for all
Contrary to popular belief, classical education is for everyone who wants it. While there may be some limitations in accommodating specific learning needs, classical schools strive to be inclusive and accessible. Students of all backgrounds and abilities can be successful in a classical school environment. Patience and adjustment of expectations may be necessary during the transition, but classical schools are committed to providing a holistic education that values character, virtue, and the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.
Common Sense Classical as a resource
Common Sense Classical is a blog that aims to provide straightforward answers and resources about classical education. It serves as a valuable resource for parents interested in learning more about classical education and supporting their children's learning. The blog covers a range of topics related to the classical education experience, making it accessible and useful for both parents with children in classical schools and those new to the concept.
BaseCamp Live Episode #273: Are Classical Schools Elitist? Guest: Megan Atherton
Episode Summary:
In a world where the idea of excellence can sometimes be misconstrued as elitism, classical education is often scrutinized. Uniforms, a rigorous curriculum, and a culture that upholds values of truth, goodness, and beauty can sometimes give off an impression of exclusivity. But is classical Christian education truly elitist? Join us in this episode of BaseCamp Live as we delve into this question with Megan Atherton, Program Director and Founder of Common Sense Classical, and explore why classical education is far from being elitist.
Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions on classical Christian education, and join us next time on BaseCamp Live! Remember to subscribe, leave us a review, and reach out to us at info@basecamplive.com
Don't forget to visit basecamplive.com for more info and past episodes.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode