Each fall, Redeemer Classical School welcomes grandparents for two days of recitations, classroom visits, and fellowship. This year we hosted more than 350 guests on campus — our largest Grandparents’ Days yet. It was a joyful reminder that we have an incredible school community that extends well beyond the people we normally see at school. Grandparents and family friends play a vital role in the lives of our students, and it’s wonderful to share a glimpse of the life of Redeemer with them.
During our gatherings on October 30–31, Mr. Hoch shared a brief reflection on what a classical, Christian education aims to cultivate, and why Redeemer places wisdom and virtue at the center of its mission. His remarks are included below.
In his “Declamation on the Subject of Early Liberal Education for Children ,” the great humanist, Desiderius Erasmus offers a critique of 16th century education. He says that parents often educate their children with the hope that they will enjoy “wealth, social status, influence, and good health” (p. 302), but that this misses the point. Education should focus on “moral and intellectual” good. He then proclaims,
You have surely fallen to the depths of absurdity when you possess a dog that has been carefully trained or a horse that has been painstakingly broken and schooled, but at the same time have a son who lacks moral and intellectual instruction. So it is possible that you may own land that is beautifully cultivated but a son whose culture has been shamefully neglected, or a mansion filled with exquisite works of art but a son whose soul has no beauty at all. (p. 302)
His point is that there are gradations of the good. Buffalo wings are good. Rembrandt is good. Virtue is good. But they are not all good in the same way, or to the same extent. So, too, with wealth, status, influence — the typical indicators of educational success. They may be called “good.” But there is something more good. And an education that stops there, is short-changing or handcuffing children. Wisdom and virtue are far better indicators of educational success. As parents, grandparents, and teachers we should be concerned with their cultivation above all else. Not only is this a better goal for education, but it opens up better opportunities for the lesser indicators.
Unfortunately, we often stop in the lower realms. We are concerned with making sure our children make a good living, instead of living the good life. But as Erasmus observes, that shift in focus comes with serious risks for our children and society at large.I often say that Redeemer is not a college prep school. Our goal is something far greater — life prep. And by focusing on that, we get college prep thrown in.
At Redeemer Classical School we want to focus on what is truly important. We want to cultivate wisdom and virtue in our students; knowing that this is not only the best preparation for college and career, but it’s the best preparation for life. Imagine a world where everyone, regardless of their background and the career decisions, was wise and virtuous. How different that world would be! I know that it’s not possible — the sin and brokenness on this side of heaven won’t allow for that dream to be realized. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Each student that leaves Redeemer more wise and virtuous than when they began benefits from this effort. Moreover, they become a living embodiment of the good, the true, and the beautiful — little glimpses of heaven, bringing God’s kingdom to bear in their homes, churches, neighborhoods, workplaces, and world. We could definitely use more of that.
Thank you for entrusting your grandchildren to this endeavor, and thank you for the countless ways that you love and support them. It’s a joy, blessing, privilege, and an honor to serve your family. To God be the glory.