Think, Reason, Persuade
Classical education is an exciting journey of discovery that empowers scholars to explore, challenge, and communicate ideas with confidence. In the early years, scholars joyfully absorb the building blocks of knowledge, setting the stage for deeper, more exciting learning in the years to come. In Logic School, scholars are challenged to think critically, analyze arguments, and engage in meaningful debates.
Paideia
At Our Savior Lutheran School, we embrace a classical approach to education grounded in paideia (παιδεία)—a Greek word that captures the thrilling process of "educating man into his true form, the real and genuine human nature." This approach means that learning at OSL isn’t just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about unlocking the full potential of each student—intellectually, morally, and spiritually.
We offer more than exemplary academic instruction; we foster a learning environment where scholars are encouraged to develop and sustain a strong faith, deepen their biblical knowledge, and build a personal relationship with the Lord.
At Our Savior Lutheran School, our focus goes beyond preparing students for their next academic level or future career. We’re equipping them for a life filled with purpose, growth, and excitement—and an eternity that awaits beyond this life.
Elements of Classical Lutheran Education
Arts of Language
The three arts of language--grammar, logic, and rhetoric--aim to equip scholars to articulate and communicate truth. Scholars of the trivium learn to write well and speak effectively.
Grammar
Grammar is the foundation of language. It is the study of correct language
basics and the “what” upon which everything else is built. We learn the language of the Church through our liturgy and hymnody. Memorizing facts testifies that there is Truth.
Logic
Logic teaches the appropriate analysis of language. It is the “why” used in analytical thinking, discernment, and argumentation. With logic, the case is made for sense as opposed to nonsense.
Rhetoric
Rhetoric fosters the correct use of language. God has chosen language to accomplish His saving work in us. It only stands to reason, then, that proper use of language is a vital skill. Rhetoric is the “how” of the Trivium, as it teaches proper use of language that correctly signifies, identifies, and conceptualizes that which has come before, but in a new way.
Arts of Mathematics
Built on the Trivium, the Quadrivium aims to discern the order found in God’s created world. Scholars of the four arts of mathematics (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy) learn to observe harmonies, ratios, and patterns in nature. Such observations instill a sense of wonder and appropriately shape the imagination.
Arithmetic
Arithmetic is the study of numbers. Scholars develop an appreciation for numbers,
assimilate mathematics as a language, and learn to think abstractly. Arithmetic is a necessary foundation for further study of the mathematical arts.
Geometry
Geometry teaches about numbers in space. Scholars apply the language of mathematics in two and three dimensions to form the right view of physical creation. Geometry promotes a healthy and active imagination that can visualize physical ratios, orders, and patterns.
Music
Music is the mathematical art of numbers in time. Music attunes the ear to hear organization, order, and harmony rooted in the language of mathematics. A well-tuned ear leads the mind to recognize euphony and resolve dissonance, cultivating an objective appreciation of beauty, goodness, and truth.
As Martin Luther puts it,
“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. God gave the gift of language and song to man to proclaim the Word of God through Music.”
Astronomy
Astronomy trains scholars to apply numbers in both time and space. Astronomy applies the language of mathematics on a celestial scale, revealing God’s order in and care for things beyond human control, such as planetary orbits, lunar phases, and the cyclical seasons. Such lofty study certainly sparks reverent wonder, as the Psalmist remarks,
“When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon, and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? For Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.”
(Psalm 8:3-5)
Footnotes and Further Reading
“First of all, there would be the Holy Scriptures, in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and German, and any other language in which they might be found. Next, the best commentaries, and, if I could find them, the most ancient in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. Then, books that would be helpful in learning the languages, such as the poets and orators, regardless of whether they were pagan or Christian, Greek or Latin, for it is from such books that one must learn grammar [note: by ‘grammar’ Luther is referring to the liberal art of grammar: vocabulary, reading, interpretation, and creative expression]. After that would come books on the liberal arts and all the other arts. Finally, there would be books of law and medicine; here too there should be careful choice among commentaries. Among the foremost would be the chronicles and histories, in whatever languages they are to be had. For they are wonderful help in understanding and guiding the course of events, and especially for observing the marvelous works of God.”
Martin Luther, “To the Councilmen of All Cities,” 477.
The teacher who allows his scholars the freedom of the city of books is at liberty to be their guide, philosopher and friend; and is no longer the mere instrument of forcible intellectual feeding.”
Charlotte Mason, Towards a Philosophy of Education, Seven Treasures Publications (2009), 23.
“Now the welfare of a city does not consist solely in accumulating vast treasures, building mighty walls and magnificent buildings, and producing a goodly supply of guns and armor…. A city’s best and greatest welfare, safety, and strength consist rather in its having many able, learned, wise, honorable, and well-educated citizens. They can then readily gather, protect, and properly use treasure and all manner of property.”
Martin Luther, “To the Councilmen of All Cities,” 465.