Discover the Rich Legacy of Classical Education
The classical education model at St. Stephen’s Academy, refined and tested for over 2,500 years, has been the cornerstone of training great leaders, scientists, and scholars of Western civilization. Our curriculum is structured around three foundational subjects — grammar, logic, and rhetoric — that align with students’ natural stages of development.
Focuses on foundational rules and facts of subjects, where students absorb essential knowledge through engaging techniques like songs and chants.
Emphasizes reasoning, connecting various facts and ideas to coherently understand the world.
Develops students’ ability to express their thoughts and arguments clearly and persuasively.
These stages facilitate the growth of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, equipping students with lifelong learning tools. We invite parents to observe our vibrant classrooms to see this classical method in action.
Classroom Activities and Curriculum Details
Reading
Students explore a rich variety of literature including The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe in 3rd grade, King Arthur and His Knights in 4th grade, and A Wrinkle in Time in 5th grade.
Religious Studies
The Westminster Shorter Catechism is taught from K-5th grade, providing a foundational understanding of Christian beliefs and principles.
Latin
Introduction to Latin through Picta Dicta in 4th and 5th grade.
Grammar
Utilizing the Shurley Grammar method for a solid foundation in English language arts.
Experiential Learning
Activities include a field trip to an apple orchard in Kindergarten, participation in a Reformation Day Celebration for all grades, and visits to the Oregon Symphony for 3rd-5th graders.
Art Appreciation
Exposure to key classic works of art in every classroom and through field trips in 4th and 5th grades.
Recitation and Memory Work
A focus on memorizing factual material including geography, history, mathematics, poetry, and various Bible passages.
Literature
Reading materials include works like Amos Fortune and Across Five Aprils in 6th grade, The Call of the Wild in 7th grade, and 'The Tempest' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in 8th grade.
Science and Civilization
Streams of Civilization for a comprehensive view of world history and science in 7th and 8th grades.
Theological Studies
For Theological Studies in Logic School: Overview of the unified structure and themes of the Old and New Testament with a focus on application to daily life.
Language
Continued Latin studies with Picta Dicta in 6th-7th, beginning Lingua Latina per se Illustrata in 8th.
Critical Thinking
Instruction in formal logic and identification of logical fallacies.
Analytical Skills
Encouragement of class discussions, formal debates, and Socratic teaching methods.
Advanced Literature
In-depth study of classics like The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Aeneid, Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, The Divine Comedy: Inferno, and modern classics like The Scarlet Letter, The Great Gatsby, The Grapes of Wrath.
Philosophy and Theology
Engaging with key texts such as Plato's Republic, Augustine's Confessions, and Trueman's The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.
Art and History
Learning about the great works of art in the Western Canon in Humane Letters, Choir, and Art.
Rhetoric Skills
Training in classical rhetoric, including writing, argumentation, recitation, and public speaking.
Advanced Sciences and Mathematics
Options for challenging courses up to calculus and physics.
Capstone Project
The senior thesis involving substantial research, writing, and a public defense.
Portrait of a Graduate
| Shaping Students with Godly Character and Wisdom
Knowledge
Through rigorous study and practice, St. Stephen’s Academy graduates have developed an appreciation for the central works of literature, art, and music, as well as conversancy in mathematics, science, language, logic, history, and theology, making them truly educated young men and women. They are equipped to think, evaluate, and problem solve so that they can study and learn any subject in their life-long pursuit to better know and love God and his world.
Wisdom
Sr. Stephen’s Academy graduates have studied the order in creation so that they can humbly adapt themselves to it, understanding their position as created beings in need of the redemption God has provided in Jesus Christ. They have acquired discernment and the ability to dissect and critically analyze what they think, see, and hear, so that they are not swayed by weak or superficial arguments, but are able to magnify and enjoy the True, and Good, and the Beautiful. Like St. Stephen, their affections, ideas speech, and behavior will be guided by the Spirit of God in obedience to the will of God revealed in the Scripture.
Eloquence
Understanding that God deigned us too live in relationship with Him and one another, St. Stephen’s Academy graduates value the gift of language and use it to accomplish God’s purpose for written and verbal communication. They are able to logically and persuasively express their convictions in submission to truth, and graciously engage in discourse by listening carefully, asking thoughtful questions, and speaking the truth in love.
Godly Character
Knowledge without love breeds arrogance. Alongside knowledge, wisdom, and eloquence, St. Stephen’s Academy graduates will grow in virtue, characterized by rightly ordered affections towards God and man, honoring and promoting that which God loves, in submission to Jesus Christ, modeling integrity, humility, perseverance, and reverence fir authorities by God. They will stave to honor God and please Him in all things, using the gifts He has given them to sacrificially serve others in their homes, church, vocations, and communities.
Classical Christian Education at St. Stephen’s Academy
Sources
- Lecture by Dr. Leland Ryken, "Why and How We Should Value the Classics"; Veritas Teaching Conference, Newberg, Oregon, August 2013
- Gamble, Richard M., ed. "The Great Tradition: Classic Readings on What it Means to Be an Educated Human Being." Wilmington: ISI Books, 2010.
- Sayers, Dorothy. "The Lost Tools of Learning."
Measurements & Results
| Demonstrating Excellence through Student Achievement
St. Stephen’s Academy, accredited by the Association of Classical & Christian Schools, consistently demonstrates excellence in education. Our students outperform national averages, excelling in standardized tests and ranking highly in SAT scores among Portland-area schools. Not only do our students achieve academically, but they also become National Merit Scholars and gain admission to prestigious colleges. These accomplishments are a testament to our commitment to high academic standards and holistic development.
Want to Learn More?
Have more questions about our classical Christian approach or interested in seeing our community in action? We’d love to connect with you and share more about how St. Stephen’s Academy can be the right choice for your child’s educational and spiritual growth. Contact us today to start a conversation or schedule a tour.