Parent Involvement in Classical Education

Parent involvement in classical education offers a great boost to a child’s development. As a classical school in Houston, we know how important education is outside of our walls. At our school, we have a community in which families are able to share beliefs and a common worldview.  Like other schools, a parochial school functions best when parents are closely involved in the school. When parents participate in their child’s education, their participation supports the child’s future and the school.  As with any education, classical education spreads from our school into the home. Without guidance and engagement from their parents,

When You Read Aloud to Your Child, What Happens in Their Brain?

When you read aloud to your child, you know it has an impact on their life. Moreover, you know that it’s a positive experience. However, what actually happens in their brain?  Thanks to MRI scans, we have a better idea of what this impact looks like. According to research from the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, when we read aloud to our children more often, it sets them up for literacy success. As we read aloud to a child, it changes the structure of the brain.  Additionally, it has an impact on how their brains form connections. That quite literally shapes their

The Benefits of Private Education

What are the benefits of private school education? How does your choice of school impact your child’s life? These questions and others run through parents’ minds as they watch their children grow. Let’s explore some of the advantages of private schools.  What Are the Advantages of Private Schools? When you choose a school, you have your choice of educational models.  Oftentimes, families ask themselves this: What are the advantages of private school? With thousands of private schools across the United States, the demand is on the rise. From pre-k through high school, they educate hundreds of thousands of children and

Singapore Math…What Is It?

The introduction of the Singapore Math method of learning changed how we teach math. In this program, we use a phase learning model. It moves from the concrete idea to the visual representation to abstract problem-solving.  Through this form of sequential learning, students develop a stronger understanding of math. Moreover, they do so without hours of unnecessary busy work. This is great for students because it removes a stressful load. However, it confuses some who drop into this style of curriculum later on.  Let’s take a deeper look at this learning style because you probably want to know. What is

The Benefits of Hands-On Learning in Children

The benefits of hands-on learning extend throughout a child’s life. This tactile learning allows children to explore and learn through action and experience. Whether in a classical school or a Montessori school, hands-on learning helps children bring concepts into their world. For instance, if a child counts blocks or sorts objects, manipulating the physical objects helps them understand mathematical concepts. Alternatively, exposure to the theory or idea through pencil and paper exercises might leave the idea disconnected from them.   What Is Hands-On Learning? Hands-on learning is a style of education where children learn by doing. Instead of listening to their

Montessori Education: Everything You Need to Know

The Montessori Method is found worldwide and continues to grow in popularity.  It began in 1907 when Dr. Maria Montessori, the first woman physician in Italy, was given the responsibility of caring for children in Rome’s San Lorenzo slum district.  She knew the importance of a positive nurturing environment that met the developmental needs of the children, and under her care, the children quickly grew in independence and capabilities. During her career she traveled extensively, lecturing and teaching throughout Europe, India, and the United States. She was nominated three times for the Nobel Peace Prize and continued working, teaching, and