Frequently Asked Questions
Upper School
What is Classical Christian education?
A Classical Christian education is an intellectually and spiritually formative education that sparks a love
of learning, establishes a solid foundation and good habits of mind and soul, provides students with the
tools of learning and presents them with rich content and great ideas. Classical Christian education
seeks to nourish the souls of students on truth, goodness and beauty so that they might learn to love
that which is worth loving and learn to use their gifts and freedoms wisely in service of God and
neighbor.
The classical method was born in ancient Greece and Rome, was used throughout the Western world
by the 16th century, and remained the norm until at least 1850 and in many places through the early
20th century. And what is the reason for its widespread use across millennia? It works. Students benefit
from this proven method of education which teaches students to become independent thinkers,
effective communicators and lifelong learners while being guided by a thoroughly biblical world and life
view. Utilizing time-tested methods that provide students with the best tools for their learning abilities at
any given age, classical education is experiencing resurgence in popularity after decades of
educational experimentation and decline. Educators and parents alike are rediscovering the methods
that have produced the great writers, thinkers, mathematicians, artists, scientists, orators and political
minds of history.
How does classical education apply in the modern world?
Classical education is as well-suited to modern day learning as it was in the past. The goal of this
education is to teach children how to think and learn for themselves, providing them with rich content
from great books and great ideas to give them both the desire and tools to learn for a lifetime. Classical
education gives students facts, provides them with logical tools to order, relate and analyze those facts,
and hones the students’ ability to communicate their conclusions to others. This fundamental skill-set is
more valuable today than it has ever been. Once these tools of learning are mastered, then subjects
become the material upon which one practices and develops these tools. This time-tested method
simply adds more depth and breadth to the process and gives them tools which they can then apply to
any subject, ancient or modern. And people who can reason and articulate well are always in demand.
What subjects make up The Cambridge School’s curriculum?
We teach all of the core subject disciplines that other schools offer and more. The difference is that we
teach them from a Classical Christian perspective, which means we use Logic and Rhetoric skills
intentionally throughout all classes and there is a strong emphasis on primary source reading, Socratic
discussion and integration across subject disciplines. In addition to solid instruction in
literature/composition, math, science and history, we have a well-rounded, integrated and rigorous
course of study that also includes Logic, Rhetoric, Latin, Mandarin, Fine Arts and PE. All of our upper
school classes are considered honors levels classes and we offer select AP courses that fit with our
classical pedagogical goals.
Is classical education only for gifted students?
No. Our students vary in ability from those working slightly below grade level to those working several
levels beyond their grade. However, all students benefit greatly from the higher bar of the classical
method. In fact, until this century, there was no substantial alternative. If you were educated in
Western society prior to 1850, you were classically educated, regardless of your level of intelligence.
Of course, many parents will observe the classroom and curriculum at The Cambridge School and
assume the children are abnormally bright. In reality, the classical method challenges children and is
uniquely able to leverage their natural abilities during different stages of childhood. In short, it is rich
and rigorous enough to challenge the brightest students while also able to take ordinary students and
delivery extraordinary results by employing proven methods tested over centuries. While it is usually
an adjustment of sorts for students entering our upper school without having attended our grammar
school, students who are self-motivated, enjoy learning, have a strong work ethic and are up for a
challenge usually find that the adjument goes relatively well over time.
How much homework should we expect?
While we do not equate academic rigor with the amount of homework assigned, we do assign
homework to teach diligence, independent learning, and in the upper school, usually to prepare for
meaningful participation in class discussions and activities or to review and further cement concepts
learned in class. The faculty do their best to not to assign complex new concepts or mere busy work as
homework. Students are taught some basic study skills in 7th grade and families are encouraged to
provide an environment with as few distractions as possible for their student. In the upper school, the
students are encouraged towards increasing self-governance so the expectation is that the student will
learn to take responsibility for their own work without constant parent oversight. Parents are
encouraged to ask about work and discuss ideas and progress with their student, but otherwise they
are encouraged to let the student to work on his own. This can take some coaching and discipline at
first, but it should eventually lead to excellent study habits. In the upper school (7th-12th), the average
student on an average night during an average week can expect roughly 1 ½ to 2 hours of homework
per night in middle school and 2-3 hours of homework per night (and possibly more if taking AP
courses).
Can students from a traditional education experience integrate successfully into the classical method?
Yes. While there is an initial adjustment period, students can be successfully integrated at any grade,
especially in the grammar and dialectic years (grades K-8). Those students who can expect to do well
transferring at later grades will typically be motivated, and have strong study habits, work ethic and
academic aptitude.
What about academic standards? How rigorous is your program?
We meet and exceed most California state standards and have a truly rigorous program that stretches
students, not just to “cram-pass and forget” material on a test, but to be keen observers, thoughtful
question-askers, deep readers, logical thinkers and effective communicators who are formed and
shaped intellectually and spiritually by what they are learning. While we don’t spend any time on
standardized test preparation, we are pleased that our students continue to demonstrate considerable
strength in their performance year after year.
What is the Trivium?
Classical education follows a three-part pattern known as the Trivium: the mind first must be supplied
with facts; then given the logical tools for organizing those facts; and finally equipped to express
conclusions. Students throughout all grade levels benefit from each method of teaching. Classical
education works because it focuses on the way children learn best at each stage of life, then builds on
the foundation of previous stages. New students, however, can be successfully integrated at any grade,
especially at the grammar and dialectic stages.
In the Grammar (elementary) stage, students enjoy memorizing and naturally absorb information.
Through songs, rhymes and jingles, children learn the factual foundations of each subject. They learn
rules of phonics, spelling and grammar; stories of history and literature; facts of math; descriptions of
plants and animals; the vocabulary of foreign languages and more. They begin diagramming sentences
in first grade and start Latin in Kindergarten.
In the Dialectic/Logic (middle school) stage, teachers channel students’ natural desire to argue
through the formal study of logic. Students are interested in cause and effect, relationships between
different fields of knowledge, and the way facts fit together in a logical framework. Students analyze,
evaluate and critique information. Students discover why the War of 1812 was fought instead of simply
reading the history. The logic of science requires that children learn the scientific method. They learn
persuasive writing and guided critical analysis.
In the Rhetoric (high school) stage, students have acquired knowledge and the skills necessary to
arrange facts into arguments. Now, they develop the skills needed to communicate those arguments to
others through writing and speech. Students research important themes and present those concepts in
papers and speeches. They discuss world events and explore career options. They are well-prepared
to become lifelong learners.
Why Latin?
The study of Latin begins in Kindergarten at The Cambridge School and continues through AP Latin in
either 10th or 11th grade. This is an important facet of the classical curriculum. These are just a few of
the reasons why:
 Latin is intellectually formative and trains the mind for orderly thinking and expression.
 The study of Latin lays a firm foundation in the grammar and vocabulary of English, and nearly
80% of all English words derive from Latin
 Students of the classical languages tend to fare extraordinarily well on standardized tests
 Having a working knowledge of Latin facilitates students' acclimation to the learning of other,
modern foreign languages
 Study of classical languages encourages an understanding of and appreciation for Western
culture and civilization
What is the student to teacher ratio?
Smaller class sizes are important to the kind of work we do in the upper school, which include a lot of
Socratic discussions and a lot of writing. Our average class size is roughly 15 students, with some
classes being smaller or bigger.
What grades will the school provide during the upcoming school year and beyond?
The Cambridge School will offer instruction in Kindergarten Prep (4 year olds), Kindergarten thru 10th
grade in the Fall of 2015. We will continue to add grades each school year with a goal of eventually
providing a full, K-12 Classical Christian school by Fall 2017.
Do Cambridge students take standardized tests?
Yes, currently Cambridge upper school students take the CTP-4 from the ERB (Educational Records
Bureau) and perform with strength without preparation as we believe that if we teach our students to
read well, write well and think well, they should do well in general on standardized tests.
Is Cambridge affiliated with a local church?
The Cambridge School is Christian school with a robust statement of faith, but it is not affiliated with
any church or denomination. It is an independent, board-governed school.
Do we have to be Christian to have a child attend The Cambridge School?
While parents/guardians should be aware and comfortable with the fact that our philosophy of
education is founded upon and informed by a historically orthodox biblical worldview and that the
beliefs enumerated in our statement of faith are taught in various and frequent ways across school
programs, there is no requirement for a profession of faith by applicants or their families.
Does Cambridge accept special needs students?
Any student who wishes to pursue a Classical Christian education may apply to The Cambridge
School. Students applying for admission to Cambridge will be screened for academic placement.
Students with a pre-diagnosis of a learning disability may be accepted to the program provided that
students agree to abide by the same academic standards as other students in the school. If unable to
adequately discern the needs of the student, Cambridge may request further professional testing be
conducted at the parents’ expense. The testing results will be evaluated by TCS in conjunction with the
parents. If it is determined that the needs of the student exceed the current professional resources of
the school, then admission will be denied.
Is TCS accredited?
The Cambridge School opened its doors in the fall of 2006 and strives to provide an excellent Classical
Christian education. Cambridge is a member of the Association of Classical and Christian Schools
(ACCS) as well as the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). In only the seventh year of
our existence (2013), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has recognized the
excellence of The Cambridge School by granting Cambridge accreditation for six years, which is the
highest level of accreditation given and not usually granted to new schools on their first attempt to seek
accreditation.
On what basis does The Cambridge School hire teachers?
The rigors and challenges of a Classical Education demand that a teaching staff possess solid
academic preparation. The Cambridge School teachers undergo a lengthy and thorough application
process which seeks to ensure that they not only possess a strong academic background and strong
character, but have a demonstrated love for God, love of learning and teaching, and a love for children.
Teachers will be chosen for their abilities and willingness to further mature as Christians and thoughtful
practitioners of the teaching arts and for their passion and commitment to our mission and vision. We
are pleased at the caliber of faculty we have been able to attract to our school, as many of our faculty
possess advanced degrees in addition to loving and embodying the mission.
How are Cambridge teachers trained?
The Cambridge School faculty is made up of qualified educators who pass a rigorous application and
screening process that goes well beyond being “certified.” The Cambridge School teachers are trained
in classical pedagogy, follow a carefully devised classical curriculum, and participate in ongoing
opportunities for growth, training and inspiration through conferences, seminars, school visits and inservice education. The Cambridge School faculty is also advised by nationally-recognized classical
education specialists.
Do Cambridge students wear uniforms?
Yes, all students wear uniforms that include both standard and dress components. Extensive research
confirms the overwhelming benefit of adopting a uniform policy for all students as a means to improving
student discipline and performance while minimizing distractions in the classroom.
Does The Cambridge School offer financial aid?
The Cambridge School has been very intentional about creating and growing a family-income based
tuition assistance program that is available to families with a demonstrated need on an availability
basis. This assistance will be formulated on real income, is customized to take into consideration the
high expense of living in San Diego and is calculated by an independent third party. Currently,
maximum aid is 50% of tuition for grades Kindergarten and up only. No aid is currently available for
Kindergarten Prep.
Is participation in fundraisers mandatory?
Although participation in fund-raising is not mandatory, the school is dependent on income over and
above tuition to cover expenses and to advance the vision and strategic plan of the school. We will
encourage each family to participate in our fundraisers and give to the School as they are able.
Do you have a high school?
Although we do not currently have a complete high school through 12th grade (we will by Fall 2017), this
school was founded with this goal in mind and we have backward planned the curriculum 12th grade
down to Kindergarten/Kindergarten Prep to this end.
We worked with experienced consultants from both the Classical Christian and Independent School
world to complete a strategic plan for the launch of our Rhetoric school long before we had 9 th grade
and have been executing on our plan well. Our plans for a rigorous but humane curriculum that
cultivates good habits of mind and soul, as well as a distinctive culture and pedagogy that allow our
students to flourish in every way is what makes our program stand out.
Our first year of high school is going well, as planned, and we are excited for the years ahead and the
first of our many graduating classes to come.
If you find our vision for a distinctively Classical and Christian education compelling, we invite you to join
The Cambridge School community. Please visit our website www.cambridgeclassical.org for more
information or call us at 858-484-3458 to arrange a visit.
Soli Deo Gloria: To God Alone Be the Glory