The term “classical” is gaining popularity in the educational realm. What do we mean by classical? In one sense, we mean “traditional” in the sense that we look back into history to gain insight regarding the curriculum, model, and methods of education. We use the word “classical” as opposed to “modern.” We reject modern educational philosophies that are heavily influenced by evolution, John Dewey, and arbitrary government standards. As a Christian school in particular, we are looking to gain insight from our Christian history and culture. This means an emphasis on books—books written by the Christian men and women who have gone before us. The great books of history, philosophy, theology, politics, culture, arts, and more. Books allow us a glimpse into the past but also help us navigate the future. Finally, when we say classical we intend to emphasize the liberal arts—with particular emphasis on the trivium of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. We want our students to read well, think well, and speak well. For more information, check out this video series.

Education under the Lordship of Christ. Many schools have the term “Christian” in their name. Weekly chapel and a Bible class is not what we mean when we say “Christian.” Covenant integrates the Christian worldview across all subjects. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Take chemistry, for example. What holds atoms together? What is responsible for chemical bonds? “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. . . . All things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” Colossians 1:16–17. We believe that all knowledge finds its source and meaning in Christ, and therefore every lesson—whether in mathematics, literature, science, or art—points students back to the Creator. Biblical wisdom is not confined to Bible class or chapel but is woven throughout our curriculum and culture, shaping how we think, learn, and live together. Our goal is to cultivate hearts and minds that see the world through the lens of Scripture, love what is true and good, and joyfully pursue a life that glorifies God in all things.

There is value in repetition and memorization. We catechize our children in the faith. Young children are sponges. Their capacity for memorization is impressive. In classical education, the grammar stage is when kids naturally acquire & remember knowledge, facts, information. Grammar is the foundation of all learning; it's the building block of all types of written and verbal expression. We see the value of memorization. However, our goal is much loftier than memorization. Our goal is for our students to be critical thinkers. To be truly educated is more than just the regurgitation of facts. It is more than “teaching to the test.” We desire to build a love for learning. The goal is not a standardized test score or for our students to gain entrance to the best colleges. Our goal is to equip students with the tools of learning. We aim to make intelligent, wise men and women who know how to think.

Charlotte Mason was an educational reformer and philosopher in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She emphasized the personhood of children, reading, narration, nature, and play.

“But we hold that all education is divine, that every good gift of knowledge and insight comes from above, that the Lord the Holy Spirit is the supreme educator of mankind, and that the culmination of all education (which may at the same time be reached by a little child) is that personal knowledge of and intimacy with God in which our being finds its fullest perfection.”—Charlotte Mason

We strive for excellence in all things, including academics. Because children are made in the image of God, we know their capacity for learning is much higher than most give them credit for. Our faculty and staff will aim to “talk up” to our students in an effort to continuously bring them up to to the next level in academics and intellect.

This intellectual rigor is not pursued for pride or achievement alone, but as an act of worship—training students to delight in truth and to develop the habits of careful thought and lifelong learning that will equip them to serve Christ with wisdom and discernment in every sphere of life.

At Covenant, community and church life are not simply complementary—they are essential. As a covenantal school, we partner with families and their local churches to nurture the hearts and minds of students in a shared pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty. This partnership affirms that education is not merely an academic endeavor but a deeply spiritual one, rooted in the life of the Church and the fellowship of believers. Together, parents, teachers, and pastors form a unified community that seeks to cultivate wisdom and virtue in our children, preparing them to love God and serve others faithfully.