Question 1

1.   What is an American classical education?

Accepted Answer

A traditional education in the liberal arts and sciences, defined by an emphasis on the American traditions of literature, philosophy, and history.

Classrooms where teachers instruct students and convey the tools of learning so that students are prepared for the pursuit of truth.

Curriculum that engages students with the ultimate questions of truth and beauty that define the human experience.

A school culture defined by a seriousness of purpose and emphasis on the development of character and preparation for civic engagement.

Question 2

2.   When classical educators use the word liberal, what do they mean?

Accepted Answer

The word liberal is derived from the Latin word libertas, which means freedom. When you hear classical educators us the term liberal to describe any part of the education offered within a classical school, they are referring to the education befitting citizens of a free country.

Question 3

3.   What grade levels will North Idaho Classical Academy serve?

Accepted Answer

North Idaho Classical Academy will open as a K-7 school in 2026 and add a grade level each year until we achieve K-12 operation.

Question 4

4.  How do I enroll?

Accepted Answer

Click the "Enroll" button on the main page of our website to access the enrollment application. If the number of students per grade exceeds the total number of seat available, a lottery will be conducted to determine admission for that grade.

Question 5

5.  Why do you teach classical literature?

Accepted Answer

The classical tradition acknowledges objective standards of correctness, logic, beauty, weightiness, and truth. These concepts can be illuminated through an education that is full of time-tested literature. Your children have an incredible intellectual inheritance available to them through more than two millennia of contemplation documented in the Great Books. We take pride in supporting your efforts to raise children with excellent character by using literature to help them consider the questions examined by profound thinkers from ages past.

Question 6

6.  Will Christianity or any other religion be part of the curriculum?

Accepted Answer

North Idaho Classical Academy is a public school, which means it is non-sectarian with no religious affiliation. The classical model is inspired by the Western traditions of art, literature, philosophy, history, and language that are intertwined with the American tradition. These traditions had a tremendous influence on the development of the world and appear in the curriculum as essential historical context. When information about the major religions is taught, it is included for its historical, cultural, and literary significance.

Question 7

7.  Why is moral virtue important?

Accepted Answer

Aristotle wrote about virtues in Nicomachean Ethics (around 350 B.C.) and explained that humans are not born with virtue but become virtuous though practice. The school culture that you can expect at NICA is one that nurtures the development of virtuous character. As James Madison explained in Federalist Paper No. 55"...there are other qualities in human nature which justify a certain portion of esteem and confidence. Republican government presupposed the existence of these qualities in a higher degree than any other form." In other words, a virtuous citizenry is not only possible, but also a necessary component of our representative form of government.

Question 8

8.  How is moral virtue taught at North Idaho Classical Academy?

Accepted Answer

At North Idaho Classical Academy, we are dedicated to the formation of virtuous citizens. Our school virtues are courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-government, and service. These virtues are taught in every subject, at every grade level, and permeate all aspects of school culture. If these concepts are as important to you are they are to us, then you will find no better partner in your efforts to prepare your children to lead virtuous lives.

Question 9

9.   Does North Idaho Classical Academy recite the Pledge of Allegiance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We also have a school pledge, which is: "I will learn the true. I will do the good. I will love the beautiful."

Question 10

10. What is the student honor code?

Accepted Answer

We will strive to be virtuous in conduct, seek to grow in scholarship and learning, and pursue a commitment toward civic responsibility. We will not lie, cheat, or steal, and will discourage others from doing so.

Question 11

11.  How do you teach mathematics?

Accepted Answer

We teach math conceptually using Singapore Mathematics. This approach involves an emphasis on developing number sense using concrete tools (such as base 10 blocks), followed by the introduction of pictorial strategies that begin with images on a page and grow into visual models. Once students master the concrete and pictorial approaches, abstract concepts such as algorithms and equations are introduced. This cycle occurs when teaching specific concepts and broadly throughout the curriculum.

During part of the day, students in grades 2-6 will be organized into ability-level groups for mathematics. This means that students will work on mathematics at their current level and may spend extra time on concepts or accelerate their learning as appropriate.

Question 12

12.  Why do you emphasize civics education from kindergarten through graduation?

Accepted Answer

“For as man is the best of the animals when perfected, so he is the worst of all when sundered from law and justice.” - Aristotle, Politics, Book I (around 350 B.C.E)

Our civics program begins with a strong foundation in American history, geography, and the founding documents of the United States and eventually concludes with a deep dive into moral and political philosophy and American government in grades 10-12. Students read the Constitution several times with increasing levels of depth and rigor throughout their education. Our intent is to foster a deep understanding of the American founding and the structure and function of our government. This knowledge contributes to an appreciation for the American experiment and a sense of responsibility for their role as a citizen in the civic life of the nation. We refer to the ability to meaningfully contemplate these matters as thoughtful patriotism.

Question 13

13.  What languages will students learn at North Idaho Classical Academy?

Accepted Answer

Great emphasis will be placed on mastery of the English language. Students will also learn two other languages. Spanish will be taught in grades K-5. Latin and Greek roots will be introduced in grades 4 and 5, then all students will take Latin from grades 6-9. In grades 10-12, students will take advanced coursework in either Spanish or Latin.

Question 14

14. Does the curriculum include fine arts?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Students in K-8 alternate between co-curriculars, including art and music. In grades 9-12, students have the option of selecting art or music elective course options. We never use the word “specials” to describe the fine arts (or other co-curriculars), because we believe that a broad education in all subjects is necessary for children to grow into well-rounded adults. In that regard, we consider an education in the fine arts to be normal, rather than “special.” One lesser-known fact about our curriculum is that all students will learn how to read music by the end of fifth grade.

Question 15

15. Will students be physically active during the school day?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Physical education is included in the co-curricular rotation for students in grades K-8. In grades 9-12, students have the option of selecting physical education elective course options. Students in grades K-6 have access to recess daily, with additional time included for the youngest grades.

Question 16

16. Does North Idaho Classical Academy serve students with special needs?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! North Idaho Classical Academy is a public school and will have a special education team consisting of a coordinator, teachers, and paraprofessionals. We believe that American Classical Education is appropriate for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an American classical education?

2. When classical educators use the word liberal, what do they mean?

3. What grade levels will North Idaho Classical Academy serve?

4. How do I enroll?

5. Why do you teach classical literature?

6. Will Christianity or any other religion be part of the curriculum?

7. Why is moral virtue important?

8. How is moral virtue taught at North Idaho Classical Academy?

9. Does North Idaho Classical Academy recite the Pledge of Allegiance?

10. What is the student honor code?

11. How do you teach mathematics?

12. Why do you emphasize civics education from kindergarten through graduation?

13. What languages will students learn at North Idaho Classical Academy?

14. Does the curriculum include fine arts?

15. Will students be physically active during the school day?

16. Does North Idaho Classical Academy serve students with special needs?