What is an Orthodox Classical Education?

Orthodox classical education is the cultivation of wisdom and virtue by nourishing the soul on the True, the Good, and the Beautiful, so that the child, in Christ, can achieve theosis (deification).

In practice, what does this mean?

The students in our school will be hearing, and then reading, beautiful words; they will be listening to wonderful music, and learning to make music themselves; they will be shown great works of art and architecture from around the world; and they will be constantly reminded of the wondrous works of the Lord.

“O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.” Psalm 104:24

Our students will memorize poetry and Bible verses so they can train their memory with profound and meaningful language. They will master mathematical and scientific concepts and go on extended nature walks so they can notice the intricate beauty of the created world around them and become the Lord’s faithful stewards.

They will learn grammar, logic, and rhetoric through instruction steeped in conversations about morals and virtue so they can use their words skillfully for the betterment of the people around them. And they will begin and end each day raising their voices in prayer and praise, celebrating the feasts of the Church and her glorious saints.

The stages of learning

The Trivium

Proposed curriculum

Curriculum at a Glance

Science, art, music, and physical education follow the history timeline wherever possible, so each subject sheds light on the others.

Subject	Grades 1–2	Grades 3–4	Grades 5–6
History	Ancient World to Middle Ages	Renaissance to Modern Period	Ancient World (again!) and Canada
Science	Biology, classification, the human body, earth sciences, astronomy	Chemistry, physics, computer science	Advanced biology, classification, the human body, earth sciences, astronomy
Languages	French	French and Latin (its extremely regular grammar helps teach the basics of language)
Reading	Phonics-based reading support, read-alouds (novels, myths, fables, stories, poems), narration (recounting what you just heard), and memorizing and reciting poetry and Bible verses
Writing	Word and sentence dictation, printing and cursive practice, grammar, and writing prompts and analysis from Grade 3 (Scriptorium program)
Mathematics	Based on Kate Snow’s Math with Confidence: a spiral curriculum with incremental learning, games for large and small groups, and books that solidify learning, so students can move at their own pace
The Arts	Singing (liturgical music, Canadian songs, seasonal songs) working towards harmony; listening to music, attending concerts, and composers’ biographies; painting, drawing, and colour theory; drama and dance
Physical Education	Skills and exercises, cooperative play, and good sportsmanship, tied to the timeline where possible (Olympic sports with Ancient Greece, games from Africa with African civilizations)

Sample schedule

A Day at St. Athanasius

Long, unhurried blocks for language and mathematics in the morning, with plenty of time outdoors, and the afternoon given to history, geography, the arts, science, and physical education.

Time	Activity
8:45–8:55	Entry
9:00–9:20	Morning assembly
9:25–9:40	Homeroom time
9:45–11:30	Language block
11:35–12:15	Recess: outdoor play
12:20–12:55	Lunch
1:00–1:45	Mathematics block
1:50–2:15	Snack and recess
2:20–3:40	History, geography, arts, science, and physical education block
3:45–4:00	End of school day
4:00–5:00	After-school care: homework help (older grades), games, and playing outside

Watch

Our Introductory Seminar

For a longer discussion of what Christian classical education is and how it differs from mainstream education, along with our proposed curriculum and a sample schedule, watch the recording of our January 2026 seminar.