Education is an essential part of a well-functioning society. As cultural shifts and technological advances have influenced education over the years, many new and innovative styles of education have emerged. However, in recent years, the trending themes in education seem to be taking a step back toward its roots — back to Socrates himself.
Across the educational landscape, there has been a rise in the number of students and educators returning to classical liberal arts education. This renewed classical education movement can be seen at every level of education, from primary school to postgraduate studies. Significantly more K-12 students are receiving a classical education today than just a few years ago, and those rates are forecasted to continue increasing. By 2035, 1.4 million K-12 students are expected to be enrolled in a classical school.
These trends should come as no surprise; approximately half of U.S. adults are unhappy with the current direction of our education system. Similarly, declining confidence in higher education has brought about a resurging interest in a return to the classical learning styles of history’s first universities.
But what is a classical education? And why are students, parents, and educators reviving this ancient learning style?
In brief, a classical education is one primarily rooted in the liberal arts, a set of disciplines intended to provide a broad intellectual foundation in history, literature, writing, philosophy, and the arts.
However, despite its recent surge, the classical liberal arts remains a widely misunderstood area of education. This is largely due to its generalist approach to education. Rather than focusing on specialized skills, a liberal arts education places the development of character and ethics at the center of study.
Upon closer examination, it is evident that classical liberal arts education is an enduring tradition that is ultimately beneficial to educators and students alike.
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What is a Liberal Arts Education?
A liberal arts education is one that is all-encompassing. It unites the tradition of ancient thought with the persistent pursuit of truth in modern life.
Traditionally considered the education of a “free person,” the aim of the liberal arts was to produce a person who was virtuous and ethical, knowledgeable in many fields, highly articulate, and prepared to engage in civil discourse. This was achieved by focusing on seven core disciplines:
- Grammar
- Logic
- Rhetoric
- Arithmetic
- Geometry
- Music
- Astronomy
Influenced by great philosophers, a liberal arts education encourages students to remain curious and seek answers, which in turn frees students from blind ignorance. This disciplined nature of study allows students to familiarize themselves with their strengths, weaknesses, capacities, and limitations — an awareness that leads to greater self-discipline and personal growth.
Because of this, a classical liberal arts education forms well-rounded individuals prepared to engage with the world around them.
Returning to Liberal Roots: Understanding Classical Education
Before other educational styles became popular, a liberal education rooted in the classic texts of Western civilization was the only way to become truly educated. Rooted in the legacy of Socrates, students are encouraged to question widely-held beliefs and reason their way to an answer. This method of learning hones a student’s ability to think critically and creatively.
From antiquity to the modern day, the progression of the liberal arts can be witnessed throughout the history of Western civilization. Through study of the Great Books, liberal arts students engage with primary texts written by the most influential authors of Western tradition. This gives them access to history’s greatest minds and helps shape a holistic worldview that will carry them beyond graduation.
What is the Goal of a Classical Liberal Arts Education?
Today, liberal education has been coined “classical,” indicating a return to this traditional style of education. Rather than targeting hyper-specialized skills, a classical liberal arts education focuses on the development of the whole person — mind, body, and soul — through virtue-forming classical curricula, equipping students to make free and responsible choices.
Students in liberal arts programs become integrated thinkers, able to creatively connect concepts across varying disciplines. This skill equips them to flourish both in the workplace and in civic life. The liberal arts education orients students toward living a free and fully human life — free from bias and misunderstanding, free to question and learn, free to seek truth and justice.
The primary benefits of a liberal arts education are the skills gained that build a foundation of knowledge. These include:
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Oral & Written Communication
- Creative Thinking
- Research
- Project Management
- Emotional Intelligence
Above all, a classical education fosters a lifelong love of learning and a deep appreciation for the liberal arts that transforms how students interact with the world.
Debunking Common Myths about Classical Liberal Arts Education
As the liberal arts regain prominence in education, some common myths have perpetuated the idea that classical education has no place in modern society. It’s important to address these claims and debunk them as mere misconceptions.
Myth #1: A Classical Liberal Arts Education is Outdated
The world is rapidly changing, causing many to wonder if a liberal arts education is still relevant in today’s modern business landscape.
Although born out of antiquity, the skills and wisdom gained through a liberal arts education are of timeless relevance. Technical innovations and societal shifts are forcing companies to adapt and change, and they need employees who have the resilience of character to work through these shifts with ethical, rational decision-making.
Unlike many job or technical skills that do become outdated as technology and industries change, these competencies prepare students for lifelong success in their careers, particularly in a changing and dynamic future.
Myth #2: A Classical Liberal Arts Curriculum is Too Narrow
Some assume that classical liberal arts curriculums focus too much on traditional subjects, neglecting the practical skills necessary for success. This is rooted in the false assumption that the liberal arts are limited to the humanities.
The seven core disciplines of the liberal arts — grammar, logic, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy — provide students with the traditional tools of learning that are necessary to become wise, virtuous leaders in all aspects of their lives.
Today, modern liberal arts programs have expanded upon the traditional framework to include a range of subjects in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and formal sciences. The interdisciplinary nature of the liberal arts helps to broaden students’ worldviews, preparing them for whatever career path they choose.
Myth #3: A Liberal Education Limits Students’ Career Opportunities
Some believe that a classical liberal arts education results in limited career opportunities, particularly in comparison to specialized or technical degrees. However, graduates of a classical liberal arts program possess valuable and marketable skills such as analytical thinking, oral and written communication, innovation and creativity, and cultural understanding. They also have the ability to solve complex problems while understanding the ethical and moral aspects of the underlying issues.
These are all highly sought-after skills in a variety of industries. According to studies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers often rank critical thinking and communication — hallmarks of liberal arts training — above technical aptitude as essential for career readiness.
Liberal arts graduates are frequently found in business, government, education, and healthcare, specializing in areas like marketing, human resources, advertising, communications, publishing, education, and data analytics. Their education helps them become well-rounded, high-performing, and adaptable employees who are ready to take on the challenges of the modern world.
Learn about the successful and fulfilling careers of real liberal arts graduates.
Discover the Lasting Tradition of Classical Education at UDallas
Despite those misconceptions, the truth is that an education that aims to develop the whole person to think critically and lead with virtue will never become obsolete. Classical liberal arts education has prepared students to be actively engaged members of society for centuries.
A leader in the classical education movement, the University of Dallas offers comprehensive master’s and certificate programs in classical education to help form educators into master teachers. Our curriculum is grounded in the principles of a classical liberal arts education, fostering inquiry, cultivating virtue, and instilling wisdom. Our graduates are teachers, administrators, and advocates working to reshape the education system and raise the next generation of lifelong learners with intellectual, moral, and spiritual development.
If you are inspired to return to a more traditional, holistic approach as an educator, learn more about joining the Classical Education Movement.
