Mission & Academics Blog
Classical Education: The Pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness
At the heart of Classical Education is the pursuit of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness as objective and identifiable ends. It's not just a philosophy, it's a way of life that ignites curiosity and passion in every discipline. It is visible everywhere across campus and as one of BA's Founders, Bill Smeeth, always said, it keeps “the lamp of learning brilliantly lit.”
I recently spoke with Mrs. Karen Ray, one of our Western Civilization teachers, who was named Teacher of the Year by the Wisconsin VFW. We chatted about her numerous interviews with Veterans over the years and her deep interest in and appreciation for their service. She is attracted to their loyalty, commitment, and patriotism - their allegiance to something higher than themselves and their willingness to sacrifice so much. She sees the Goodness and Truth - and she is drawn to it. She takes great care to share these Veterans’ stories and elaborate on their contributions. Her enthusiasm is contagious and students cannot miss it.
Then, imagine stepping into a room buzzing with conversation as Ms. Gillian Gosman, an Upper School English teacher, lead a faculty discussion of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. Everyone in the room was engaged in deep conversation about the ethics and the motivations of the characters’ choices. The room was filled with different perspectives about the play and the characters, the symbolism, and the themes. We enjoyed grappling with ideas - striving for the truth. It was exhilarating. Ms. Gosman’s passion for critical thinking kindles similar flames in her students and discussion becomes a journey of discovery.
The very next day, Mr. Greg Rackovan, our US Science Chair, addressed parents and friends as part of the Classical Heritage series. His topic was Nuclear Fission and Fusion….Everyone in the room was spellbound. His explanation wasn’t just informative, it filled us with wonder and awe. As I soaked in the words, I realized the transformative power of education. It’s not just about facts and figures; it’s about stretching young minds, challenging them to see the world through the lens of Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.
These examples are just the beginning. Our school brims with beauty waiting to be explored - from Art and Music to Languages, Economics, and Math. Every discipline holds its own treasure trove waiting to spark the imaginations of our scholars. Our faculty, passionate and dedicated, guide students on a journey of exploration and enlightenment. It's a privilege to be part of a community that nurtures a thirst for knowledge, where every day is an opportunity to uncover the boundless wonders of our world.
