Rhetoric School
9th through 12th Grade
Classical Prep is centered on the time-honored trivium, comprising three stages: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. At the final Rhetoric Stage:
- Refining scholars’ ability to think deeply and communicate clearly and confidently.
- Studying philosophy and a foreign language as part of their upper-level academic experience.
- Completing a comprehensive Senior Thesis, which includes a research paper, a formal presentation, and a defense.
- Offering rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses that provide consistent, college-level academics and the opportunity for scholars to earn college credit.
- Emphasizing character formation to develop self-governing individuals.
- Encouraging active leadership within the school community and fostering meaningful contributions to local communities.
- Reinforcing character development through extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities.
Character Development in Extracurricular Activities
Rhetoric School Scholars have the opportunities to participate in:
Student Government: Provides scholars with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, make decisions that impact their school, and practice responsibility and teamwork.
National Honor Society: Recognizing scholars’ academic excellence while fostering leadership, service, and character development.
Clubs: Provide scholars with the opportunity to explore new interests, build friendships, and gain hands-on experience that enhances learning beyond the classroom. Some of our clubs include jazz band, yearbook club, art club, drama club, Odyssey of the Mind, and more!
Athletics: Helps scholars build teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
The Senior Thesis
At Classical Prep, every senior completes a Senior Thesis as a capstone experience, reflecting the school’s commitment to deep thinking and scholarly excellence.
- The Senior Thesis culminates in three components: a polished essay, an oral presentation, and a formal oral defense.
- Each scholar selects a reading text and works with a faculty advisor to develop a meaningful research question grounded in one of six classical themes: Truth, Beauty, Liberty, Goodness, Justice, or Equality.
- To prepare for this rigorous process, scholars in 9th through 11th grade complete a sequence of papers, presentations, and projects that build the skills necessary for success in their senior year.
Classical Prep Alumni Reflections on Academics and Life
“Classical Prep prepared me academically for the collegiate chapter of my life. The academic rigor allowed the transition from high school work to college work to cross over seamlessly. To this day, the Senior Thesis is one of the longest essays I’ve written, challenging me to not only write a long paper, but rather to expand my perspective beyond one lens. The Senior Thesis transformed my critical thinking and writing. It forced me to better understand opposing and affirming arguments for different positions. Furthermore, the Senior Thesis developed my ability to explain and reason through my position efficiently and effectively. Along with the academic rigor of Classical Prep, the emphasis on moral behavior prepared me for treating others well.”
Graham Abell
Upper School Teacher at Classical Prep
Class of 2021
“Because of the liberal arts curriculum at Classical Prep, I am now continuing a higher education that I truly love. I discovered my passion for classical education through the classes that Classical Prep offered, such as English Literature, Moral Philosophy, and Classical Quadrivium. In fact, many of the texts I studied in High School reappeared in my College coursework, giving me a strong foundation and the confidence to study them more deeply! Beyond academic preparation, Classical Prep faculty did something far more valuable: they taught me to love learning for its own sake. Conversations in the classroom were centered around wisdom and virtue, and not centered around learning for the sake of some other utilitarian purpose, such as a high GPA or an impressive college resume. My experience at Classical Prep gave me a sense of purpose, helped me shape not only what I want to do, but who I want to be, and showed me how to live and lead a good life.”
Gia Coulthard
Class of 2023
“Taking classes with the tools I’ve gained from completing the Senior Thesis allows me to feel as if I’m miles ahead. The Senior Thesis was more than just a project; it gave me a chance to prove not only to my audience but to myself that I could accomplish something so meaningful. Through the extensive research …, I began to notice a shift in my character.
Especially in today’s world, …being able to come together and discuss topics that aren’t bound by a specific religion or political ideology, and translate to every aspect of our lives, felt empowering. …I learned a lot about the world and a lot about myself, and for that, I am most grateful.”
Joshua Devarez
Class of 2023
Benefits of a K-12 Classical Education at Classical Prep
Staying at Classical Prep from Kindergarten through 12th grade provides scholars with a consistent, supportive learning environment where each stage builds upon the last. From mastering core knowledge in Grammar school to sharpening critical thinking in Logic and refining communication in Rhetoric, scholars grow in both wisdom and character, preparing them to excel in college and beyond.
