Many families who enroll in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) want their students to receive a true classical Catholic education while still meeting modern state graduation requirements. This is not only possible but encouraged. CLAA recommends that students complete required modern coursework efficiently, so they can dedicate the majority of their time to classical studies.
1. Fulfilling State Requirements Efficiently
- Every state has its own list of modern graduation requirements (e.g., English, math, science, social studies).
- These subjects can be completed efficiently through:
- Dual enrollment
- Community college courses
- Accredited online programs
- Local homeschool umbrella programs
- Completing these subjects with minimal time investment allows students to focus their best energy on classical Catholic learning.
2. Why CLAA Recommends This Approach
- The modern graduation requirements exist primarily to provide a basic, general education—not to offer a full liberal arts or classical formation.
- Rather than spending excessive time on modern curricula, students can fulfill these requirements responsibly while prioritizing the deeper and more rigorous work of classical Catholic studies.
- This approach respects both civic obligations and the intellectual and spiritual goals of a Catholic education.
3. Classical Curriculum as the Core
- The CLAA curriculum provides students with:
- The Trivium and Quadrivium
- Classical philosophy and theology
- Catholic doctrine and Sacred Scripture
- Historical and literary studies grounded in Catholic tradition
- This is the true foundation of a Catholic education. Modern coursework is treated as a requirement to be completed—not the center of education.
4. Balancing Both Tracks
- Students may structure their schedule so that modern state-required subjects are completed during certain parts of the day or year, leaving the majority of study time for classical courses.
- Many families complete state requirements early (e.g., by ages 15–16) to free the final high school years for intensive classical study.
5. Record-Keeping and Documentation
- Parents should maintain clear records of both modern and classical coursework.
- Modern coursework fulfills state or college admissions expectations.
- CLAA coursework demonstrates advanced classical and Catholic formation.
- When combined properly, this creates a strong and distinctive academic record.
6. Encouraging Students Toward Classical Mastery
- Meeting graduation requirements should never replace or crowd out classical learning.
- By approaching modern coursework efficiently, students can give their time and attention to the study of Latin, philosophy, theology, mathematics, literature, and the liberal arts.
- This prepares students for higher intellectual pursuits, faithful Catholic life, and strong university or vocational opportunities.
Summary
- Yes, students can meet state graduation requirements while studying the classical curriculum.
- CLAA recommends fulfilling modern requirements efficiently, then focusing on classical Catholic education as the core of their formation.
- Modern coursework provides civic credentials, while classical studies provide true intellectual and spiritual formation.
- A clear plan and good record-keeping allow families to meet both obligations responsibly.