Families who enroll in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy are offered two modes of participation in the course of study: Standard Tuition and Premium Tuition. Both provide access to the full CLAA curriculum, but they differ in the manner in which that curriculum is pursued. The distinction is not one of content, but of guidance.
Standard Tuition for Independent Study
The Standard Tuition plan is designed for independent study. Students are given full access to all courses, assessments, and records, and parents oversee the daily work of their children. This arrangement serves families who are confident in directing their studies and prefer to manage their own schedules and progress. The CLAA provides the structure of the curriculum and the tools for assessment, while the responsibility for implementation remains chiefly with the family.
Premium Tuition for Guided Study
The Premium Tuition plan, by contrast, provides guided study. In addition to full access to the curriculum, families receive direct academic assistance, planning, and live support from CLAA faculty. This guidance helps ensure that students are placed appropriately, that their work proceeds in an orderly fashion, and that difficulties are addressed promptly. The purpose of Premium Tuition is not to replace the role of the parent, but to assist and strengthen it by providing experienced direction.
Premium Tuition for NEW Students
For new families especially, Premium Tuition is strongly recommended. Most parents who enroll in the Academy are not yet familiar with the full range of resources available in the CLAA Study Center. These include not only the lessons themselves, but also gradebooks, academic records, progress reports, and other tools designed to support a complete course of study. Without some initial guidance, many of these resources go unused or are not employed effectively.
Meeting with Mrs. Michael at the beginning of one’s enrollment is of great benefit in this regard. She is able to help families understand how to organize their studies, how to make proper use of the available tools, and how to establish a steady and sustainable routine. This early direction often prevents confusion and saves considerable time, allowing families to begin their work with clarity and confidence.
In time, some families who begin with Premium Tuition may choose to continue independently under the Standard plan, having learned how to direct their studies well. Others may continue with Premium for the sake of ongoing guidance and accountability. In either case, the distinction between the two plans remains simple: Standard Tuition provides the course of study for independent use, while Premium Tuition provides that same course of study with guidance and support for those who desire it.
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
