Recently a few of my children went to church to take tests that are part of their sacramental preparation programs. They have to memorize quite a bit of material–prayers, teachings of the Church, etc. When they came from from their testing, the topic of discussion was the surprise to see many of the kids cheating on their tests. Yes, cheating on their faith formation tests. Cheating is rampant throughout modern schools–and homeschools. To pretend this is a public school problem and not a Catholic homeschool program as well is to simply refuse to face reality. Many students are left unsupervised … Continue

When we look at the admission requirements of selective colleges and universities, we find a list of standard courses that constitute a modern “college prep” curriculum. Harvard University, for example, recommends the following: The study of English for four years: close and extensive reading of the classics of the world’s literature; four years of a single foreign language; the study of history for at least two years, and preferably three years: American history, European history, and one additional advanced history course; the study of mathematics for four years; the study of science for four years: physics, chemistry, and biology, and … Continue

Enjoy this BBC Radio recording of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, starring Paul Scofield (A Man for All Seasons).

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we understand that students are being raised in many different circumstances. Some of our students enjoy nearly ideal conditions for classical Catholic studies, but most of them don’t. We are challenged to work together to help overcome the obstacles and allow all students to enjoy the same studies within their own unique circumstances. In response to a recent question from a parent facing difficult circumstances, I posted the following talk. God bless,William C. Michael, HeadmasterClassical Liberal Arts Academy

In the late 1800s, K-12 education became compulsory in the United States. Take a minute and let that sink in. Before the 1800s, K-12 education was not compulsory. Most children did not go to school, but remained with their parents and relatives, working in or around their homes. Some children were sent to trusted friends or relatives for apprenticeships or private education. They weren’t required to go to school–at all. In the late 1800s, this changed–and American culture changed. New, tax-funded “Public schools” were created to provide this compulsory education, and they were known to be anti-Catholic, largely influenced by … Continue

After the consideration of those things which belong to the divine knowledge, we now proceed to the consideration of the divine names. For everything is named by us according to our knowledge of it. Under this head, there are twelve points for inquiry: Article 1. Whether a Name Can Be Given to God? Objection 1: It seems that no name can be given to God. For Dionysius says (Div. Nom. i) that, “Of Him there is neither name, nor can one be found of Him;” and it is written: “What is His name, and what is the name of His … Continue

Having considered what belongs to the divine substance, we have now to treat of God’s operation. And since one kind of operation is immanent, and another kind of operation proceeds to the exterior effect, we treat first of knowledge and of will (for understanding abides in the intelligent agent, and will is in the one who wills); and afterwards of the power of God, the principle of the divine operation as proceeding to the exterior effect. Now because to understand is a kind of life, after treating of the divine knowledge, we consider the divine life. And as knowledge concerns … Continue

In the Classical Liberal Arts Academy, we study to become wise men. In this post, I’d like to share a passage from St. Thomas Aquinas’ famous work, “Summa Contra Gentiles”, in which he discusses the office, or duty, of a wise man. Enjoy. -WCM “My mouth shall meditate truth, and my lips shall hate impiety.” Proverbs 8:7 1. The usage of the multitude, which according to the Philosopher is to be followed in giving names to things, has commonly held that they are to be called wise who order things rightly and govern them well. Hence, among other things that … Continue