Education which stops with efficiency may prove the greatest menace to society.... We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wisdom from G. K. Chesterton

Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about.

On Faith and Reason

Though faith is above reason, there can never be any real discrepancy between faith and reason. Since the same God who reveals mysteries and infuses faith has bestowed the light of reason on the human mind, God cannot deny himself, nor can truth ever contradict truth." "Consequently, methodical research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with the faith, because the things of the world and the things of faith derive from the same God. The humble and persevering investigator of the secrets of nature is being led, as it were, by the hand of God in spite of himself, for it is God, the conserver of all things, who made them what they are. - The Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 159

Information Night

We will be hosting an Academy Information Night for families interested in enrolling for the 2009-2010 school year. NECA is expanding! Come learn about our school and hear about our exciting plans for next year. Both new and returning families are welcome.

When: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Saint Mary School Gymnasium, 18 Central Street, Claremont, New Hampshire

Introducing Dan Willingham

Let me introduce to someone you should know: Daniel Willingham. He is a cognitive scientist who specializes in explaining how his field of study intersects with education. I first discovered his work when doing research on Howard Gardner's popular theory of Multiple Intelligences. Willingham's response was a breath of fresh air in an often over-heated education policy debate. (It also confirms classical teaching methods.)

Willingham can also be found blogging for the Core Knowledge Foundation and in a series of short, must-see videos on YouTube. Parents and students have been sold a pedagogical bill of goods under the banner of "multiple intelligences." One may hope that Daniel Willingham's work will help correct the wide-spread misapplication of Gardner's ideas in classrooms and college-level education programs.

For more on why the theory of Multiple Intelligences actually works against academic achievement, see the first chapter of Charles Murray's recent book Real Education.

Dr. Campbell Promotes Classical Education

Dr. Andrew Campbell, Academic Dean, will be giving two workshops on classical education at the InHome Conference in St. Charles, IL, on Friday, March 6, 2009. http://www.homeeducatorsconference.org/

He has also been invited to provide a professional development seminar for a Catholic school that is transitioning to a classical curriculum. He will be traveling to Arkansas in June to meet with the faculty of St. Michael's Catholic School in West Memphis.

Dr. Campbell is a tireless promoter of classical formation, here at NECA and now at Catholic schools and to homeschoolers as well.

Overdue update

It's been awhile since any of us have had time to post about the goings-on here at the Academy, but that's merely because we've been busy educating our students and more.

There's an interesting interview with our Academic Dean about classical education here:

POLYSEMY: The Woodshed

Happy reading!

The Home Stretch

Things here at the Academy have been busy and will continue to busy for the next month. A link to our academic calendar is posted in the sidebar; have a look. Our students can read it and mediate on the joys of summertime while we wrap up the last details in preparation for the Fall Term and the first day of classes at the Academy.

We look forward to seeing you in September!

End of Spring Update

Here's some of what we've been doing the past three months:
* entrance exam administered to over 20 students
* temporary location found at the Clairvaux Center located at St. Bernard's in Keene
* non-profit status established with IRS designation of the Academy as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt public charity

We have been busy this spring wrapping up all kinds of administrative details and continuing our search for an opening location. We have finally found a temporary home and plan to open our doors for classes with a limited enrollment. Some of the practical details remain to be attended to.

In the meantime, the Academy is still accepting applications from students and we are seeking applications to the Academy Board as well. If you are enthusiastic about classical education or educating young people, or you know anyone who is, please download a copy of the Academy Board application from our website, complete it, and send it to us.

Additional Entrance Exam Date Scheduled

Next Saturday morning, March 15, from 9-10:45 at St. Joseph's School, students desiring admission to the New England Classical Academy will have a chance to take the Academy entrance exam.

Registration for the exam can be done, as previously, by e-mail or snail mail. A non-refundable $25 fee and a completed application must be turned in before taking the exam. Applications can be downloaded from the website.

Students are asked to arrive promptly and dress nicely for the exam.