ABOUT DEO GLORIA SCHOOL
Why the fuss?
Perhaps the most obvious question upon a visit to this site is why Deo Gloria School even exists at all. Why, with the convenience and economy of the well-furnished public education system all around and available to us, would we bother with a small up-start effort like this? Stated simply, the question (and answer) is one of Gardening. What are we trying to grow? Have we even thought about this? We are, in fact, trying to grow the kingdom of God in the hearts and minds of men. If we adhere to Biblical truth (and we do), then we know that growing the Lord’s kingdom not only rightly honors Him, but it also is the only place creation can find it’s true happiness.
We start this endeavor, naturally and faithfully, with our children. We cannot get rich & juicy watermelon by planting weeds. In fact, we can’t get the Joy of Watermelon by doing nothing, either. Our world is one where weeds grow aggressively and will dominate unless we hoe the row. Thus, there is really no such thing as sending our children off to “neutral” public schools. If we think like the world, we will bear the “fruit” of the world. Weeds will take over, and we will watch dumbfounded as our young people lose their faith, our marriages suffer the same statistical failure as those of non-believers, and the Church continues to spin in its impotent, “feel good” social bubble.
“All this,” you say, “because we don’t teach our children that Christ made and owns 2 + 2?” You betcha! Math–and our minds, as well as the ability to learn, understand, and apply mathematical principles–were all created ultimately to enjoy and glorify the Triune God. If Christ is left out of the teaching of mathematics, then our children are learning that Christ is irrelevant to mathematics–same goes for history, science, literature, etc. As St. Augustine stated simply, “All Truth is God’s Truth.” For us to live as if this is not the case (by subsidizing an agnostic perspective of the world through our enrollment in secular schools) is self-delusion of the grandest order. If this is the seed one chooses to sow, then there can be no grounds for complaint when chomping on tares at harvest is the only option. Few would dispute that we as a culture have started to sample this entree’ even now. In our humble opinion, hoeing the row is worth it not only because weeds don’t taste good, but even more so because nothing beats the savory sweetness of watermelon.
How do I enroll my child?
To enroll please contact us via email, or call Bill Landis at 248-767-4620.
Can I enroll my child in a few classes and skip others?
To help establish an orderly and close-knit school culture, we ask that primary students attend all classes from 9:00-12:00. Lunch/Feast and P.E. are optional but recommended–they’re great fun. Enrollment for secondary students is up to the instructor (Pastor Evans).
When and how is tuition paid?
Some courses and/or activitied may require tuition costs. These should be paid in full prior to the beginning of the semester and/or event. Special payment arrangements will be considered when submitted in writing to the parent/teacher organizing the course/event.
Where do I pick up and drop off my child?
Locations and times will be established ahead of time per event and/or semester.
Are parents allowed to visit the classes while in session?
Yes, absolutely!
I’m thinking about enrolling, but I’d like to see how the school runs first. Is that possible?
Yes, absolutely! But to make your observation more fruitful, please contact Pastor Evans or Bill Landis prior to your visit.
The semester has started, can I still enroll my child?
Please contact Pastor Evans or Bill Landis, and we can make a decision depending on timing and circumstances.
Is there a dress code?
Clothes signal the reality of who God has created us to be. They reflect our vocation, our gender, and our hearts made new in Christ. At Deo Gloria, students are asked to honor their calling as students, their femininity or masculinity, and their love for others through a dress code. Girls wear a modest skirt, jumper or dress, and boys wear a shirt with a collar and dress pants–i.e., polo or button down and no jeans. Students can change into appropriate, modest gym wear for P.E.
What supplies will my child need for the semester?
Basic school supplies–paper, pens, pencils, crayons,etc. Some art supplies may be required; for example, an old shirt to be used a smock. See course descriptions for recommended books, CD’s, etc. Teachers will have additional instructions for students as needed.
Which type of teaching methodology is used at the school?
We believe classical methodology that is delivered from a consistent, integrated Christian perspective is the best way to assist parents in the covenantal training of their children (Deut. 6, Ephesians 6:4).
ABOUT CLASSICAL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
What does “classical” mean?
At Deo Gloria, “classical” refers to the pedagogy and methodology of the Trivium as outlined by Dorothy Sayers in her essay “The Lost Tools of Learning” and by Douglas Wilson in Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning. The Trivium, or three roads, was used for centuries in the Western world during the Middle Ages. The three parts of the Trivium are actually three stages students pass through as they grow and learn: Grammar, Dialectic (or Logic), and Rhetoric.
The Grammar stage begins at about age four and ends roughly at eleven; during this stage students are able to memorize amazing amounts of information, and enjoy it too. In this stage the emphasis is on memorizing the “grammar” of a given subject–the basic facts, rules, etc. through various methods of song, chants, sound-offs, and the like.
The next stage, Dialectic (also called the Logic stage), lasts roughly from the ages of 12-14. It is the time when children naturally become more critical, inquisitive, and argumentative. (Sayers calls this the “Pert” stage.) Classical methodology meshes with this developmental stage by teaching students to understand clearly how facts, rules, and principles relate; students typically become adept in logic, debate, and persuasion.
The third stage, Rhetoric, roughly encompasses ages 15-18. In the Rhetoric stage, students are able to muster the knowledge they have accumulated, bring the power of logic and clear thinking to bear, and then express and defend opinions and positions effectively, clearly, and with beauty.
The Trivium prepares students to think–at Deo Gloria, to think from a Christian perspective–and to be able to learn. Sayers and Wilson both refer to the Trivium as “Tools of Learning.” So the Trivium actually equips students for a lifetime of learning. For further resources and links to information about classical Christian education, please visit our home page.
