At Veritas Preparatory School, education is more than the pursuit of knowledge – it is the cultivation of wisdom, virtue, and a love for God. A distinctive feature of Classical education is the inclusion of scholé, a Greek word meaning “restful learning.” In a world that often pushes children toward hurried schedules and constant activity, Veritas seeks to provide students with an atmosphere where learning is marked by peace, joy, and delight.
The idea of scholé dates back to ancient Greece, where it described the kind of thoughtful study and conversation that leads to true understanding. Rather than rushing through facts, students were invited to pause, reflect, and allow ideas to take root. At Veritas, this approach is woven into the classroom experience through practices such as recitation, narration, and discussion. Students are given time to savor a beautiful passage of Scripture, commit a poem to memory, or consider the meaning of a historical event.
In second grade, students exhibit scholé in several ways, such as through their class journals. “The class has been writing or drawing in their science journals several times a week,” said teacher Mrs. Buller. “We go outside and they are prompted to sketch and write about anything that they see. Last week we sketched anything in God’s creation and I saw a lot of pictures of bugs and trees. It’s a very peaceful way to end a day and to encourage students to be observant of the world around them.”
Rooted in a Christian understanding of education, scholé also reminds us of Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Education should not be a burden but a gift – a place where students encounter truth, goodness, beauty, and where their souls are refreshed.
“The staff read “The Scholé Way” by Dr. Christopher Perrin over the summer and we are challenging each other to be deliberate in our inclusion of scholé in the curriculum this year,” stated Headmaster Jill Rosario.
By embracing scholé, Veritas encourages students to see learning not as a checklist to complete but as a lifelong journey of discovery. This restful approach helps children grow not only in knowledge but also in character, equipping them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind.
Comment
Comments