Upper School

Upper School at Liberty Classical

Challenging, Authentic, Focused

High school students need a unique environment. They want to be independent but still need guidance. Liberty works to achieve a healthy balance of this inside our classrooms.

Learning at this stage is the culmination of the first two stages of classical education, grammar and logic, while introducing and mastering the final component, the rhetoric stage.


Not Your Typical High School Experience

 

In just one semester [of college],
I've realized how well-prepared I am for the next three and half years.

—Liberty Classical Graduate

 

High school – the Rhetoric stage -- prepares students to gather, analyze and finally, synthesize information. They practice the skill of communicating original ideas humbly, clearly, and persuasively.  These are the marks of leadership and wisdom.

Upper School at Liberty Classical offers:

  • In-depth classes and coursework
  • Lasting, deep friendships
  • Leadership opportunities and training
  • Intentional faith integration in all classes
  • Competitive athletics program
  • Distinguished fine arts

Teaching Methods:

  • Analysis and application of timeless truths into current issues
  • True research-based writing
  • Primary source texts in history, science, literature, and government
  • Infusion of wisdom into students' worldview

Teenagers that Think Logically

Liberty students use the logic training they receive in middle school to analyze their world, including the bombardment of emotionally-charged media. Through Rhetoric classes our students gain the skills to analyze any argument. This allows them to respond in a way that is wholly logical, sound, and true.

Big Picture Objectives

High school students at Liberty Classical Academy will:

  • Study formal Rhetoric for each year, grades 9-12
  • Study English, History, Math and Science for four years each
  • Recognize how philosophical movements affect historical events
  • Understand major worldviews (Christian, Marxist, Islamic, Humanist, Post-Modern)
  • Study major Science theories from a scientific, historical and philosophical perspective
  • Participate in fine arts and performing arts (band, choir, drama)
  • Study two years of world languages (plus one year of Latin required)
  • Elevate research, writing, and speaking skills
  • Regularly use technology as a research and communications tool
  • Study the Bible from a literary, historical, philosophical and faith perspective

Junior and Senior Thesis

In 11th and 12th grades, Liberty students complete original thesis papers on controversial subjects of their own choosing.  Juniors practice with a 10-page paper, followed by an in-class speech where they defend their thesis.  Seniors analyze a weighty cultural question in a 20-page paper, which is then presented publicly with a formal speech and defense before a panel of examiners.

College Success of Liberty Classical Graduates

  • $20,000 - $30,000 per student annually in college scholarships and grants
  • ACT average of 28.0 (all graduates combined)
  • SAT average of 704 reading, 582 math and 679 writing (all graduates combined)
  • National Merit:
    • Two National Merit Scholars (class of 2018 and 2015)
    • Three National Merit Finalists (class of 2011, 2009 and 2008)
    • Two National Merit Semi Finalists (class of 2011 and 2009)
    • Two Commended National Merit Scholars (class of 2019 and 2018)
  • Students have been accepted into respected universities including Wheaton College, Macalester College, Hillsdale College, Texas A&M, St. Olaf College, St. John’s University, University of St. Thomas, Taylor University, Union University, Tufts University, Westminster College, Moody Bible Institute, Georgetown University, Trinity Washington University, Pepperdine University and the University of Minnesota, including the Carlson School of Management and the College of Biological Sciences.

 

The Liberty Classical Academy College Readiness Program