The success of St. Jerome Academy, Our Lady of Lourdes and others have inspired many Catholic schools to consider embracing a classical education. If you are a pastor, principal, teacher, or parent involved in this process, here are some typical steps that might help you along the process.

There is nothing like seeing the joy in learning that a Catholic classical school offers. Use our Catholic classical schools map to find schools in your area to visit. Provide the opportunity for as many current teachers and others as possible to participate in touring one of these schools. This will help them to overcome anxieties that often arise from hearing the term “classical education.” They will see that this model excites students of all levels of ability but and reduces the obstacles the current test-driven culture places in the way of teachers who want to focus on truly reaching their students. Faculty at these schools are usually eager to share their experiences.

Faculty should begin reading and discussing sections of works that explain ideas central to classical education such as “The Lost Tools of Learning,” The Holy See’s Teaching on Catholic Schools, articles from Beyond The Test, or (for something more challenging) Stratford Caldecott’s Beauty in the Word. Audio downloads from our site or the Circe Institute website can also foster greater faculty understanding of the goals of classical education.

Consider in-service training for all staff, introducing Catholic classical education. Off-site programs include our Conference and Academic Retreats. Though not Catholic, the Circe Institute offers excellent in-service and off-site programs.

Begin looking to fill open staff positions with teachers attracted by the idea of classical education. Post position openings on our site as well as in the education section on CatholicJobs.com, using the keyword “Classical.” Forward notices to the career counselors at colleges that offer serious liberal arts degrees, such as Thomas Aquinas College and Hillsdale College.

Memoria Press has pre-packaged curricular materials for each grade level that will ease the transition for k-8 schools. Its curriculum is easily tailored to Catholic classical schools through the use of supplementary materials recommended by the Catholic Classical Schools Project.  Memoria Press can guide you through this process if you call their office.

St. Jerome’s Educational Plan offers excellent guidance for curricular development.