A Colorado classical school with a “No Politics” rule is thriving, challenging traditional education models with its focus on timeless curricula and foundational values.
At a Glance
- Classical education is experiencing a resurgence in Colorado, attracting discerning parents
- Liberty Common School in Fort Collins outperforms peers on national tests like ACT and SAT
- The school excels in closing achievement gaps and supporting students with special needs
- Classical education emphasizes memorization, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and Latin/Greek studies
- The number of classical schools has doubled in the past decade
The Rise of Classical Education in Colorado
In recent years, Colorado has witnessed a significant resurgence in classical education, with parents increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional public schooling. This trend is exemplified by the success of Liberty Common School in Fort Collins, a top-performing, classically oriented K-12 charter-public school that has garnered attention for its exceptional academic outcomes.
Liberty Common School has consistently outperformed its peers on national tests like the ACT and SAT, despite not teaching to state standards. This achievement has sparked discussions about the potential influence and sustainability of classical education models in the evolving educational landscape.
The Classical Approach: A Return to Fundamentals
Classical education emphasizes a return to foundational academic principles, focusing on memorization, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and the study of Latin and Greek. This approach is rooted in the belief that acquiring knowledge enhances creativity and problem-solving skills.
“Classical education is old, which is why it now appears so new. It was new with the Greeks and Romans over 2,000 years ago; they are credited with constructing the rudiments of the classical approach to education,” wrote Christopher Perrin.
The success of this method is evident in the performance of students at schools like Liberty Common, where pupils consistently score in the 99th percentile on standardized tests. This achievement has led to increased interest from parents seeking alternatives to traditional public education.
The “No Politics” Rule: A Controversial Stance
One of the most distinctive features of these classical schools is their strict “No Politics” rule. This approach aims to create an educational environment free from contemporary political narratives, focusing instead on timeless curricula and foundational values.
“I became disillusioned with the untested and thoughtless educational fads that permeate the field of education,” Perrin writes.
This stance has both supporters and critics. Proponents argue that it allows for a more focused and unbiased learning environment, while detractors worry about the potential for oversimplification of complex societal issues.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their success, classical schools in Colorado face challenges. Some critics argue that these schools may not adequately address the needs of students with disabilities or provide a sufficiently diverse curriculum. Additionally, there are concerns about the influence of conservative organizations on the charter school process in Colorado.
“How can LCS-EV, a public school funded by public tax dollars, reside within a church and yet claim this will have no influence?” Mauerman is quoted as saying in the Estes Park Trail Gazette.
The debate surrounding classical education in Colorado reflects broader national discussions about school choice, curriculum content, and the role of politics in education. As these schools continue to grow and evolve, they will likely remain a subject of intense scrutiny and debate within the educational community and beyond.
