Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Some of Our Most Commonly Asked Questions
Can I afford to provide my child a Whitefield education?
At Whitefield, we believe every child deserves the benefit of a classical Christian education. While the cost of tuition is always a consideration for families, we do everything we can to help students who wish to be here. The cost of educating each student is actually higher than tuition, the difference being made up through financial gifts. Many of our students receive financial aid and scholarships. For details on tuition and financial aid, click on the links below.
Is Whitefield Academy Accredited?
Yes, we hold our accreditation with the Association of Classical Christian Schools, a rigorous organization that has member schools nationwide. What else does it mean to be a classical Christian School? It means that we employ the best, most time-honored methods of teaching. For a more detailed explanation of our educational philosophy, you may watch this interview with our Head of Humanities and Rhetoric, Jim Selby.
Does a classical education include Math and Science?
Absolutely! Our graduates are prepared for any science or math related college track they may choose. Our math program is rigorous and our science program enjoys full laboratory support for hands-on learning. We believe in not only teaching students a body of scientific knowledge but also the methods by which humanity has gained that knowledge. Beginning in seventh grade, students study the history of science, seeing how science has progressed, stalled and changed throughout the ages. Students learn how scientists analyze data and draw conclusions by conducting experiments. Hands on lab work is an important component of all science classes from seventh through twelfth grade, with Biology and Chemistry classes receiving in-depth laboratory experience. Whitefield Upper School students enjoy a comprehensive science program, imbued with a classical approach. Students complete courses in Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics on the Science side, while Math studies include Trigonometry, College Algebra and Calculus. The practical application of the scientific method gives students the skills to conduct lab experiments, use lab equipment, and use scientific reasoning skills to analyze data.
Does Whitefield’s curriculum include Bible classes?
Yes, in reality, the way we learn about the Bible influences how we learn everything at Whitefield! Click here to learn more about our Bible Program.
Why is reading the Great Books of Western Culture important?
Many parents and students ask why we spend such effort reading the Great Books of Western civilization. Why read Homer, Dante, Milton and Virgil when there are so many new authors, books and ideas? We read the Great Books, because in them, we find Great Ideas. We find Truth, Beauty, Goodness and Wisdom. With the Great Books students learn to read both expository and fictional literature, incorporating multiple points of view, including Scripture, in the context of the Great Ideas. In addition, students master the Socratic method of discussion through daily engagement with their classmates concerning the book they are reading. They learn how to write academic essays citing the text for support and resolving counter arguments. Students master the ability to read analytically, think critically, and communicate clearly, persuasively, and imaginatively in their writing. The Great Books move chronologically from Homer to the twentieth century and build skills in reading for meaning in difficult texts (comprehension); in following an author’s thought or argument through an extended text and in comparison with previous readings (analysis); and in integrating the author’s thought within the contemporary issues our students encounter on a daily basis (synthesis). The application of truth, goodness, and beauty to one’s own personal experience trains our students to ultimately read the Bible well. Scripture continues to be a daily reference for correct and wise judgments.
Does Whitefield Teach Cursive Handwriting?
In many schools today, handwriting is a thing of the past, let alone cursive. However, at Whitefield, we believe that cursive writing is not just better, it is necessary and beneficial to even our youngest students. As a child’s brain grows and collects information, the act of writing unique letters on paper creates so much more of a mental imprint than pressing a key on a screen or keyboard. What children learn first they learn best and use throughout their lives. Cursive works with a child’s natural inclination to use curvy connecting lines. It also takes a lot of the guesswork away because all lowercase cursive letters begin in the same location on the baseline and must go up. Writing in cursive models the left to right movement of reading not to mention the added benefit of our students’ learning how to read cursive. Students take pride in writing neatly and think it’s fun.