Atonement Academy - Educational Philosophy and Catholic Nature of The School

Educational Philosophy and Catholic Nature of The School

The educational philosophy of the Atonement Academy is summed up by the Latin phrase "Fides et Ratio" (faith and reason) and the curriculum is designed in the mold of classical and Catholic education. Classical education begins with the goal of nurturing independent lifelong learners. It focuses on independent learning skills and independent critical thinking skills necessary to encourage and foster in the student a mature desire to learn, to explore, and to seek answers independent of the instructor. The Atonement Academy curriculum is designed to encourage the rise of literate, wise and moral contributors for society by integrating the classical educational approach with a constant awareness of our culture of Western Christianity and with the magisterial teachings of the Catholic faith. It is not necessary to be Catholic to attend the Academy, however all students take theology/religion classes, all attend and participate in daily Mass, and all participate in prayers throughout the school day. On Fridays, the settings of the Novus Ordo Mass are chanted in Latin. Many of the teachers are also parishioners.

The Second Vatican Council confirms the importance of the Catholic school in its Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum Educationis) when it declares:

"Among the various organs of education the school is of outstanding importance. In nurturing the intellectual faculties, which is its special mission, it develops a capacity for sound judgment and introduces the pupils to the cultural heritage bequeathed to them by former generations. It fosters a sense of values and prepares them for professional life. By providing for friendly contacts between pupils of different characters and backgrounds, it encourages mutual understanding. Furthermore, it constitutes a center in whose activity and growth not only the families and teachers, but also the various associations for the promotion of cultural, civil and religious life, civic society, and the entire community should take part. (Gravissimum Educationis, 5). "

Read more about this topic:  Atonement Academy

Famous quotes containing the words educational, philosophy, catholic, nature and/or school:

    “Although good early childhood programs can benefit all children, they are not a quick fix for all of society’s ills—from crime in the streets to adolescent pregnancy, from school failure to unemployment. We must emphasize that good quality early childhood programs can help change the social and educational outcomes for many children, but they are not a panacea; they cannot ameliorate the effects of all harmful social and psychological environments.”
    —Barbara Bowman (20th century)

    “A new philosophy generally means in practice the praise of some old vice.”
    —Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936)

    “The Catholic and the Communist are alike in assuming that an opponent cannot be both honest and intelligent.”
    —George Orwell (1903–1950)

    “It was his nature to suppose,
    To receive what others had supposed, without
    Accepting. He received what he denied.
    But as truth to be accepted, he supposed
    A truth beyond all truths.”
    —Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)

    “Neither can I do anything to please critics belonging to the good old school of “projected biography,” who examine an author’s work, which they do not understand, through the prism of his life, which they do not know.”
    —Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977)