The trivium, explained
What is classical homeschooling?
Classical homeschooling teaches in three stages called the trivium: the grammar stage in the early years for facts and memory work, the logic stage around middle school for reasoning, and the rhetoric stage in high school for arguing and writing well. Most classical programs add Latin, history taught in order from ancient times, and the great books.
The three stages
Grammar: young children soak up facts, so they memorize poems, math facts and timelines. Logic: older children ask why, so they learn to reason and spot bad arguments. Rhetoric: teens learn to make their own case in writing and speech.
Classical in kindergarten
Keep it short and light. Phonics, lots of reading aloud, counting, and a few poems or songs to learn by heart. The "grammar stage" at five is mostly learning to read and loving stories.
Where Clareza overlaps, a little
Systematic phonics for kindergarten to Grade 2. The ancient world in Grade 6 and the medieval world in Grade 7. Speech and Communication, a semester on spoken argument. Philosophy and Logic, a semester with validity, soundness and common fallacies.
What this is not
- Clareza is not a classical curriculum. History follows a grade-by-grade sequence, not a four-year cycle.
- There is no Latin or Greek. The language courses are Spanish.
- There is no great-books list. English uses passages and excerpts and supplies no full books.
Try it free for 30 days
One price for the whole family. Cancel in one click.
Look inside all 71 courses firstEvery unit, every skill, every objective. No account, no card.or start now
Questions parents ask
Is classical education religious?
Many classical programs are Christian, but the method itself is not. Secular classical options exist.
Do I have to teach Latin?
No. Many classical families do, but plenty start late or skip it.
Does Clareza teach logic?
Yes, in Philosophy and Logic, a one-semester high school course. It is not a full classical logic sequence.