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The Importance of Classical Education in the Twenty-First Century
(Part 2 of 2)
By: Diana Margo Lorraine Barbacena
Grade 6
Grace Christian Academy
In GCA, we are also learning about ancient civilizations, Egypt, Greece and Rome. We come to know about the Middle Ages to the Renaissance Period. From the Viking Explorers to Marco Polo to Christopher Columbus, The Revolutionary War, Early American History to the Civil War. We have subjects like IEW, Composition, Grammar, Literature and Penmanship. We gained knowledge of Geography, Geometry and Physics and last but not the least, the infamous Saxon Math, which is considered one to two grades higher than other schools’ math curriculum. One of my preferred subjects is History, because for me, for us to be able to progress forward towards the twenty-first century and beyond, we must be able to understand and appreciate our past. I am certain that no matter what we do or say, History will always be our compass that guides us through the challenges we face in the twenty-first century. It will always be there, from the languages we study, in our currency, arts, science, and medicine and even in our most renowned buildings. Buildings like the Lincoln Memorial, which was designed after the Parthenon in Greece, or the Jefferson Memorial, constructed and modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Even in the principles of our democracy we derived from Ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy. We have faith in the ideologies of some of the prominent philosophers, like Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. The Republican form of Government that we have today is based on Ancient Rome, and what nobler way to educate us but by George Washington himself, in which he said, “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of our country.”
I agree with George Washington, because to make his desire and America’s wishes come true, we need strong, intelligent, dedicated and Spirit guided leaders to advance a nation so that we will be a beacon and a shining example to the rest of the world towards the twenty-first century and to the next generation. John F. Kennedy said in his Inaugural Speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” Perhaps, it is up to us the forthcoming leaders of our country to make George Washington’s aspirations and John F. Kennedy’s vision a reality and I believe that this is the time for us to reach for the stars, and it commences by education, not just a conventional education, but a Classical Christian Education.
Grace Christian Academy is a small private school not supported by the government and this year we are commemorating our Quindecennial Celebration. I think it is the best kept secret in education. However, I do not want it to be a secret any longer, together with this essay and your assistance through the Pursuit of Potential Essay Contest; this is an excellent opportunity to spread the Word of God and at the same time reach other people about our school.
Not only does GCA have a greater depth and competitiveness in its curriculum, our school can and will provide the necessary knowledge and essential skills to be a leader. It is instilling in me leadership abilities that will assist me and other students to succeed in middle school, high school and eventually in college.
In conclusion, I would like to thank, first of all, God for all the blessings He has given us. I also wish to thank my parents for all their love, encouragement and support. To my class teachers, Mrs. Furniss, Mrs. Matone and Mrs. Lindo and to all the GCA board members, administration, staff and faculty, thank you all.
(Part 2 of 2)
By: Diana Margo Lorraine Barbacena
Grade 6
Grace Christian Academy
In GCA, we are also learning about ancient civilizations, Egypt, Greece and Rome. We come to know about the Middle Ages to the Renaissance Period. From the Viking Explorers to Marco Polo to Christopher Columbus, The Revolutionary War, Early American History to the Civil War. We have subjects like IEW, Composition, Grammar, Literature and Penmanship. We gained knowledge of Geography, Geometry and Physics and last but not the least, the infamous Saxon Math, which is considered one to two grades higher than other schools’ math curriculum. One of my preferred subjects is History, because for me, for us to be able to progress forward towards the twenty-first century and beyond, we must be able to understand and appreciate our past. I am certain that no matter what we do or say, History will always be our compass that guides us through the challenges we face in the twenty-first century. It will always be there, from the languages we study, in our currency, arts, science, and medicine and even in our most renowned buildings. Buildings like the Lincoln Memorial, which was designed after the Parthenon in Greece, or the Jefferson Memorial, constructed and modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Even in the principles of our democracy we derived from Ancient Greece, the birthplace of democracy. We have faith in the ideologies of some of the prominent philosophers, like Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. The Republican form of Government that we have today is based on Ancient Rome, and what nobler way to educate us but by George Washington himself, in which he said, “A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of our country.”
I agree with George Washington, because to make his desire and America’s wishes come true, we need strong, intelligent, dedicated and Spirit guided leaders to advance a nation so that we will be a beacon and a shining example to the rest of the world towards the twenty-first century and to the next generation. John F. Kennedy said in his Inaugural Speech, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country.” Perhaps, it is up to us the forthcoming leaders of our country to make George Washington’s aspirations and John F. Kennedy’s vision a reality and I believe that this is the time for us to reach for the stars, and it commences by education, not just a conventional education, but a Classical Christian Education.
Grace Christian Academy is a small private school not supported by the government and this year we are commemorating our Quindecennial Celebration. I think it is the best kept secret in education. However, I do not want it to be a secret any longer, together with this essay and your assistance through the Pursuit of Potential Essay Contest; this is an excellent opportunity to spread the Word of God and at the same time reach other people about our school.
Not only does GCA have a greater depth and competitiveness in its curriculum, our school can and will provide the necessary knowledge and essential skills to be a leader. It is instilling in me leadership abilities that will assist me and other students to succeed in middle school, high school and eventually in college.
In conclusion, I would like to thank, first of all, God for all the blessings He has given us. I also wish to thank my parents for all their love, encouragement and support. To my class teachers, Mrs. Furniss, Mrs. Matone and Mrs. Lindo and to all the GCA board members, administration, staff and faculty, thank you all.
