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| Distinguishing Characteristics |
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| A Curriculum Informed by the Catholic Faith |
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| Embracing the realist school of philosophy (that “the real is really real”) championed by Aristotle, the Catholic Church teaches that there exists a reality external to the intellect that can be known and communicated to others. Chelsea Academy adheres to this “philosophical realism” and also recognizes the spiritual reality made known through divine revelation and safeguarded by the Catholic Church. In particular, the Academy recognizes the unique position man holds in God’s created order: that man has the capacity to know the Truth, to do the Good, and to recognize the Beautiful. Further, with the Church, Chelsea Academy holds that faith and reason are not at odds, but that a vibrant faith seeks understanding. |
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| Direct Experience with the Natural World |
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| A young person first
comes to know the world through his five senses and develops a sense
of wonder in the created order through real, lived experience. This
interaction awakens the imagination and becomes the foundation for
all future learning. Familiarity with the night sky, for instance,
provides a basis for fully understanding and appreciating the courage,
intelligence, and skill required of Columbus in his voyages to the
New World. Field trips and exploration of the natural world serve to instill in Chelsea students an appreciation for the beauty
of God’s creation. |
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| Introduction to the “1000 Good Books” |
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| In the Western tradition, the
backbone of a liberal arts education at the college level has been
the “100 Great Books” -- the works of Aristotle, St.
Thomas, Newton, Burke, and others that transmit the “best that
has been thought and said” in philosophy, political theory,
science, and theology. Chelsea Academy aims to prepare its students
for the great books by first immersing them in the “1000 Good
Books,” which include the stories, fables, myths, plays, novels,
and poetry that enliven the imagination and provide the cultural
literacy for full participation in the intellectual life enjoyed
by educated adults. Students read Homer, Shakespeare, Stevenson,
and Tolstoy among others. Through memorization and recitation, they are encouraged to internalize this literature and to develop
a love for all learning. Their intellects are sharpened by the
regular practice of reading, writing, and discussion. |
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| Dynamic, Knowledgeable Teachers |
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| The best teaching awakens students
to the world around them and inspires them to develop their full
capacity as human beings. Chelsea teachers are chosen for their character,
knowledge of their disciplines, commitment to excellent teaching,
and dedication to the mission of the school. They serve as mentors
whose lives are the embodiment of the ideals that Chelsea Academy
seeks to instill in its students. |
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| A Balanced Curriculum |
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| A liberal arts education differs
from vocational or professional training insofar as its end is to
free a person to realize his full potential for knowledge, wisdom,
and virtue. Through an introduction to the humanities, mathematics,
sciences, the arts, and athletics, Chelsea Academy desires that its
students discover and develop their talents in all areas. |
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