The Benefits of a Classical Education: Why It’s Still Relevant Today

In a world increasingly driven by technology and rapid change, classical education offers a timeless and holistic approach to learning. Focusing on critical thinking, academic rigor, and character development, it equips students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Here’s why a classical education remains a powerful choice for today’s students.

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving

Classical education is centered around the development of logic, rhetoric, and reasoning. These subjects cultivate critical thinking, which is highly valued in the workforce today. A survey by the American Association of Colleges & Universities found that 93% of employers prioritize problem-solving and critical thinking over specific fields of study. By teaching students how to think rather than what to think, classical education prepares them to adapt and excel in various challenges.

• Depth Over Breadth in Learning

One of the hallmarks of classical education is its commitment to in-depth study rather than superficial coverage of many topics. Students are encouraged to engage deeply with literature, history, and languages, often through methods like the Socratic dialogue. This helps them develop not just factual knowledge but a profound understanding of the material. By studying foundational texts and ideas, classical students cultivate the ability to approach new subjects with curiosity and intellectual rigor.

• Character Formation

A classical education doesn’t just aim to shape students academically; it also seeks to build character. By studying the great works of Western civilization and engaging with questions of ethics and virtue, students are challenged to reflect on their values and develop a strong moral foundation. Many classical schools prioritize virtues such as integrity, perseverance, and humility, helping students become not only educated individuals but also principled leaders.

• Lifelong Love of Learning

The classical model is designed to instill a love of learning that extends far beyond school. Through the exploration of big questions and timeless ideas, students are encouraged to develop a sense of wonder and intellectual curiosity. This love of learning fosters adaptability and creativity, helping students approach new challenges with enthusiasm and an open mind long after they’ve graduated.

By focusing on critical thinking, deep engagement with material, and character formation, classical education continues to offer a comprehensive and meaningful approach to learning that is as relevant today as ever. Students emerge not only academically prepared but equipped with the intellectual and moral tools they need to navigate life’s challenges.

Bertoline , Gary. “It Takes More than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success.” It Takes More than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, 13 Oct. 2014, polytechnic.purdue.edu/blog/it-takes-more-major-employer-priorities-for-college-learning-and-student-success.