A step-by-step guide to selecting Classical Liberal Arts Academy courses based on your educational goals, age, and academic level.
Introduction
Choosing the right courses in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy depends on your educational goals, age, and current academic level. The CLAA offers both classical Catholic education and modern accredited coursework, allowing families to pursue authentic classical learning while meeting contemporary educational requirements.
Before You Begin
• Determine your primary educational goal (classical Catholic education, modern grade-level requirements, high school diploma, or adult learning)
• Review your current academic level and any prerequisites
• Consider your available study time and commitment level
• Understand that CLAA courses are self-paced and open to all students
Step-by-Step Course Selection Process
1. Identify Your Educational Path
For Grade-Level Requirements (K-12):
Visit the Course Recommendations by Age/Grade page
Find your child's current grade level
Review both classical and modern course requirements for that grade
For High School Diploma Requirements:
Access the CLAA High School Diploma Requirements page
Follow the structured four-year classical Catholic curriculum
Note that Academy students seeking diplomas must follow Academy study plans
For Adult Learners:
Review the Classical Catholic Studies for Adults guidance
Consider starting with advanced philosophy and theology courses rather than elementary subjects
2. Understand CLAA's Dual Curriculum Approach
The CLAA maintains two separate educational streams:
Classical Courses (Primary Focus):
Trivium (TRV): Latin, Greek, Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric
Quadrivium (QRV): Classical Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, Astronomy
Philosophy (PHL): Ethics, Physics, Metaphysics
Theology (THL): Catholic Bible, Catechism, Summa Theologica
Humanities (HUM): History, Literature, Geography
Modern Courses (Efficient Completion):
English Language Arts (ELA)
Foreign Language Arts (FLA)
Modern Mathematics (MAT)
Modern Science (SCI)
Social Studies (SOC)
3. Select Age-Appropriate Starting Points
Elementary Students (Ages 6-14):
Begin with foundational courses like English Reading, Modern Arithmetic, and Catholic Bible
Introduce Latin Vocabulary around Grade 3
Add Classical Grammar and World Chronology in middle grades
Focus on building basic skills while introducing classical elements
High School Students (Ages 14-18):
Start Latin Reading I and Classical Grammar
Begin Classical Logic and Rhetoric
Study Classical Ethics and Classical Arithmetic
Take required modern courses efficiently (Biology, Algebra, World History)
Advance through Summa Theologica and Sacred Scripture
Adult Students:
Start with advanced courses: Latin Reading I, Classical Reasoning I, Classical Rhetoric
Study Aristotle's Ethics and Summa Theologica I
Work through Classical Arithmetic
Build understanding of classical principles before studying formal arts
4. Consider Prerequisites and Course Sequences
Latin Progression:
Latin Vocabulary → Latin Reading I → Latin Reading II → Latin Reading III
Mathematics Sequence:
Modern Arithmetic I-III → Pre-Algebra → Elementary Algebra → Intermediate Algebra → Pre-Calculus → Calculus
Classical Reasoning:
Classical Reasoning I (Porphyry, Aristotle's Categories) → Classical Logic → Classical Rhetoric
5. Balance Classical and Modern Requirements
Prioritize classical Catholic studies as the primary curriculum
Complete modern requirements efficiently without crowding out classical learning
Use course IDs to identify classical (TRV, QRV, PHL, THL, HUM) vs. modern (ELA, FLA, MAT, SCI, SOC) courses
Aim for year-round study to make consistent progress
6. Choose Your Enrollment Option
Individual Courses:
Purchase specific courses for targeted study
No expiration dates on purchased courses
Includes study materials, quizzes, assignments, and grading
Subscription Plans:
Student Plan ($25/month): Access to all courses with email support
Family Plan ($100/month): Student Plan access for entire family
Premium Plans: Include live support and exclusive resources
Important Notes
Note: Academy students seeking official diplomas and transcripts must follow the Academy study plans, not just the general course recommendations.
Tip: Advanced students may begin Latin Reading at any time, regardless of grade level.
Important: All CLAA courses are self-paced and open to students of all ages. Focus on your educational goals rather than strict grade-level expectations.
Related Information and Next Steps
After selecting your courses, consider these resources:
• Understanding Classical Catholic Education - Free introductory book
• CLAA Course Catalog - Complete course listings
• Enrollment Options - Subscription plans and pricing
• Academy Support - Help with course selection and academic guidance