National classical school database now available, demonstrates revival of educational model

A leading conservative organization has launched a database of classical schools for parents as enrollment in public education alternatives continues to skyrocket.

On Thursday, The Heritage Foundation unveiled its new Classical Schools Database which already features 900 schools.

Its purpose is to provide information to “parents, teachers, school leaders, lawmakers, and citizens interested in the revival of classical liberal arts education.” 

“This database is a tool that parents can use to find quality learning experiences for their children,” Jonathan Butcher, Heritage’s senior research fellow in education policy told the Daily Caller News Foundation. 

“It is the most comprehensive catalogue of its kind, and families from across the country can use it to find resources to help their children succeed in school and become lifelong learners.” 

Butcher noted that poor academic outcomes in public schools are driving interest in classical models. 

“Classical education is seeing a resurgence today, demonstrating that parents are looking for alternatives to assigned schools,” he continued. “The skills of rhetoric, writing, and rigorous math have been lost in the traditional system. Given the poor academic results on national comparisons in reading and math among U.S. students, we need the new ‘classical’ education more than ever.” 

Classical education, which has surged since the pandemic, is forecast to continue gaining popularity. 

A recent analysis predicts by 2035, there will be 1.4 million students in classical schools – 2.4% of all K-12 students – up from 667,000 today. 

The Classical Schools Database compiles members of the nine largest classical school networks: 

• Association of Classical Christian Schools 

• Institute for Catholic Liberal Education 

• The Society for Classical Learning 

• The Classical Latin Schools Association 

• The Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education  

• Great Hearts Academies 

• The Chesterton Schools Network 

• The CiRCE Institute 

• Hillsdale College K-12 Office and Barney Charter School Initiative 

Far from being a rigid educational model, classical education comes in all shapes and sizes. 

The database features schools from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, charter and private schools, including those with traditional five-day and non-traditional schedules, and grades from Pre-K to 12.  

While most of the schools teach Latin – a staple of the classical model – others also offer Greek, Hebrew and even Arabic. 

Religious affiliations include Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Jewish, Baptist and non-denominational. Some are non-religious. 

But the benefits of a classical education – particularly classical Christian education – aren’t limited to academics. 

A study conducted by the University of Notre Dame examined the long-term social outcomes of public, private and religiously educated students. 

Even when compared to private school peers, students from classical Christian schools are more involved in their churches and communities, more likely to volunteer their time, more likely to be married and have children, and generally have a more positive outlook on life.