JECA is unlike anything most people have seen before. It is based on a distinctly Christian foundation while, at the same time, it is strongly committed to the classical model of education. It’s the education we all wish we had when we were in school. We strongly recommend that our friends and partners learn more about what we are doing. This website is a great place to start.
Absolutely. We are are persuaded by results we see from other good classical schools that this sort of school produces excellent academic results. At the same time, we wish to make it clear that this is just a foothold. Because their teachers are still learning what we are teaching, this model is not going to impact our children nearly as much as it will as if they reproduce this model with their children and those children with their children. We seek to have a multi-generational vision in every part of our thinking.
The study of Latin is an integral part of a classical education. From antiquity through the nineteenth century, Western educators understood its power to sharpen one’s grasp of language and to teach clear thinking and speaking. Today, moreover, Latin is of inestimable value in conveying an appreciation for Western culture and history. In sum, Latin contributes beautifully to accomplishing all of the goals of the trivium.
The study of Latin greatly enhances the young child’s grasp of the English language. Since many English words are derived from Latin, an understanding of these roots increases the range and depth of a student’s vocabulary. Mastering the subtleties and nuances of Latin grammar also aids in the comprehension of complex English sentences. Latin study, therefore, contributes enormously to the grammar stage of classical education.
Latin is a complex but very systematic language. Reading it requires more than just memorization. It entails the comparison and analysis of subtle forms and differences. It involves the practical application of rules and principles. We see, therefore, that it teaches logical thinking.
The study of Latin also involves the study of Latin authors. Experiencing these authors means encountering the greatest writers and thinkers of two thousand years of Western culture. In teaching Latin, we are exposing our students to the best of the rhetorical tradition. What better way to learn the art of skillful communication than from the masters of our own intellectual history?
Finally, we note that Latin is the linguistic soul of our culture. Most of the languages of Western Europe evolved, to some extent, from Latin. Over fifty percent of our own English vocabulary is derived from Latin and students studying Latin typically increase their English vocabulary by 500-1,000 words.
We love when parents take their responsibilities to educate their children seriously. Some do that by educating at home. Some do that by partnering with a school. We are primarily a school and are looking for families to join with us in the school, but at the same time, we are opening and promoting The Jonathan Edwards Study Center as an opportunity for homeschooling families to receive an excellent enrichment class one afternoon per week. See the Study Center page for more information.
Ability is God-given and the classical model is beneficial to all levels of ability. “Learning how to learn” will be a benefit to students who will grow up to become professional physicians and educators as well as mechanics, technicians and laborers. Students will be taught to see Christ in all of life and apply a Christian worldview to all of life. This will be evident in the way that they work and worship.
Hey, that’s not a question, but we think it’s great, too. We appreciate Dan and Kirsten and wish them well (they got married this past June). They were wonderful to work with and we commend them and recommend them highly.
