You have probably heard the term and wondered, what is the Trivium? Redeemer Christian School bases its educational approach upon the classical teaching model known as the trivium, which divides the educational life of the child into three stages (Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric), and emphasizes the student’s natural capacity for certain types of learning at each different stage. 

  The grammar stage, ages 5 to 10, emphasizes the chronological assimilation and memorization of essential facts, such as dates, timelines, and places. The academic skills of reading, composition, mathematics, and vocabulary of subjects are developed in this stage.

  Logic stage, ages 11 to 14, follows a foundation of the grammar stage and includes the study of ordered relationships between subjects, sound reasoning and thinking, mechanics and patterns of language and the framework of subjects.  During the logic stage, students study formal logic, Latin, lab sciences, elements of grammar and composition, research skills, and Bible study methods.

   Finally, the rhetoric stage, ages 15 to 18, refines the students’ skills of using and articulating knowledge, Biblically, clearly and persuasively.  The student continues his chronological studies of literature, history, mathematics, and science, and adds to them the study of philosophy, theology, and classical rhetoric.   The capstone of their study is a written senior thesis that is orally defended.

  For all three stages, classical works are taught classically, that is, teaching methods complement the child’s natural way of learning. A classical education is a ‘Great Books’ education and utilizes classical literature in all three stages.  Some of the titles include: Pilgrim’s Progress, The Iliad and the Odyssey, Code of Hammurabi, works by Shakespeare, works by CS Lewis, and others.

  The Fine Arts (music, art, drama) and Physical Education at RCS are academic courses and are considered to be an integral part of a classical education. Using the classical model of education, students know how to think thoroughly, biblically, and maturely, to the end that they may live their lives in service to God and their neighbors.