The Trivium
The term Trivium refers to the three foundational liberal arts: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. At Parnassus, we believe that the Trivium not only illustrates the the cycle of learning, but that the three phases of the Trivium also correspond to the stages of child development. Each of our three schools uses a distinct pedagogical approach tailored to the interests and abilities of students as they grow and learn.
Our Schools
School of Grammar
The first stage of the classical Trivium, the Grammar phase, takes advantage of the young student’s great natural ability to absorb large amounts of material, whether math facts, rules of phonics, principles of science, or another language. At Parnassus, grades Prima through Fourth Level Grammar (Kindergarten – Fourth Grade in traditional schools) focus on the foundation of each subject in preparation for all future studies. In the School of Grammar, students’ lives are enriched through the study of mathematics, science, and art — including art history, music, and poetry, and through exposure to classic works of English and world literature.
School of Logic
School of Logic Students are interested in cause and effect, and the way facts fit together in a logical framework. They analyze, evaluate, and critique information and begin to think independently.
School of Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of communicating well. Once the student has obtained solid knowledge of the facts and has developed the skills to arrange those facts into arguments, the student learns the art of communication.
Classical Education
A classical education cultivates wisdom and virtue by nourishing the individual with truth, beauty, and goodness. Students at Parnassus Preparatory School pursue wisdom and virtue at every level and in each of the many disciplines offered to them. Parnassus Preparatory School’s academic focus is on developing thoughtful, literate, and expressive graduates through classical education, a time-tested model that is systematic and comprehensive. Our distinction is in the liberal arts classical curriculum.
LIBERAL, in liberal arts, comes from the Latin word “libertas” meaning “freedom.” The American Association for the Advancement of Science describes a liberal arts education as one that “produces persons who are open-minded; conscious of their opinions and judgments; reflective of their actions; and aware of their place in the social and natural worlds.” In short, those who are educated in the liberal arts model, are trained to think for themselves.
CLASSICAL education was first developed during the Middle Ages. The original goal was to provide a systematic, memorable framework to teach human knowledge. This education has produced some of the greatest thinkers, leaders, and scientists in the Western world from the time of the Greeks through the late 19th century and beyond.
Language-Based
A classical education is more than just a pattern of learning. First, it is language-focused, meaning learning is accomplished through written and spoken words versus images such as videos and television. In language-focused learning, the mind needs to work harder to “decode” a symbol (words) into concepts. Images, on the other hand, allow the mind to be passive and enjoy the translation from words into already completed concepts.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Mathematics and Science
The study of mathematics and science is core to the Parnassus classical curriculum. Our scholars study mathematics daily and learn about the sciences throughout their academic career at Parnassus. As a classical school, Parnassus guides the students through making connections among the branches of science, between science and history, and the rules of logic. The scientific method is implemented through investigation and experimentation. Students read biographies of scientists, bringing history, mathematics, and science closer together.
History – Academic Structure
All knowledge is interrelated for the classical learner, and subjects are not studied in isolation. For example, the reading of Homer’s The Odyssey allows the student to consider Greek history, the nature of heroism and courage, and the development of the epic model. However, making such interdisciplinary links is no small task given the thousands of years of accumulated information, knowledge, and fields of study. A classical education at Parnassus meets this challenge by teaching history as the back bone for learning, beginning with the ancients and progressing forward to the modern period in history, science, literature, art, and music. Parnassus structures its academic program based on four periods in history. Our students study these four periods in a cycle of four years going deeper each time the history period is covered — first in the School of Grammar, followed by repeating it in the School of Logic, and finally again in the School of Rhetoric.
*Note: 2R level students study the Medieval through Modern periods in one year, allowing 3Rs and 4Rs to take other challenging courses.
Classical Education Myths
As thousands of parents choose a classical education for their children, many more are left with questions. Unfamiliarity with the classical method seems to have given rise to some common myths and misconceptions around the classical model. While one may find some truth in each myth, we believe concerns about classical education will begin to fade as one’s knowledge about it increases — resulting in the same enthusiasm that has motivated thousands of parents to return to this proven education method.
Myth #1: Classical education was fine for back then, but now we need modern education in a modern world.
Fact: Classical education teaches students facts, provides them with the logical tools to use those facts, and perfects their ability to relate those facts to others. This fundamental skill–set is more valuable today than it has ever been.
The process of teaching students to think extends far beyond filling their heads with knowledge. Modern education, to varying degrees, has succeeded in teaching facts and some skills. Classical education helps students draw original, creative, and accurate conclusions from facts and then formulate those conclusions into logical and persuasive arguments.
Modern subjects based in science and technology are taught in classical schools, through classical methods. Parents who are exposed to classical education recognize that its “back to the basics” approach contrasts with the distractions of modern education. Is the classical method applicable in a modern, technological age? Absolutely! The technology we have today was invented, in large part, by the classically educated. Man inhabited the earth for thousands of years without developing computational technology until the last two hundred years. It is no coincidence that the groundwork for these achievements was laid within the last 400 years when classical education was at its height. Classical education teaches children the timeless skills of thinking, reasoning, logic, and expression. Our subject matter is as up-to-date as that found in any modern school. We simply add further depth and dimension through this time-tested method which is unseen in most modern schools.
Myth #2: My child is not intelligent enough to attend a classical school.
Fact: Students at Parnassus vary in intelligence from “exceptionally intelligent” to “below grade level.” Many parents assume that a classical education is only accessible to “gifted” children, but that is simply not the case.
In fact, all children benefit greatly from the classical method. Until the early 20th century, there was no substantial alternative. If you were educated in Western society prior to 1850 you were classically educated, regardless of your level of intelligence.
As is usually the case, myths start from a spark of reality. Many parents will observe the curriculum of Parnassus and assume the children are abnormally bright. In reality, classical education challenges children and is uniquely able to leverage their natural abilities during different stages of childhood. In short, we take ordinary children and deliver extraordinary results by employing proven methods tested for centuries.
Myth #3: Classical education is too extreme.
Fact: This myth usually stems from the fact that classical education is very different from today’s conventional education. Parents are rightfully skeptical of anything that differs so boldly from the norm.
However, classical education was the norm just about 100 years ago. Almost all of the world’s great authors, scientists, statesmen, and politicians were classically educated.
Conventional education has taken an experimental approach to educating our children over the past few decades. This constant state of change in education creates an environment where anything “traditional” seems extreme. Classical education provides a basic structure upon which we can build effective, successful students. We are not advocating an experiment; rather, we are seeking a return to a system that was proven effective for over 1,000 years.
Myth #4: Classical education is unnecessarily difficult.
Fact: Children enjoy learning. They are wired for it. Assuming that a child will not be able to succeed in a challenging environment is tempting, but simply untrue.
A common assumption is that a demanding curriculum results in unhappy children. As adults, learning new things can be uncomfortable. However, most children are fascinated by what they learn at Parnassus. The students studying Latin at Parnassus beam with excitement as they become able to converse with one another in a language that most adults do not understand. The rich and complex texture of classic and classical literature is strangely amplified by youth. The science and history of Western Civilization come alive for those who hunger to know about their world.
The spark of truth in Myth #4 may lie in our philosophy on grading at Parnassus. As public school, grade point averages (GPAs) continue to edge upward (even though our national standardized test scores related to other countries continue to be disappointing), parents of students in classical schools find that a “C” truly means their child is doing average work in a particular subject. It is important that grading standards be upheld and that students earn their marks. This can create some frustration among students who are accustomed to achieving “easy As” in other schools.
Myth #5: Classical schools seem too harsh.
Fact: This myth seems to have begun with Hollywood’s negative view of anything traditional, including classical education.
Movies like “Dead Poets Society” depict harsh classical schools driving children to the breaking point. Reality tells a different story.
Classical schools maintain order in the classroom. However, this does not translate to stoic classes where interaction is limited to an occasional, downcast “yes sir.” In fact, Parnassus encourages extensive interaction between students and teachers. Students are encouraged to offer observations, ask questions, interact, and make comments. In short, the classical method at Parnassus is encouraging and will succeed at creating a stimulating and enjoyable environment for students.
More Information About Classical Education
Below are some recommended readings regarding classical education. Dorothy Sayers’ essay and Veith and Kern’s Classical Education are quick reads and provide excellent explanations of the Trivium, classical education, and their benefits.
- The Lost Tools of Learning, by Dorothy Sayers
- The Schools We Need and Why We Don’t Have Them by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.
- Classical Education: The Movement Sweeping America by Gene Edward Veith and Andrew Kern
- The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
Why Study Latin and Greek?
Latin instruction is offered at all grade levels at Parnassus Preparatory School. Scholars begin studying Greek in the School of Rhetoric. All students take Latin every year starting in Prima through First Level Rhetoric (1R). Two years of classical languages (for current students) in the School of Rhetoric are required for graduation. We believe there are at least four solid reasons for classical language study.
Reason #1 Greek and Latin Develop English and Provide a Solid Foundation for the Acquisition of Other Languages
One’s reading, writing, and speaking of English is improved through learning Latin and Greek. Vocabulary is enriched, grammar is sharpened, and a sense of organization is instilled in the student. Greek and Latin equip a person with the strongest single foundation for mastering Romance languages, modern-inflected ones such as Russian and German, and even non-related tongues like Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese. Working with Latin and Greek broadens a person’s notion of structures possible in languages other than one’s own. In addition, Latin gives an individual a grip on about 80% of the vocabulary of the Romance languages — French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, and Spanish. About 800 million people in 57 countries speak these tongues, with Spanish being the official language of 20 nations; French of 27; and Italian, Romanian,and Portuguese of 10 other nations.
Reason #2 The Civilizations of Greece and Rome Link Us with the Cultures of 57 Nations on Four Continents
A background in the classical civilizations makes students aware of customs, values, and ideas that we have in common with Eastern and Western Europeans and with North and South Americans. Many concepts in government, religion, art, literature, and economics are shared.
Reason #3 Familiarity with Ancient Cultures Promotes Tolerance and Understanding of Other Nations and Ways of Life
When one is aware of the rich and varied culture of the Greeks and Romans, one is more likely to accept the differing customs and values of other people today. This holds true because through the study of ancient civilizations, one encounters exotic and extreme customs which were not static, but evolved over the centuries. When familiar with diversity, change, and longevity in one’s own culture, a person is more inclined to respect the views, ideologies, religions, and economic systems of others and to appreciate their rich, age-old traditions.
Reason #4 Latin Improves College Entrance Exam Scores
Students who study Latin in high school consistently score higher on the verbal portion of the SAT college entrance exam than both students who have not studied any foreign language and students who have studied other modern foreign languages.
Studies conducted by the Educational Testing Service show that Latin students consistently outperform all other students on the verbal portion of the SAT.
| 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Latin |
672 |
674 |
681 |
672 |
678 |
677 |
676 |
678 |
|
All Students |
507 |
508 |
508 |
503 |
502 |
502 |
502 |
501 |
|
French |
638 |
642 |
643 |
637 |
637 |
632 |
631 |
633 |
|
German |
626 |
627 |
637 |
632 |
632 |
627 |
630 |
626 |
|
Spanish |
575 |
575 |
573 |
577 |
574 |
565 |
557 |
561 |
|
Hebrew |
628 |
630 |
620 |
623 |
622 |
611 |
619 |
612 |
Sources: Dorothy Sayers “The National Review,” Conrad Barrett “Keys to Language and Cultural Awareness” California State University, College Board.
Student Services
Parnassus Preparatory School offers a variety of supports to address individual student needs and provide support and resources for our families.
Our vision for Student Support Services:
- Responsibility for all students to reach their full potential is shared by all.
- High expectations – both academic and behavioral – are maintained for all students.
- All students are provided access to our core curriculum.
- All students are valued members of the school community and
- A positive climate exists to provide a sense of belonging for all learners.
We will work collaboratively with all staff, students and families, to provide the best supports and services that will enable students to thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment.
Mission
The mission of the Parnassus Student Services Department is to promote student achievement, based on specifically identified needs, and to prepare scholars for success in their chosen paths.
Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)
Special Education Resources for Families
Per Minnesota Statute 125A.24, Parnassus Preparatory School has established a local Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) comprised of parents and guardians of special needs children and staff members who work with Parnassus Preparatory School special needs students and their families. This is intended to increase the involvement of parents of children with disabilities in making recommendations to the administration.
The Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is open to all members of the Parnassus community. SEAC meetings are held throughout the year and address issues related to fulfilling the needs of Parnassus’ diverse learners. The role of SEAC is to:
- Represent the interests of Parnassus learners with disabilities.
- Advise the Special Education Department on parent involvement, current issues, program development and department priorities.
- Serve as an advocate for high-quality special education programs.
- Promote communication among family, school, and community.
McKinney-Vento/Students Experiencing Homelessness
The McKinney-Vento Act provides homeless and highly mobile students with certain rights so they have access to opportunities that will help them meet the same high academic standards expected of all Parnassus scholars.
Homeless students live in any of the situations listed below:
- Children and youth who are sharing the housing of others
- Children and youth living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to lack of adequate alternative accommodations
- Living in emergency or transitional shelters
- Abandoned in hospitals
- Awaiting foster care placement
- Living in a public or private place not designed for humans to live
- Living in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, etc.
- Migratory children living in any of the above circumstances
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children in homeless situations have the right to:
- Go to school, no matter where they live or how long they have lived there
- Receive transportation to and from school
- Enroll in school immediately
- Participate fully in school activities
- Have access to the same programs and services that are available to all other students, including transportation and supplemental educational services.
Ms. Stafford, Parnassus’ Special Education Coordinator, is our McKinney-Vento coordinator.
Please contact stafford@parnassusprep.com for more information.
