The Classical Schools Database is an open-access resource designed to allow users to research K–12 classical education schools in the United States.
This report defines what the Classical Schools Database is, how it operates, and how families, teachers, and policy experts can utilize it to guide decisions. With coverage of almost 900 schools and robust search capabilities, the database provides users with an informative snapshot of schools with a classical model methodology to education.
What Is the Classical Schools Database?
Developed by the Heritage Foundation with the assistance of CatholicVote and other organizations, the Classical Schools Database is a web-based searchable database of classical schools in America.
The aim is to be an open, transparent database about schools that incorporate a classical methodology of learning into the curriculum. Such schools will likely emphasize the liberal arts, classical language, Socratic debate, and the development of character.
According to The Daily Signal, the database has nearly 900 schools and features a variety of filters that can be used to spot schools that meet certain criteria.
Characteristics of the Classical Education Model
Schools included in the database often share features such as:
- Emphasis on the Great Books tradition
- Instruction in grammar, logic, and rhetoric
- Focus on ethics and character education
- Teaching of classical languages (e.g., Latin, Greek)
- Socratic method and critical thinking
- Reduced reliance on technology in the classroom
These characteristics reflect a return to educational practices rooted in the Western intellectual tradition.
How the Database Works: Features and Search Options
The Classical Schools Database provides a user-friendly interface that enables visitors to filter search results based on a range of criteria:
Search Filters Include:
- U.S. state
- City or county
- ZIP code
- Grade levels served
- Operation model (e.g., private, public, charter, homeschool partnership)
- School schedule (e.g., full-time, hybrid)
- Religious affiliation (e.g., Catholic, Protestant, non-religious)
These filters allow users to identify schools that best fit their geographic, educational, and philosophical preferences.
School Profiles: What Information Is Available
Each entry in the database includes a “Read” button that expands to reveal a school profile. The profiles are organized into two main sections:
1. General Information
- Physical address
- Link to school website
- Year of establishment
- Grade levels offered
- School’s operational model and schedule
- Religious affiliation
- Approximate student population
- Details about parent partnership opportunities
2. Curriculum Features
- Focus on the liberal arts
- Instruction in classical languages
- Great Books curriculum
- Low-tech or screen-limited environments
- Emphasis on memory work and recitation
- Use of the Socratic method
- Instruction in etiquette or social conduct
- Presence of a house system
- Exposure to the common arts (e.g., gardening, carpentry, cooking)
Each category in the curriculum section includes expandable descriptions to give users a clearer understanding of what each school offers.
The database also notes the date of the most recent update to each school profile, helping users evaluate the timeliness of the data.
Who May Benefit from Using the Database?
The Classical Schools Database may be particularly useful for:
- Families evaluating educational options
- Homeschoolers considering hybrid models
- Religious communities exploring aligned schools
- Educators interested in classical pedagogy
- Policymakers or researchers studying educational models
Practical Use Case: Searching for a School in Florida
Consider a family in Tampa, Florida, looking for a K–8 school with Catholic affiliation and a curriculum based on Great Books and minimal technology. By using the database filters, they can:
- Identify schools in their ZIP code or city
- Review school operation models and grade levels
- Examine curriculum offerings and religious orientation
This enables them to make a more informed decision without requiring third-party consulting services.
Conclusion
The Classical Schools Database offers a structured way to explore schools aligned with classical educational principles. Through detailed profiles and customizable search filters, it supports informed decision-making for a variety of users.
This tool reflects a broader interest in classical education and provides a practical entry point for those seeking alternatives to conventional schooling.
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