Classical Liberal Arts Academy vs. Memoria Press: A Comparative Study for Catholic Homeschooling Families

The following comparison was produced by ChatGPT, in response to the prompt: “Compare the CLAA and Memoria Press for Catholic students.” In the growing world of Catholic homeschooling, families seeking to educate their children with both intellectual rigor and spiritual depth are often drawn to programs that promise to restore classical education. Among the most well-known are the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) and Memoria Press. Both claim to offer a “classical” education, yet their philosophies, curriculum structures, and ultimate goals diverge in significant ways. This article aims to provide a clear, detailed comparison between the two, examining how they … Continue

Whether the Use of Tools Like ChatGPT Undermines Education?

The question of whether the use of tools like ChatGPT undermines education is a matter of great importance in our time. Throughout history, education has been shaped by the tools available to teachers and students. From the oral traditions of ancient societies to the written texts of classical and medieval schools, and later to the printing press and digital technologies, each advancement has brought both opportunities and challenges. In recent years, artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT have become widely accessible, offering students and educators the ability to generate text, answer questions, and simulate conversation on a vast range of … Continue

Whether Schooling is Necessary for the Socialization of Children?

The question of whether sending children to school is necessary for their socialization is a matter of significant concern for parents, educators, and society at large. In modern times, it is commonly assumed that schools are the primary environment in which children learn to interact with others, develop social skills, and become integrated into society. However, a review of history reveals that formal schooling for children is a relatively recent development, and that for most of human history, children were socialized within the context of family, community, and religious life. The importance of this question lies in its implications for … Continue

Whether Cursive Handwriting Should Retain Its Place in Modern Schools?

The question of whether cursive handwriting should retain its place in modern schools is a subject of ongoing debate among educators and parents. Cursive handwriting, once a foundational element of primary education, has seen its role diminish with the advent of digital technology and changing educational priorities. Historically, cursive was valued for its efficiency, elegance, and its role in personal correspondence and documentation. However, as the use of computers and digital communication has become ubiquitous, the practical necessity of cursive handwriting has been called into question. It is important to examine this issue carefully, as it concerns the aims of … Continue

Twelve Universal Principles of Classical Catholic Education

These principles now begin with the ultimate telos of human life, clearly articulating how all other aspects of education contribute to this supreme end. 1. The Ultimate End of Man: Perfect Happiness (Beatitude) Education’s supreme and overarching goal is to lead man to his perfect happiness, or Beatitude (beatitudo), which is the complete and lasting fulfillment of the human person. This is man’s ultimate telos, for the sake of which all other actions and pursuits exist. This beatitude, while imperfectly glimpsed in this life, is ultimately found in the perfect and supernatural possession of God, who is the Supreme Truth … Continue

Art for the Domestic Church

Christ in the House of Mary and Marthaby Johannes Vermeer (c. 1655) As mothers, we live in a world of noise, motion, and need. Laundry piles up, meals must be made, children cry or call or argue. We often feel like Martha, “worried and anxious about many things” (Luke 10:41). In this painting by Johannes Vermeer, Christ’s words to Martha come to life in a moment of quiet. In this Sunday’s Mass readings, we read about a family scene featuring two sisters in their family home. This painting, depicting the Gospel account, shows Mary sitting close to the Lord, her … Continue

Reflection for the Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene

Fra Angelico in cell 1 at the Convent of San Marco titled, “Noli Me Tangere”. July 22 — For Catholic Homeschooling Mothers July 22 is a feast day very dear to my heart. On this day in 2006, the Lord, in His mercy, brought our family home to the Catholic Church. Bill and I, who had been married in a Baptist church back in 1998, were sacramentally married in the Church. I was confirmed. Two of our children were baptized. And so, Saint Mary Magdalene became my patron saint. Her feast marks the anniversary of our family’s entry into full … Continue