How is Classical Conversations Different From a Co-op?

Classical Conversations is a national tuition-based program with the goal to partner with homeschooling parents who want a specifically classical approach to Christian education for their children. According to scripture, the job of teaching God’s Word and about God’s world to children is primarily the responsibility of the family (Deuteronomy 6). We are not trying to give parents an “easy out” from subjects they don’t wish to teach. Instead we are offering to come alongside parents who desire accountability and encouragement in the rigorous job of training children, for their jobs as royal laborers in the Kingdom of God.

Moreover, while a co-op typically teaches “subjects” as ends in themselves, Classical Conversations seeks to relate each subject to the Creator-and then pushes each student to see the relationships between subjects. For instance, in the Challenge program, we do not study subjects such as economics and government for their own sakes. We study economics and government using the format of policy debate. We study philosophy using the format of Shakespeare’s comedy, The Taming of the Shrew. The curriculum is challenging, but well within the abilities of all students who can apply proper attitude and diligence. Our children will amaze us if we continue to present them with greater challenges for the glory of God’s kingdom.