Question 1

How is Classicus different from other classical curricula?

Accepted Answer

Classicus begins daily with a foundation in theology. Whether recognized or not, theology is the core of all education and the backbone of a classical education. Somewhere along the way it was left out. Classicus makes it a core subject to be studied just like science, history or math. A.W. Tozer said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." In addition to studying and thinking about God, Classicus also prepares students to speak in the defense of the faith, rather than merely know what is true.

Question 2

How does Classicus integrate with speech & debate competition?

Accepted Answer

Founded in Theology...Theology/Apologetics:Classicus uses apologetics - the rational defense of the Christian faith – as the primary method of studying the Bible. Each week, students prepare, discuss, research and answer some of the most important questions about God and man, while also studying select theological books.The Theology pillar is built around the Stoa apologetics topics. Classicus guides integrate the Stoa topics, covering all 84 over the course of 7th-9th grade. The guides provide thought questions, research questions, scripture references and outside sources for gathering information on each topic. If the student is in a community, they share information in community on each topic, discuss in small groups, collaborate on ideas, and a few students practice presenting the topic each week. The students that compete will also prepare the card for their competition box in community based on the collaborative discussion. In 10th grade students study hermeneutics, learning how to read, interpret and apply God's Word. In 11th grade Mars Hill and worldview philosophy are introduced, with students examining literature, art and music from the Stoa Mars Hill topics against the backdrop of a Biblical worldview. In 12th grade students read and study the entire Bible, focusing on adding to their existing apologetics and Mars Hill topics.  Theology/apologetics is the core of the Classicus program because as Christians we should "always [be] ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15)Supported by Logic...Debate: Debate begins with basic debate skills in 7th-8th grade and moves into competition debate as the focus of 9th-12th grade. Middle school students will begin with learning about rhetoric and speech-writing, followed by basic debate theory and practice. While we recommend learning basic debate skills that are not geared towards Lincoln Douglas or Team Policy debate, there is a competition option available for Medius level competitors. For high school students, Classicus guides offer a novice and advanced track for both Lincoln Douglas and Team Policy debate. Novice students learn the core concepts of eithe Lincoln Doulas or Team Policy debate, complete drills and watch the advanced students, before they begin practicing debate themselves. The advanced track focuses on the classical model of invention, using research and the five common topics to help students think through the resolution(s). The guides also include one affirmative and negative case per resolution, including editable versions for students in the member resources. Students debate 3-7 times in community per resolution. Throughout the pillars, students are also introduced to impromptu and micro debates designed to integrate the environment of Parliamentary debate. Short debates are used as a means for study and dialogue of various topics within the other pillars, and micro debates within the resolution assist with building their research. The ultimate goal of debate is using reason, logic and sound argumentation in a winsome manner, but also doing it "with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15).Leading to confidence in rhetoric...Speech: From 7th-12th grade, prepared speech categories are integrated into the curriculum with preparation schedules, tips and accountability. Students are encouraged to select a topic of their choosing for their speech, but streamlining suggestions are provided for students who want to integrate what they learn in science, history, logic, etc into their speeches. 7th-8th grade incorporates a platform speech (OO, Expos or Persuasive), which can be switched out for an interpretive speech based on the interests of the student. 9th-10th grade suggests persuasive speech based on persuasive essay writing, but leaves it open to the students to add any speech category. The 11th grade study of Shakespeare leads to an end-of-the-year Shakespeare play. Weekly drama practice in class encourages students to perform an interpretive speech to accompany the drama credit. 12th grade suggests students use the Summus II thesis as a persuasive speech, alongside any other speech events the student might want to tackle before graduation. Impromptu speeches and narration are practiced regularly in community beginning in 7th grade as a means of studying various topics. Students gain a mastery of rhetorical skills through the Stoa competition categories, integrated throughout. At the culmination of a Classicus education, students will be able to speak winsomely with logos, pathos and ethos and an emphasis on doing so with "gentleness and respect".Community Integration: Community provides the opportunity for accountability and practice, for "iron sharpens iron." If students are in a community, they will practice their speeches and work in small groups to receive feedback. Debate and rhetorical skills are also learned, discussed and practiced in community. Leader guides provide games, drills, activities, and additional resources. Limited prep events are practiced in-community through impromptu speaking (beginning in middle school) and impromptu debate (beginning in 9th-10th grade) as a means for topic discussions and study in several pillars, alongside Socratic discussion and various other methods of studying the material. If you are in a speech and debate club, you already know the value a club provides to improving rhetorical skills. Consider making your Stoa club into a Classicus community.

Question 3

Do I need to purchase separate debate and apologetics workbooks if I do not compete?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We took resolution specific materials out of the guides and made them separate workbooks in order to release the curriculum guides in early spring vs late summer. Beginning in 2027, the curriculum guides will no longer need to be on preorder and you will be able to purchase and have your guide in hand early spring for the following fall. Apologetics workbooks are the whole of the theology pillar for Medius A, Medius B and Summus IA. Apologetics Workbook I is utilized in Medius A and B. Apologetics Workbook II is utilized in Summus IA. A debate workbook is necessary for all Summus (9th-12th grade) levels and is the primary curriculum used for the logic pillar. Families or communities may choose either Team Policy OR Lincoln Douglas workbook.While the curriculum guides will release in the spring, due to yearly resolution and topic changes in the apologetics and debate workbooks, new editions of the workbooks will be released by mid July each year. If your community is a non-competing community, older editions of apologetics and debate workbooks will remain available for purchase until the updated books are released.

Question 4

Which debate workbook should I purchase?

Accepted Answer

Classicus offers two options for debate: Lincoln Douglas value debate and Team Policy debate. We suggest purchasing only one debate form and selecting the form that best suits your family or community. If you are in a community we recommend choosing one debate form for the entire community to streamline your process. Alternatively, we would recommend separating into each debate form by class and not intermixing the different debates within the same class level. It is not recommended to attempt both Team Policy and Lincoln Douglas debate at the same time.

Question 5

What is the difference between Lincoln Douglas and Team Policy debate?

Accepted Answer

Lincoln Doulgas debate is a one-on-one debate that centers on philosophy and competing ethical values. An LD debate round typically lasts 45 minutes. Team Policy debate is a two-on-two debate that focuses on government policy emphasizing research skills and evidence analysis. A TP debate round typically lasts an hour and a half.

Question 6

How is debate taught in middle school?

Accepted Answer

For the middle school years (7th-8th grade), we recommend a focus on speech, while learning the basics of debate prior to entering competition. Therefore, our Medius A & B guides offer a focus on speech and informal logic first semester and the basics of debate theory and practice in the second semester. While we do offer a "competition option" for Lincoln Douglas or Team Policy debate as a separate purchasable download with an outline in the guide, we recommend that students focus on learning the basics of debate terminology and practice with simple resolutions to help solidify argumentation skills prior to entering competition. This helps younger students keep from becoming overwhelmed with the complicated topics and ideas studied in Stoa resolutions.

Question 7

Can Classicus only be used in a community?

Accepted Answer

Classicus Curriculum is designed to be completed in four days of at-home study by the student, with a fifth day reserved for in-community discussion and review. Community day is often living proof that “as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Prov. 27-17) Community provides students accountability, practice, and discussion, as well as an avenue for science labs, projects, games, testing and evaluation. They also motivate students to want to learn.However, many families are successfully using Classicus without an established community. There are three reasons families might not use Classicus in a community: a community might be unavailable in their area, they might be in a season of life where having a community simply doesn’t work, or their family is its own community (if you own a 15-passenger van, you know :)We highly encourage families to join a local community or start their own. While we hope you will find or start a local community, it is not necessary in order to successfully use Classicus Curriculum. If you need resources on starting a community visit our "Community Resources" page.

Question 8

How do I find a community?

Accepted Answer

Because Classicus is a new start-up, the majority of in-person communities are located sporadically across the U.S. If there is not a community in your area, we encourage you to start a community. If you are a member of the Stoa family, encourage your speech and debate club to utilize the Classicus Curriculum. Stoa clubs and homeschool communities combining, streamline your education. Resources are available to begin your own community on the "Community Resources" page. We hope you will consider starting a community in your area to provide other families the opportunity to put Christ back at the center of their education.As local communities are establishing, we do have some families that have chosen to meet online for discussions. If you would like to connect with other families already using Classicus Curriculum visit our Find a Community page. It will show in what cities and states our curriculum is being used.  Upon purchase of our guides you will gain access to a members only section with contact information to connect with other Classicus families. Some are starting or looking to start local communities and some are interested in meeting online. While Classicus does not oversee communities online or local, we do want to provide a way for other Classicus families to build community. We hope our Find a Community page helps.

Question 9

How do I start my own community?

Accepted Answer

There is no one way to start a Classicus community, which is why Classicus Curriculum is designed for flexibility. Your community may be as small as just two families or as big as fifty. Classes may be parent-led and tuition-free, or leader-led and tuition-based. Leaders can lead an entire class, or split the pillars up between multiple parents. Classicus Curriculum gives you the freedom to create a community based upon your own needs. If you want some ideas on how to structure a community, check out our "Community Resources" page.

We have also seen many families begin communities within their local Stoa clubs, streamlining their club activities with their community day. If you are in a club, consider bringing in other members of your club to start a community. Likely everything that you do at club you will also do in a Classicus community.

Additionally, the reason Classicus is divided into two patterns is to allow parents the option of combining two grades into one, thus doubling the normal class size for smaller classes. For instance, if you have a student in 7th grade and one in 8th, you could choose to put them both in Medius A. The following year, the 8th grade student would move up to Summus I, and the other student would do Medius B. Any student who was in 6th grade could move straight up into Medius B. We designed Classicus so that the order of each pattern provides flexibility and options. Medius is designed for 12-14 years, although older students will absolutely benefit. Summus 1 is designed for 14-16 years, although older students would definitely be challenged. Summus II is designed for students ages 16-18.
We highly recommend students be at least 12 years of age to begin a Classicus education.

Question 10

Does Classicus provide accountability?

Accepted Answer

True to a Classical education, we believe that the most important aspect of education is not the regurgitation of facts in order to pass an exam. The pursuit of a classical education is teaching students to use critical thinking to ask good questions, find good answers, and be able to share that knowledge with others. However, it is also important that students have some accountability to show their work to their peers and parents.

There are multiple ways that Classicus provides accountability. First, Classicus guides are designed to be consumable, with students writing down their answers to thought questions in most pillars of study. Students are expected to fill out their answers and share them in class each week. The consumability of the guide is also an easy way for parents to ensure their students are actually writing down answers and interacting with the texts they are reading. Second, the Week-At-A-Glance sheet at the beginning of each week has a preview of the work for that week, with boxes that students can check off. This is also a quick resource for parents to see what has been completed. Third, there is a gradebook in the back of the guide where parents can mark and grade the assignments that have been completed by the students throughout the year. Fourth, some pillars such as science and logic use curricula that have built-in tests for students that communities or parents may choose to utilize. Finally, the community day each week is specifically designed to offer students the chance to practice and share what they have learned, pondered, and prepared.

Question 11

What are Dinner Discussions?

Accepted Answer

Ronald Reagan remarked in his Farewell Address, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” In his remarks, the former president was latching onto a truth that originates in the Bible: that the duty of parents is to train up their children in the way they should go. One important way of doing this is by discussing life’s most important questions, which is what Dinner Discussions are designed to do. The Dinner Discussions in the Classicus guide are questions made to facilitate conversation around the dinner table, with students writing down notes from the conversation in their guides. They allow parents the opening to give their own insights into what their student is learning, facilitate thought-provoking family discussion, provide accountability, and enhance in-community discussions. Parents have consistently remarked on how much they enjoy using Dinner Discussions around the family table, and how formative they are for their children’s education.

Dinner Discussions may be a part of any pillar of study, though most are related to the Bible. In grades 7-10, there are typically several dinner discussions per week. By grades 11-12, students are expected to do more on-their-own study, and already be in the habit of seeking wise counsel. For this reason, they are not a part of the Summus II guides.

"The Dinner Discussions have created a great time of connection with my high schooler.  The whole family gets an idea of what he's learning that week, and it gives us a chance to discuss deep topics and search for truth together."  - Karen, homeschool mom of 18 years

Question 12

What if my student is terrified of speaking?

Accepted Answer

According to polls, a majority of people are afraid of speaking in public. Some polls show that many fear public speaking even more than death. Yikes! Yet, communication is vital to life: from job interviews, to conversations with friends, to the daily confidence required to share your thoughts. More importantly, the Bible tells us it is a part of our calling as believers.

God created speech when he spoke the universe into existence. In John 1, it says that “the Word” became flesh in the person of Christ. After Jesus was resurrected, he appeared to his disciples, instructing them to go forth into all the nations, preaching the good news and making disciples. Peter instructs us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15) If Christians are to follow this command, it will require that they practice getting over the fear of public speaking. After all, life is a series of decisions to triumph over the things that petrify us. Growth cannot happen without stretching.

If your student is shy, there is NO GREATER GIFT YOU CAN GIVE THEM THAN THE GIFT OF A VOICE. The ability to speak confidently in front of others is one of the most vital life skills a child can learn. At some point, they just have to jump in. In Classicus, students begin with merely sharing their answers to thought questions in class, then move on to delivering casual presentations. Eventually, students will learn to deliver memorized and unmemorized speeches, debate well, and defend their most deeply-held beliefs.

The lives of many children have been changed by parents who forced them to speak in front of others, even when they didn’t want to. They will thank you later. Hundreds have.

Question 13

What about math?

Accepted Answer

After many years of classical education, we have discovered that students all learn math at different paces, for different reasons, and with different math curricula. Because Classicus is designed for communities, we have learned that forcing one curriculum into the guide is simply too inflexible for most parents. Additionally, we have also found from years of experience that math is not a good use of community time, as there is rarely much to discuss. To accommodate this, we have not put a particular math curriculum into the guide. Instead we have placed check boxes in the Week-At-A-Glance portion of each week for students to write down what lessons they have done in math, both as a reminder to do their lessons, and as a source of accountability.

The lack of math in the guide does not mean that we do not value it. We believe math is a fundamental aspect of a good education. But because each child learns at a different pace and families prefer different math curricula, we have chosen to leave this decision to the parents of each child. Below are a few suggestions:

Families have used curricula such as:

Teaching Textbooks 
Shormann Math 
Saxon Math 
Math You See 
Math Mammoth (7th-8th grade)
Apologia Math-based Physics (post Algebra II for Summus II)
Saxon Math-based Physics (post Algebra II for Summus II)

Question 14

What about NCFCA?

Accepted Answer

As of now, Classicus is designed to specifically match the apologetics topics and debate resolutions of Stoa speech and debate. In the future, we hope to expand our curriculum for NCFCA competitors as well. We are hopeful that by the 2027-28 school year we will launch an NCFCA version. Please check back.

Question 15

Do you offer transcripts?

Accepted Answer

While we don’t currently offer transcripts, there are suggested rubrics for grading and a gradebook is provided in the back of each guide, making transcript building easy. For additional help on building a high school transcript, here are few helpful resources:

The Homeschool Mom

The Home Scholar

Fast Transcripts

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