The Trivium in the Classroom
God’s truth is the foundation of education at Harbor Christian Academy. The Bible serves as a guiding light throughout our curriculum as we joyfully explore His creation. We use the classical model, a tradition rooted in the three primary liberal arts - the trivium. The trivium leads students through the studies of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Through imitation and memorization in the grammar stage, dialogue and attention to reason in the logic stage, and the production of articulate speech in the rhetoric stage, students grow in wisdom and virtue. Having completed this curriculum, Harbor graduates will be men and women who know truth, practice goodness, and embody beauty. With this picture of a Harbor graduate in mind, what does this look like in your child’s classroom?
Grammar School: In the early years (grades K-5), students gain knowledge through imitation, memorization, songs, and stories. We see these foundations being laid in Mrs. Pope’s first grade classroom as the students chant their history timelines, or in Mrs. Ecby’s classroom where third grade students practice grammar jingles. These formative experiences shape character and prepare students to someday stand in front of others and defend their beliefs with conviction and eloquence.
Logic School: In the middle school years (grades 6-8), students learn to analyze their accumulated knowledge and argue well. The study of formal logic enables students to test arguments for validity and truth while developing orderly thought. Through debates, discussions, and discourse, they learn to ask questions, spot inconsistencies, and think critically across all subjects. This is seen in Mr. Lehman’s Socratic discussions while reading about famous men from their history time-period, and in Mr. Aulie’s humanities class, where students discuss classic literature to discern what is true, good, and beautiful.
Rhetoric School: Finally, in their high school years (grades 9-12), students enter the rhetoric stage which emphasizes eloquent and fruitful speech. In their final years of high school, students study formal rhetoric - the discipline of persuasive speech. The capstone project of their education at Harbor is a senior thesis. Students will apply their knowledge, reason, and communication skills by researching a topic, building an original argument, and providing a verbal defense of their position. Recently, Bettie Berkhouse, former rhetoric and senior thesis director at Providence Classical School, spoke to our 9th grade class about the power and purpose of persuasive speech. She offered a thoughtful overview of the senior thesis process, emphasizing not only the significance of the final presentation but also the value of steady, faithful work throughout the journey. Mrs. Berkhouse encouraged students to approach their words with intention and reverence, reminding them that eloquence grounded in truth can glorify God.
Having completed each leg of their educational journey (grammar, logic, and rhetoric), our students will venture into the world knowing truth, pursuing goodness, and embodying beauty. As lifelong learners, they will also be prepared to impact future generations, to the glory of God.