The key components of a Classical Christian curriculum include specific required course offerings (see Why Latin, Why Logic, Why Rhetoric), a commitment to primary sources, a concentration on the great works of Western Civilization, an emphasis on the integration of knowledge, and a belief that all subjects present an opportunity to understand more of the nature and character of God. Most critical to our curriculum is our belief that it is the excellent teacher who ultimately makes a curriculum real and inspiring through his or her masterful use of those things described above and a commitment to a particular method of instruction: Teaching Socratically.
In our curriculum, the courses required of our students parallel core requirements of other rigorous college preparatory schools. But there are critical additional requirements for graduation that uniquely prepare students for future learning. They are: Latin (study begins in the 2nd Grade and finishes in 9th), formal Logic (7th and 8th Grades), and formal Rhetoric (10th–12th Grades). Believing that all subjects are under the Lordship of Christ, for graduation we also require three courses in theology.
Beyond specific course requirements, core to our model of education is our commitment to teach using the Socratic method (questioning rather than providing answers) and Dialectic (verbal reasoning emphasizing understanding) approach to classroom instruction. This approach intentionally and actively engages students' innate desire to learn and their significant (even as Kindergartners) reasoning ability.
The Classical curriculum required of Westminster Academy students thereby offers to colleges and universities high school graduates uniquely qualified to engage in intellectual debate and exploration. In addition to fulfilling all state requirements through our challenging academic program, our goal is for students to understand the why and how of each subject, not simply the memorization of information. Such an approach equips students to be able to engage concepts and ideas on their own and excites them about learning through their lives. Concurrently, students are trained to evidence their progress both in continuous written and oral presentations (see Why Rhetoric). In addition, there is profound weight placed on each student's understanding of the interconnectedness of all subjects and the imperative to synthesize them. All of this takes place at an age-appropriate level in Kindergarten through Grade 12.
In summary, the model of education is grounded in the concept that exceptional teachers take the natural characteristics of children - curiosity, inquisitiveness and questioning – and through their innate ability to reason, and at an age-appropriate level, give them the skills, through a proven approach to education, to apply their reasoning abilities in a logical manner to any area of study at all grade levels.