:: Advancing classical Christian education by connecting and equipping leaders


In 2008 several leaders committed to the ongoing renewal of classical Christian education met together and formed the Classical School Foundation, now named the Institute for Classical Schools. These leaders had separately identified a need for a vehicle to support and accelerate the renewal of Classical Christian education around the nation and abroad, with a special focus on practically serving local classical Christian schools.

Over the last 20 years, the number of K-12 classical Christian schools has grown to more than 220, including some of the best in their communities. These schools have grown organically, led by passionate parents seeking a Christ-centered, academically rigorous liberal arts education that equips students with the tools for life-long learning and for faithful living. Parents and students experience a loving academic community that establishes deep spiritual and intellectual roots for the service of God and man.

These leaders’ personal experiences combined with conversations with school leaders across the country have confirmed great results in many schools, and identified some consistent obstacles that thwart the rapid development of thriving schools. These obstacles include: inadequate financial resources, limited access to experienced school leaders and best practices, and insufficient marketing to reach target families and donors.

The Institute for Classical Schools is a nonprofit organization that exists to address these obstacles in order to support and to accelerate the growing classical Christian educational (CCE) movement. ICS meets a compelling need for an organization that is committed to the philosophy and practice of classical Christian education. ICS reaches a broad audience of school leaders, equipping them to establish and enhance schools of unparalleled excellence and financial stability that honor Christ as Lord.

ICS provides unique programs and services not offered in the marketplace. By actively engaging the best national experts and leaders in classical Christian education (CCE), we are able to provide experienced leadership for the following major program initiatives:

Resource Center

Providing a comprehensive on-line resource center for all aspects of leading a classical Christian school, and access and engagement with experienced leaders utilizing current technologies

Leadership Academy

Gathering, connecting, and training current and future Board and staff leaders through mentoring, small group coaching, retreats and conferences

Marketing Center

Developing compelling materials that creatively tell our story to expand the awareness, interest and commitment of families and donors

Model School Counsel

Engaging expert counsel to move schools from survival mode to model school in their community

ICS delivers programs and services that are accessible, practical and valuable to local school leaders. Our programs maximize personal access to national experts and experienced school leaders and develop supportive friendships in smaller group settings.

We are grateful for your interest in ICS. We encourage you to join us in this vital Kingdom endeavor for Christ and for the blessing of our nation.

If you would like to learn more about ICS's mission and vision, please contact us. We look forward to speaking with you.

To the glory of God,