The Lafayette Difference
The Lafayette Difference can be seen in all areas of our teaching and critical thinking. We are breaking rank with popular trends in education and anchoring in a proven method over 2500 years old.
How is Classical Education Different?
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the significance of classical education cannot be overstated. At Lafayette Academy, we recognize that education transcends mere academic achievement (an area in which our students also excel). It is the cornerstone upon which cultural virtue and tradition are preserved and nurtured. Our students learn how to think critically, reason effectively, and communicate persuasively. Our commitment to classical education ensures that our students are equipped not only with knowledge but also with the wisdom and character to navigate life’s complexities.
“We’re nurturing contributors…not consumers!”
— Katy McKinney, Head of School
WHAT STUDENTS NEED… | WHY IT MATTERS… | WHAT MOST SCHOOLS OFFER… | WHAT LAFAYETTE ACADEMY OFFERS |
| Critical thinking and quality reasoning | Necessary for problem-solving in increasingly complex world. | WHAT to think – passive learning/lecture format. | HOW to think – dynamic Socratic method has students thinking on their feet. |
| Written and oral communication skills | Lays foundation for ability to lead, effect change. | Passive lecture format. Students are told what to write/say. | Grammar, handwriting, strong reading skills are mastered. |
| Versatile problem solving | Creates powerful communicators and cultivates discipline. | Standardized tests; multiple choice; true/false. | Thoughtful oral and written analysis evaluated for writing skills and originality of thought. |
| Ethics, values, discipline | Having an internal compass guides children through challenging situations. | Religious education, or secular education that lacks explicit focus on ethics. | An environment and curriculum steeped in the four classical values: fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice. |
| Founding principles of American society | Meaningful participation in representative government and civic leadership. | One semester civics class. | Interactive integration of fundamentals and continuous application to real-world situations across curriculum for all grade levels. |
| Humanities | Logic and reason create versatile minds. | Short-term thinking: Curriculum preps for the next test. | Long-term thinking: Curriculum prepares students to see “see around corners” and develop creative long-term solutions. |
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