North Star Classical Christian School - What’s in a name?

In classical education, one of the most important steps in learning is definition.  Words matter, and defining terms helps ensure that there is a common understanding and clarity around  what is being discussed.  The name, North Star Classical Christian School tells part of our story.

North Star - The North Star was an abolitionist newspaper founded and edited by Frederick Douglass from 1847-1851. Douglass’s life has shaped much of the vision of North Star Classical Christian School.  The value he put on his education, and the initiative that he took for his own self-education are inspirational and admirable aspects of his character that we hope to pass on to the students at North Star.  Douglass also embodied many of the Intellectual Virtues that are prioritized at North Star.  He used his education not just for personal gain, but for the good of his neighbor. Frederick Douglass is an exemplar of the type of person we are envisioning for the students at North Star.

Classical - Classical Education refers to the time-tested approach to education, which draws upon the wisdom of the ancients, was handed down through the ages to train some of the best thinkers and leaders who have communicated compelling ideas throughout the centuries.  In this approach, students first learn and master the tools of learning, rather than “subjects”.  This includes the structure of language: how to use language, defining terms, and constructing accurate statements and arguments. Then, the student is trained in informal and formal logic to detect faulty reasoning of his own and others.  Lastly, the student is taught how to express himself in language with elegance and persuasion. These modes of learning - grammar, logic, and rhetoric- are the first of the seven liberal arts. Once they are mastered, they can be applied to learn anything. For a more comprehensive explanation of this, please refer to The Lost Tools of Learning by Dorothy Sayers.

Christian - A Christian worldview and faith inform much of North Star Classical Christian School. We deliberately look for ways to ensure that our biblical teaching is broadly integrated into all of the classes and conversations at North Star, and not confined to only our Bible class.  There is intentional communication about the truth that “in Him (Jesus), all things were created: things in heaven, and on earth, visible and invisible… all things (math, science, literature, language, history, geography, music, and art) were created through Him and for Him.  He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together”  (Colossians 1:16-17)  This is the golden thread that binds all of the learning at North Star together.  We want every student to see the hand of their Maker in what they encounter at school throughout the day.  Biblical faith also informs the vision we uphold for students and faculty, as well as the culture of the school and relationships.