How to Get Started in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy

How to Get Started in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy

A step-by-step guide to enrolling in the Classical Liberal Arts Academy and starting your classical Catholic education journey.

Introduction

Starting your classical Catholic education journey with the Classical Liberal Arts Academy (CLAA) is designed to be straightforward and accessible for families of all backgrounds. This article walks you through the essential steps to begin studies, from choosing the right enrollment plan to selecting your first courses and accessing support resources.

Before You Begin

Before enrolling in CLAA, ensure you have:
  1. A reliable internet connection for accessing online courses
  2. A clear understanding of your educational goals (homeschool requirements, personal enrichment, or accredited diploma)
  3. Basic information about your student's current grade level or academic background
  4. A valid email address for account setup and communication

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Download the Free Introductory Book

Visit the CLAA free book page and request "Understanding Classical Catholic Education" by William C. Michael, O.P. This book explains the history and principles of classical Catholic education and will help you understand CLAA's unique approach.

2. Choose Your Enrollment Plan

Select the plan that best fits your family's needs:
  1. Student Plan ($25/month): Individual access to all online courses, assessments, records, and support
  2. Family Plan ($100/month): Student Plan access for all family members
  3. Premium Student Plan ($100/month): Student Plan benefits plus live support, exclusive resources, and prioritized lesson preparation
  4. Premium Family Plan ($250/month): Premium Student Plan access for all family members
  5. Private Tutoring ($250/month): Premium Student Plan benefits plus one hour of weekly live tutoring with the Academy headmaster

3. Review Course Recommendations by Age/Grade

Visit the course recommendations page to understand which courses are appropriate for your student's age and grade level. CLAA offers two parallel tracks:
  1. Classical Catholic courses (TRV, QRV, PHL, THL, HUM): Focus on Latin, philosophy, theology, and classical liberal arts
  2. Modern courses (ELA, FLA, MAT, SCI, SOC): Satisfy contemporary educational requirements efficiently

4. Ease Your Way In

For new students, consider easing your way in beginning with courses whose content you will be familiar with:
  1. Young Learners (Ages 3-8)
    1. Petty School Reading and Arithmetic courses
    2. Catholic Bible I
    3. Baltimore Catechism
  2. Elementary Students (Ages 8-14)
    1. Latin Vocabulary (TRV-110)
    2. Aesop's Fables (PHL-101)
    3. Elementary Grammar and appropriate grade-level courses
  3. High School Students (Ages 14+)
    1. Latin Reading I (TRV-111) - designed for beginners
    2. Classical Ethics (PHL-311)
    3. Classical Geometry (QRV-321)

5. Complete Your Enrollment

Visit the CLAA enrollment page and follow the registration process. You'll create your account, select your plan, and gain immediate access to course materials.

6. Access Your Student Account

Once enrolled, log into your student account to:
  1. View your online courses
  2. Access study materials
  3. Take quizzes and submit assignments
  4. Track your progress and grades

7. Begin Self-Paced Study

CLAA courses are designed for self-paced learning with no expiration dates. Start with one or two courses and gradually add more as you become comfortable with the system. All courses include:
  1. Online study materials
  2. Video lessons
  3. Quizzes and assessments
  4. Graded written assignments
  5. Expert support

Important Notes

Note: CLAA is fully accredited by Cognia, ensuring your studies meet educational standards while maintaining authentic classical Catholic content.

Tip: Use the provided study planners for your grade level to stay organized and ensure you're covering all necessary subjects.

Important: Expert support is available daily via email for all enrolled students. Don't hesitate to ask questions as you begin your studies.
After beginning your studies, you may find these resources helpful:

(Coming soon...)
  1. Understanding CLAA Course Levels: Learn about the progression from elementary through advanced classical studies
  2. Using the CLAA Student Portal: Navigate your online learning environment effectively
  3. Balancing Classical and Modern Studies: Strategies for completing both tracks efficiently
  4. CLAA Support Resources: How to access tutoring, live support, and community resources
For additional questions about beginning your studies, contact CLAA support using the Help Center.