Academics

What is Saint Mary School's Catholic Classical Liberal Education?

Saint Mary School's Catholic Classical liberal education is the fostering of faith and reason to achieve holistic human growth. Rooted in the liberal arts and sciences, this educational philosophy, developed by the Catholic Church, has been the exemplary standard of nurturing for ages. Its success is evident through the development of numerous revered saints and brilliant intellects throughout history, including luminaries like St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Thomas More, St. John Henry Newman, and the late Pope Benedict XVI.

In today's world, secular educational models dominate, and many Catholic educators have been distanced from this rich heritage. However, there's positive news: this trend is swiftly evolving. Saint Mary School, along with other Catholic schools across the United States—and indeed, worldwide—is reclaiming the Church's proven tradition of education, reversing the narrative of decline.

This resurgence isn't about adopting a novel "model" or "program"; it's about imbuing a Catholic perception of reality, one that encompasses both the tangible and intangible. The goal is to nurture students who possess the insight to perceive and the ability to recognize the Creator's presence in the truth, virtue, and beauty inherent in the world around them. It's an education that fosters joyful hope.

The term "classical education" signifies the philosophical origins of this ancient practice, which was embraced and refined by the Catholic Church. While it can be informative, it doesn't fully encapsulate the Christ-centered application of this philosophy in Catholic education.

A more comprehensive term is "Saint Mary School's Catholic Classical liberal education," which elucidates its purpose and underscores the essential role of the Church. "Liberal" originates from the Latin word "liber," signifying freedom. Therefore, Saint Mary School's Catholic Classical liberal education is an education for liberation: liberation in Christ as He reveals Himself through His Church. This formation surpasses mere job preparedness; it emancipates us to comprehend, love, and joyfully live by the Truth of Jesus Christ.

All the schools within this renewal, although they may employ diverse labels, share a common objective: the revitalization of the Church's rich legacy in shaping the complete individual in God's image. While certain private and charter schools have also embraced the classical tradition, these endeavors remain incomplete without Christ, the Logos, at the core.

"Catholic" conveys universality, and Saint Mary School's Catholic Classical liberal education is intended for all. Students of various talents and backgrounds thrive as they cultivate critical thinking skills and uncover remarkable correlations across disciplines and within the universe crafted by God. Its potency remains as relevant in the 21st century as it was in the 16th, for it's founded on the essence of reality and the essence of humanity.

These students are cultivating patterns of thought and emotion that will benefit them throughout life, guiding them to develop theological, intellectual, and moral virtues. Parents aspire for their children to flourish, recognizing the worth of this profoundly human formation that nurtures their children's souls, not solely their intellects.

For any inquiries about Catholic Classical Liberal Education at SMS, feel free to contact Mrs. Antoinette Cea-Lopes, ICLE Coordinator, at acea-lopes@stmaryes.org.

To Learn more about Saint Mary's  commitment to Catholic education: Here is the Link to the Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools: https://catholicliberaleducation.org/holy-sees-teachings-catholic-schools.