“The CLAA staff are recognized as the leaders in the research and administration of classical Catholic studies today.” (Cognia)
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy was founded by Mr. William C. Michael, O.P. in 2008 “to research, restore, publish, and teach the classical liberal arts“. We specifically desire to introduce younger students (ages 8-14) to the classical liberal arts, and to use available technology to make the highest quality of learning available at the lowest possible cost to students.
Since its founding in 2008, the Classical Liberal Arts Academy has earned a reputation for intellectual excellence and academic rigor. The Academy promotes the return not only to classical Catholic studies, but to quiet, contemplative life. Its programs are intended for students of all ages who wish to be wise and holy, who recognize the need for depth in necessary studies rather than vulgar entertainment and social media. We seek “to contemplate and share the fruits of contemplation”.
Staff
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Founder, Headmaster
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P., is a Lay Dominican in the Catholic Church, who founded the Classical Liberal Arts Academy in 2008 and has been studying and teaching the classical liberal arts for over 30 years. He earned an Honors degree in Classics and Ancient History from Rutgers University and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He then devoted his professional life to private research, teaching and school development. In 2024, Mr. Michael led the Academy to full accreditation with Cognia. Mr. Michael shares his love of sacred and classical music on the Academy’s Classical Catholic Radio station.
Mrs. Dania C. Michael, O.P.
Office Manager, Homeschool Support
Mrs. Dania C. Michael, O.P., is a Lay Dominican in the Catholic Church, wife to Mr. Michael and a homeschooling mother to ten children. Mrs. Michael studied Classics and Elementary Education at Rutgers University and worked as an elementary school teacher before becoming a full-time homemaker and mother in 2000. Mrs. Michael has also studied Theology at Catholic University of America, worked as a faith formation teacher in her local parish and is the formation director for her Lay Dominican community. When not working with her own children, Mrs. Michael assists with the administrative work of the Academy and provides support for homeschooling mothers.
A Dominican Apostolate
The Dominican Order, founded in 1215, is built upon four pillars: Prayer, Study, Community and Apostolate. With respect to prayer, we attend Mass frequently, pray the Rosary and Liturgy of the Hours daily. With respect to study, we study Philosophy and Theology, and the classical liberal arts on which these are based. With respect to Community, we are members of the Our Lady of the Rosary Lay Dominican group at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC (the largest parish in America). Lastly, with respect Apostolate, we work to promote classical Catholic studies through our work in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy.
Accredited by Cognia
In July 2024, the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) achieved full accreditation from Cognia, the world’s largest accrediting agency, serving over 32,000 schools in more than 90 countries. This honor affirms the CLAA’s commitment to excellence in classical education and its alignment with rigorous global standards. Notably, the CLAA earned an Index of Educational Quality (IEQ) score of 320, which significantly surpasses Cognia’s average benchmark of 253, highlighting the Academy’s dedication to high-quality instruction, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
The CLAA Logo
The CLAA logo (below) was designed by Mr. Michael to represent the character and mission of the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. The shield represents our duty to defend the Catholic faith. The crimson color represents the sacrificial nature of this work. The sun, moon and seven stars represents the classical Catholic curriclum. The sun represents Theology; the moon represents Philosophy; the seven stars represents the seven classical liberal arts. The book represents the writings of the wise (Ecclesiastes 12:11) and the Latin motto “In Antiquis Sapientia”, which means “In the ancients (there is) Wisdom” (Job 12:12).
