Virtue

Wisdom & Virtue

Our school motto is “Sapientia et Virtus.”

Our vision for our students is stated in our school motto, Sapientia et Virtus which means “wisdom and virtue.” We aim to do much more than provide superior classical, Christian academics. We believe that the Bible calls us to not only a life of faith, but a life of virtue, therefore, we see the pursuit of virtuous character as a key component to the education of a whole person.

The four classical virtues of prudence, temperance, justice and fortitude in conjunction with the three Biblical virtues of faith, hope, and love are taught, modeled and expected by all those who are a part of The Classical Academy community.  Our teachers and staff are always looking for ways to model, discuss, and foster opportunities for virtuous actions. 

Education is not a subject, and it does not deal in subjects. It is instead the transfer of a way of life.

–G.K. Chesterton

Our Virtues & Habits

The biggest opportunity for instilling these virtues and helping students understand them is by framing them within the practice of specific habits.

I. Prudence

The ability to use your knowledge, belief, and experience to make good decisions, give good advice, or make right decisions. Prudence is developed through the following habits:

  • Habit of Attention: turning the whole force of the mind to the subject in hand.
  • Habit of Wisdom: the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
  • Habit of Remembering: recalling at will knowledge stored in the memory. 
II. Temperance

The ability to manage your emotions, thoughts, and actions in an intentionally restrained manner for the good of others. Temperance is developed through the following habits:

  • Habit of Self-control: keeping back the expression of our passions and emotions when wisdom calls for it.
  • Habit of Patience: bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint; remaining steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.
  • Habit of Excellence: working carefully to complete any task to the very best of one’s ability.
III. Justice

The condition of being morally correct or fair. Justice is developed through the following habits:

  • Habit of Courtesy: behavior marked by respect for and consideration of others.
  • Habit of Fairness: impartial and just treatment or behavior without personal bias.
  • Habit of Gratitude: appreciating the blessing set before you.
IV. Fortitude

Bravery when dealing with pain or difficulty over a long period of time. Fortitude is developed through the following habits:

  • Habit of Grit: to work strenuously toward challenges, maintaining effort and interest over years despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress.
  • Habit of Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
  • Habit of Joyfulness: choosing to display a positive outlook despite one’s circumstances.