Trivium Method

In 1947 Dorothy Sayers articulated the educational concept of the "Trivium", an educational model that had been used for centuries. When Douglas Wilson helped found Logos School in Moscow, Idaho during the 1980's, he revived this framework to bring about the rebirth of classical education. Presently, nearly 100 classical schools are operating in the United States, most of which use the "Trivium" to set their foundational educational philosophy.

The "Trivium" is simply a means of describing the learning stages of children as they mature. Parents often recognize the stages through which their children pass as they mature. The "Trivium" focuses on the educational method to best develop a knowledgeable, thinking, and articulate student. As the name implies, there are three stages represented in the "Trivium": Grammar, Logic and Rhetoric.

Grammar Stage - Kindergarten through 6th Grade

During the "Grammar" stage, children are particularly adept at memorization. Young children learn songs, rhymes, and recite facts with relative ease. Because young children are so eager to memorize, they will make up nonsensical playground rhymes, therefore, we challenge them by providing substantial subject matter for them to memorize.

Each subject has it's own grammar. In science, children memorize facts about nature. In math, children memorize times tables. In Latin, teachers emphasize vocabulary. Throughout each year in grammar school, classically educated children learn the factual foundation of each subject. We use songs, chants, and rhymes to help children enjoy the learning experience.

Logic Stage - 7th Grade and 8th Grade

The "Logic" phase involves ordering facts into organized statements and arguments. During the middle school years, children are beginning to think independently. They often develop a propensity for argument.

Classical education teaches children in this phase to argue well. The study of formal logic helps students understand the fundamentals of a good argument. Practice in making written and oral arguments helps to further develop these skills. Teachers encourage the use of argumentation in each subject.

Again, each subject has its own logic. In science, we use the development and testing of hypothesis. In math, we develop students' ability to logically orient numbers through the more abstract concepts of algebra and trigonometry.

Rhetoric Stage - 9th Grade through 12th Grade

Rhetoric is the art of communicating well. Once a student has obtained knowledge of the facts and developed the skills necessary to arrange those facts into arguments, he must develop the skill of communicating those arguments to others.

During the high school years, students become concerned with what others think of them. Classical education helps students develop their minds to think and articulate concepts to others. Writing papers, researching, and orating ideas are skills required in all subjects.

While each component has its "sweet spot" during a particular stage, all skills are developed during all levels. A second grader will develop certain logic and rhetoric skills. A high school student will still acquire extensive knowledge in specific subjects. Emphasis is simply placed on different phases during different ages.