Scholé Groups Are…

Classical

Our Groups are committed to a classical course of studies, a path that has been tried and proven since ancient times. The long tradition of classical Christian education has emphasized the seeking after of truth, goodness, and beauty and the study of the liberal arts and the great books. A classical education should be like a stroll through a garden of delight. As with any good walk, there may be digressions, but the main path—the key spots and visitations—should be known. The Groups follow a core sequence of studies, which includes Latin, logic, writing, and rhetoric as well as the great books, mathematics, and science. Because each Group is unique in its setting and composition, we encourage our groups to structure their community time according to the specific needs and goals of their co-op, focusing on certain areas of study together and others individually in their homes. Likewise, we encourage each group to use the tools and published resources they find most fitting and helpful.

Restful

Our Groups are united by their pursuit of restfulness in learning, or scholé. The word (pronounced skoh-LAY) comes from a Greek word that means “restful learning,” with the connotation of “contemplation,” “conversation,” and “reflection.” Ironically, it is also the basis for our English word school, which no longer holds for us these restful connotations. The Groups seek deep engagement that results in enjoyable, permanent learning that is free from anxiety—that is, they seek to put the skoh-LAY back into (home) schools. The concept cuts across the grain of modern education and therefore takes a principled commitment to the ideal in order to be implemented and realized. We provide each Group with a variety of educational and practical resources for understanding and implementing scholé in their communities.