There are a lot of reasons to love classical Christian education, but is it really best for every family and child? Are there some folks who would actually do better with something else? Monica Whatley, author of Shaping Hearts and Minds, shares nine reasons why it is NOT for everyone.
THE BACK SIDE: Want to hear more? Continue the conversation with Monica and Davies as they look at how countercultural a classical Christian education is to our modern world…
Monica Whatley
Monica Whatley serves as Principal of Innova Academy. She earned her Private School Principal’s qualifications (PSP I and II) from York University, a Bachelor of Education primary/junior from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Arts in English with Concurrent Education from Lakehead University, and a Bible School certification from Capernwray, England. Monica also has her intermediate English qualifications. She homeschooled her children for nine years while writing teacher and student resources for Popular Books Canada, including MathSmart, ScienceSmart, Robin Readers, and Art Lessons. She wrote Shaping Hearts and Minds with Shawn, her husband, as a short apologetic for classical Christian Education. Monica has taught across the elementary grades and served as board member and vice principal. Her service includes missions to Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican, local VBS teaching and decorating, creating church signage, and teaching Sunday school and Kidz Church. Monica loves to travel, see her children develop creatively, play women’s soccer, and savour quality time with Shawn and their four children.
How do CCSs handle students with learning disabilities? Ex. severe dyslexia.
Most classical Christian schools do not receive any government funding, and therefore do not have the resources to accommodate severe disabilities. However, most schools contain a range of abilities among students. Because these students all follow the same track, students with learning disabilities do have to work harder, and parents take on the responsibility of providing specialized training, therapies, or tutors. If the parent of a student with a learning disability is interested in a classical Christian education, we recommend that you ask the school to do an assessment to ascertain what the student would need to be successful.