At Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) the curriculum is deliberately structured so that modern academic subjects (such as mathematics and the natural sciences) are not treated as separate or competing with classical studies. Instead, modern subjects are included **within** a broader, classical-Catholic framework of learning. (Source: “How to Fix Catholic Education, Part II: The Curriculum.”) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

   - CLAA uses the traditional model of liberal arts: the Trivium (grammar, logic, rhetoric) and the Quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy) as foundational. Modern mathematics and science are placed within these classical disciplines. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}  

   - For example: modern mathematics (algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics) is situated under the Quadrivium alongside classical arithmetic and geometry. Modern natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, environment, physiology) are viewed as part of “natural philosophy” beneath Philosophy and Theology. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

   - CLAA does *not* reject modern subjects. It explicitly states that modern mathematics and science are included, but they are given their proper place in the larger ordering of studies. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}  

   - The idea is: modern studies serve the ends of the liberal arts, reason, and theology — they are subordinate to the higher disciplines, not the ultimate goal. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

   - The ultimate goal of education at CLAA is not merely preparation for college or career, but formation of the intellect and will toward truth, virtue, and God (in line with the Catholic intellectual tradition). Modern subjects are meaningful because they are connected to this greater end. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}  

   - Because of this, the curriculum emphasises coherence: students see how math and science are related to philosophy and theology, rather than isolated skill-sets.

   - In the CLAA blog article, the headmaster argues that modern curricula are often “too small” and padded with busywork because the subjects are narrowly defined. By expanding the “boxes” of subjects and ordering them properly, math and science can be studied efficiently and thoroughly, allowing time for deeper classical and theological studies. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}  

   - In effect: modern math/science are streamlined to mastery, leaving more time for classical curriculum.

- A CLAA student will take modern mathematics courses (algebra, geometry, statistics, etc.) but the curriculum clarifies that these are part of the Quadrivium and are studied with an eye toward their order, logic, and relation to truth.  

- In science, rather than simply studying biology or chemistry for practical outcomes alone, the student will engage in natural philosophy: considering what nature is, how the sciences relate to philosophy, how they reflect the order of creation, etc.  

- The student is not just accumulating credits in math/science; they are mastering them and then proceeding to classical studies (logic, rhetoric, philosophy, theology) which give context and meaning to the modern studies.  

- Because CLAA is online and self-paced, students can sometimes progress through modern math/science more quickly, freeing up time for richer classical studies or theology.  

- The instructor’s intention is that modern subjects maintain their integrity (rigour, labs for science, problem-sets for math) but are not the capstone — the capstone is wisdom and virtue formed through the classical/catholic curriculum.

- It fosters unity of knowledge: Students learn that math, science, philosophy, and theology are parts of a unified intellectual structure, rather than fragmented subjects.  

- It avoids utilitarianism: Instead of emphasizing only career readiness, the curriculum emphasizes formation of the whole person (mind and will). This is in contrast to modern curricula which CLAA argues have “narrow utilitarian ends.” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}  

- It preserves tradition: By placing modern studies in their rightful place, CLAA is restoring what the Catholic educational tradition has held: the liberal arts ordered toward higher things.  

- It gives depth without sacrifice: Because modern subjects are streamlined and ordered, students can move through them efficiently and still engage deeply in classical studies.

In summary, at CLAA modern mathematics and science are fully present and rigorous, but they are integrated into a larger classical Catholic educational framework. They are not isolated engineering or vocational tracks—but parts of a tradition that leads from the liberal arts, through philosophy, to theology. This integration means students benefit both from strong modern academic preparation and from a classical formation of the mind and soul.