"Whenever truth comes to man by way of beauty, it necessarily transforms his character and ennobles his behavior."
David Hicks, Norms & Nobility
Be Inspired and Energized
A one-year program, the CiRCE Atrium program explores the foundations of Christian classical education with online classes and discussions. Participants choose to focus on classical pedagogy with Peter Vande Brake or classical curriculum with Andrew Kern.
Through exclusive live webinars (2 each month) and an online discussion forum, the Atrium offers a forum for contemplation and collaboration: A place to linger (and take pleasure) in the depths of the Christian classical tradition alongside likeminded fellow educators. We provide the digital platform, you bring the desire for wisdom and virtue. Together we make the community.
Participants can expect to grow in knowledge of classical education throughout the year, be inspired and energized by peer discussion and collaboration, and understand the fundamentals of classical education and its two primary modes of instruction (Mimetic and Socratic).
* The Atrium works in partnership with the CiRCE Apprenticeship Program and thus is especially well-suited for those who are preparing to enter the Apprenticeship. Participants who complete one year in the Atrium are eligible to receive a $250 credit toward Apprenticeship tuition.
Deepen Your Understanding of Classical Education
Contemplate the essential elements and crucial truths at the heart of Christian classical education by joining one of our two groups.
Common Questions
WHAT DOES THE ATRIUM COST?
The Atrium requires a $25 application fee. Tution is $750 for the year. Each Atrium Norms participant will need to purchase a copy of the course text, Norms and Nobility by David Hicks. Each Atrium Seven Liberal Arts participant will need to purchase a copy of the courses texts, The Liberal Arts Tradition by Clark and Jain, Beauty in the Word and Beauty for Truth's Sake by Stratford Caldecott.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Participants may pay via a single payment of $750 (our annual payment plan), or in ten monthly installments of $75 from the first of August through the first of May. Please note: All accounts must remain in good standing to be eligible for the Apprenticeship tuition credit. If joining the class in September, then the tuition can be divided across nine months.
WHAT IS THE CURRICULA FOR EACH GROUP?
Andrew Kern's class reads Stratford Caldecott’s Beauty in the Word and Beauty For Truth’s Sake plus Clark and Jain's The Liberal Arts Tradition. This class meets two times per month from September to May on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 7-8:30pm EST.
Peter Vande Brake's class slowly reads David Hicks’ educational treatise Norms and Nobility and has the opportunity to attend live or watch the recording of three webinars a month: one with the lead teacher to discuss the chapter itself, one with a guest speaker, and one is a colloquy with an Apprenticeship graduate leading the discussion that is tailored to the chapter and attendees' questions. This class meets three times a month from August to May. The evenings of the week and the week of the month will vary, and Peter will post them in the online classroom as soon as they are scheduled.
HOW IS THE ATRIUM DIFFERENT FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP?
In the Atrium all activities are online, travel is not necessary, the level of participation is determined by the participant, and there is no certification associated with the Atrium. In the Apprenticeship, in addition to online interaction, apprentices travel to retreats twice each year; Apprentices are required to complete various reading, writing, and teaching assignments and are formally evaluated each semester; and Apprentices who complete the 3-year course of study and associated requirements become CiRCE Certified Classical Teachers.
WHEN CAN I START IN THE ATRIUM?
A new Atrium community begins in August with Norms. After August 30th, new applicants may apply to be part of the group for the following year. A new Atrium community begins in September with the Seven Liberal Arts. After September 30th, new applicants may apply to be part of the group for the following year.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE A LIVE WEBINAR AT THE SCHEDULED TIME?
All webinars will be recorded. Atrium participants will have access to recorded webinars to view at their leisure.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Participants who decide to withdraw from the Atrium will be refunded 100% of the tuition if they withdraw prior to August 1st. After August 1st no refunds are available.