The Initiative
How it all started
For some time, there has been a growing interest in Wausau in the possibility of opening a classical school. While there are many factors that have brought us to this point, one of the keys has been the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received at each step of the way.
For some time, there has been a growing interest in Wausau in the possibility of opening a classical school. While there are many factors that have brought us to this point, one of the keys has been the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received at each step of the way.
Because there was a general sense that the time is right, we approached Bishop Callahan for permission to open a classical school in Wausau. With his approval and prayers, we will open the Newman Catholic Classical School at Holy Name in the fall of 2024 grades Kindergarten through 8th. We are currently accepting registrations.
Should you be interested in what a classical education looks like, this website has lots of information that will provide an accurate description. If you would please keep this endeavor in your prayers, that would help us to make sure this is truly God’s will. If He wants us to open the school, we will try. If not, we will accept. God’s will be done!
The Top
10
Differences Found in a Catholic Classical School
1
Children are excited, happy, and hungry to learn. Their parents report that they enthusiastically share their new knowledge and discoveries at home and that they have longer attention spans.
2
The content is richer and deeper than one would expect for any given age group.
3
Because instruction is ordered toward the nature and development of the child, it is natural and enjoyable.
4
Children develop keen skills of long-term memory because all learning is integrated into other things they know, so it sticks. Knowledge is no longer stored in short-term memory, to be forgotten after the test.
5
Children become attuned to pattern, order, and relationships between things; this ability is a fundamental building block of thinking in every discipline and in every career.
6
Children grow in understanding by looking deeply into things, rather than by skimming the surface. They master the art of thinking, which equips them for life.
7
Children are intentionally nurtured on examples of intellectual and moral virtue across the curriculum. Because all humans learn first and foremost by imitation, the students strive to form these habits and internalize them.
8
Children are inspired by immersion in things that are good and true and beautiful. They see not just what is, but also what ought to be. They are protected from the skepticism of the modern world.
9
Children are engaged by the dramatic, chronological story of history as salvation history; they better understand today’s world and they learn to see themselves and their earthly vocation in light of this reality.
10
This is the formation that truly equips children with the confidence and joy that comes from seeing the meaning and purpose of things through the eyes of faith. It is the education for discipleship.