All parents new to the CLAA should read this onboarding information carefully to get off to a good start in classical Catholic studies.
The Classical Liberal Arts Academy exists to restore the wisdom and excellence of Catholic classical education for families today–and to do so at a cost that all Catholic families can afford. One of the greatest challenges in succeeding in the CLAA is abandoning the habits and assumptions of modern education—ideas of grades, busywork, and short-term “school requirements” that do not belong to the Catholic tradition. Beginning this journey can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to figure everything out at once. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for getting started with clarity, peace, and confidence.
Welcome to the Classical Liberal Arts Academy
The CLAA was founded by Mr. William C. Michael (with whom you will be working) to research, restore, publish, and teach the original Catholic curriculum of the classical liberal arts. Our mission is not to invent something new, but to make available again the education that produced saints and scholars for centuries. You are joining a community that takes Catholic education very seriously, aiming at wisdom and virtue, not simply modern school requirements.
Understanding Classical Catholic Education
Before jumping into courses, it is important to understand what makes the CLAA unique. Our studies are not based on modern textbooks or educational trends but on the classical curriculum of the Trivium, Quadrivium, Philosophy, and Theology, which have been an inseparable part of Catholic education throughout history. We invite you to begin reading Understanding Classical Catholic Education, which is available for free, to learn the history and principles of this tradition. Take your time with it—it is meant to form your vision as a parent as much as it will shape your children’s studies. This book can be studied as a course on the CLAA Study Center with assignments to develop your understanding. You may wish to consider enrolling.
Easing Your Way into Classical Catholic Education
It is tempting to want to do everything at once, but the best beginning is a gentle one. We recommend enrolling in one or two entry-level courses that you may feel comfortable with (e.g., Baltimore Catechism, Catholic Bible, or World Chronology), and getting familiar with the CLAA Study Center. This will give you and your children the chance to learn how the lessons, assignments, and assessments work without feeling overwhelmed. You can add more courses as you become comfortable working in the Study Center. In fact, it is often wise to treat your first year in the CLAA as a transition year—a time to step away from the habits of modern schooling, adjust to the order and discipline of classical Catholic studies, and establish new routines without pressure to “finish everything” at once.
Clarifying Your Goals for Your Children’s Studies
Parents often begin with large, even spiritual goals for their children’s education—“raising saints” or “leading my children to heaven.” While these are noble desires, they are not the work of education itself. Grace, the sacraments, and the life of the Church lead souls to heaven. Education, by contrast, has its own proper end: the training of the intellect and will through study and discipline.
In the CLAA, we encourage you to focus on practical, measurable goals for your children’s studies. These should focus on tasks in CLAA courses, which can be measured. Such goals allow you to evaluate progress clearly without confusing academic work with spiritual growth. Education serves the soul, but it is not a substitute for the life of faith. By keeping educational goals realistic and measurable, you set your children up for steady success in their studies.
Establishing an Environment Conducive to Classical Catholic Studies
Children learn best in an environment that reflects the seriousness of their studies. Think of the quiet focus of a monastery, a library, or a study hall. Try to minimize noise, distractions, and interruptions during study times. Provide your children with a dedicated space for their work, equipped with the books and tools they need, so that their minds and hearts are directed toward learning.
You do not need to invest in specialized devices or software to succeed in the CLAA. The lessons and assessments are designed to be accessible with the simplest technology. In fact, a basic Chromebook or similar laptop is entirely sufficient for students to access the Study Center, complete lessons, and submit work. The goal is not to complicate the home with expensive tools, but to keep the focus on order, concentration, and steady progress in studies.
Establishing a Schedule for Classical Catholic Studies
A sustainable schedule is one of the greatest aids to peaceful, purposeful study. The CLAA offers a thoughtful recommended schedule that fits real family life and honors both order and flexibility. Rather than striving for unrealistically dense routines, the suggestion is to establish broad daily blocks—such as morning, afternoon, and evening study times—that provide structure without strict minute-by-minute planning.
This kind of schedule is not only practical but also records your children’s academic work naturally. For example, consistently scheduling one hour of mathematics across at least 120 days meets the high school credit standard—without needing extra tracking.
By distinguishing major parts of the day—study blocks, breaks, meals, quiet time—you create a rhythm that your family can return to even after interruptions. This pattern sets a default routine that informs both time management and educational record-keeping.
We also encourage pairing the schedule with your overall goals—prioritizing classical studies like theology, Latin, and logic, while efficiently completing modern requirements. This rhythm respects both traditional formation and practical requirements of education.
Helping Your Children Succeed in Classical Catholic Studies
Your role as a parent is to provide guidance and support—not to become the teacher in every subject or to complicate the lessons. Trust the Academy’s structure and assessments to serve their purpose. When your child works through assignments, you’re helping their progress by ensuring they complete tasks and stay focused, not by replacing or over-designing the curriculum.
For practical support, we highly recommend reading “How to Study for Mastery”, a clear step-by-step guide to the proper method of studying in the CLAA. This article outlines a disciplined process—from the first and second readings of a lesson to note-taking, memory work, seeking help effectively, and using assessment feedback to achieve true mastery. It’s a valuable resource for developing strong study habits and deep learning.
By relying on this method and the Academy’s assessments (which can be reviewed and resubmitted until perfect scores are earned), you’ll guide your children to succeed in their studies without micromanaging. Let the structure of the CLAA teach them responsibility and disciplined learning while you support them with oversight and encouragement.
Getting Help with Classical Catholic Studies
You are not alone in this work. The CLAA staff is available to answer questions and provide guidance as you move forward. You can make use of the CLAA Help Center, where common issues are explained, or join our weekly Parent Meetings for live support and encouragement. If you need additional help, you can reach out directly for communication and assistance.
Families seeking more personal support may also consider Premium Enrollment, which provides direct access to the Academy’s staff for guidance and communication. In addition, private tutoring options are available for students who need one-on-one help in their studies. These services are not required for success, but they are available for families who desire more structured support or accountability. The key is to remember that help is always available if you need it.
Persevering in Classical Catholic Studies
Finally, remember that classical Catholic education is not just about meeting modern school requirements but about forming your children for a lifetime of wisdom and virtue. There will be difficult days, and progress may sometimes feel slow, but this is normal. Be sure to study the Duties of Catholic Parents so you avoid discouragement caused by mistaken views of parenting and education. Avoid perfectionism, keep your goals in view, and maintain a positive mindset. Follow St. Benedict’s motto: “Pray and Work”. With patience and perseverance, you will see fruit of this education in your children’s lives and, most importantly, you will have the satisfaction of knowing you provided your children with an education enjoyed by wise men and saints of the past.
Conclusion
This guide is meant to get you started on firm footing in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. Begin simply, remain faithful, and make steady progress. As you continue, return to these principles whenever you feel uncertain. When you need help — ask for it. The CLAA is not a quick path but the true path, and by walking it step by step, you will give your children an education worthy of their Catholic vocation.
God bless your studies,
Mr. William C. Michael, O.P.
Headmaster
Classical Liberal Arts Academy
