Our classical model is highly effective in providing students with the knowledge, skills, and character traits to be successful, contributing members of society. Children experience time-tested methods of learning and grow in their understanding and mastery as they progress through the program. 

Top 5 Benefits of Classical Education 

1. Critical Thinking--Classical education encourages students to analyze information, identify biases, and form their own conclusions. This contrasts with rote memorization and equips students to be independent thinkers. 

2. Strong Foundational Skills–Classical schools emphasize core skills like logic, rhetoric (communication), and critical thinking. These are seen as essential for navigating information, forming arguments, and expressing oneself clearly – valuable assets in any field. 

3. Character Development–Classical schools often emphasize building strong moral character, ethics, and self-discipline. This can be through dedicated classes or embedded within the curriculum and school culture. 

4. Well-Rounded Education–A classical curriculum goes beyond textbooks, incorporating history, literature, philosophy, and the arts. This fosters a well-rounded understanding of the world and cultivates an appreciation for the humanities. 

5. Communication & Debate–Classical education often incorporates debate and public speaking, giving students a platform to practice clear communication and the ability to defend their ideas 

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Our experienced school leaders strongly believe in these benefits – enroll today to get these benefits and more!

In 2021, West Virginia’s legislature gave the go ahead for charter schools to begin operating in the state. It is an exciting opportunity for families who value school choice, but how do you know if a charter school is a good fit for your family?

What is a Charter School?

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, charter schools are independently operated public schools that have the freedom to design classrooms that meet their students’ needs. All charter schools operate under a contract with a charter school authorizer – usually a nonprofit organization, government agency, or university – that holds them accountable to the exacting standards outlined in their “charter.”

Why Choose Charter?

The reasons parents choose charter schools for their children are just as unique as the students themselves. Here are a few of the reasons why families choose charter education:

Teachers
Charter schools are known for having dedicated administrators and teachers who have a stake in their students’ success. The charter model encourages innovation, thinking “outside the box,” and going the extra mile to help each student be successful.

School’s Focus
Charter schools come in many different varieties from STEM focused schools to bilingual schools to schools that espouse a specific educational methodology, such as classical education, Montessori or Waldorf. Parents are often drawn to a charter school for the specific programs it offers. Open Houses and special events on campus are excellent opportunities to get to know what makes each school unique.

Time for a Change
Whether your child is struggling in his or her current school, needs extra challenge, or simply is ready for a different educational environment, charter schools offer a fresh approach to learning that many families appreciate. Every child is unique and charter schools offer many different options for meeting your family’s educational needs.

To find out more about charter schools, visit the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools or contact us to find out if Clarksburg Classical Academy is a good fit for your family.

Classical education is a time-tested approach to learning that focuses on training students to think critically, learn systematically, and communicate effectively. It is based on the trivium, a three-part process that guides students through different stages of learning. 

Grammar Stage (Elementary Years)  

During the elementary school years (typically grades one through four), students absorb information and lay the foundation for advanced study. Students’ brains are like sponges at this stage! They enjoy learning facts including the rules of phonics, spelling, grammar, vocabulary and more. Students enjoy memorization and are driven by their innate curiosity. 

Logic or Dialectic Stage (Middle Grades) 

Around fifth grade, students transition to the logic stage where they begin to think more analytically, asking “Why?” and exploring cause-and-effect relationships. Logic is applied to various subjects, including algebra, writing, reading, history, and science.  

Rhetoric Stage (High School Years) 

In high school, students build upon the grammar and logic stages. They learn to express themselves eloquently and persuasively as they grow in knowledge and understanding. Students begin to refine their passions and consider career and college paths. 

Students who participate in classical education are often bright, curious learners who take an active part in their education. They develop strong critical thinking and communication skills. Students also develop positive character traits and leadership skills that serve them well as they go on to pursue college and career opportunities. 

We are proud to be accredited by Cognia™ for meeting the highest standards of education in ongoing third-party review. Learn more »

Charter schools offer families an alternative to the local public school and are among the top-performing schools in the nation. Charter schools are tuition-free public schools—open to all students in a state or district, regardless of their zip code, and focused on meeting student needs for success. The charter school model empowers teachers to provide innovative, high-quality instruction and gives them the autonomy to design a classroom that fits their students’ needs. Charter schools are led by dynamic principals who have the flexibility to create a school culture that fosters student performance and parent satisfaction. Charter schools are held accountable to the performance standards they agree to in their charter and by their communities. Read more about charter schools »

Clarksburg Classical Academy Charter School Advantage:

SAFE and Caring Environment: We care about the well-being and development of each child. We are interested in each child’s future. A secure and orderly learning environment is our top priority.

Educational Technology: We see technology as a tool to support excellent teachers. Our students and staff will have access to technology which will enable the flexibility to accommodate different learning and teaching styles.

Professional Development: Our teachers are engaged, highly qualified, and supported by a team of mentors and specialists. Teachers receive regular professional development and performance reviews.

Curriculum and Teaching Best Practices: Innovate, validate, replicate. We take proven methods from high-performing programs and apply them to other schools across our network.

Operational Efficiency: Efficient school operations mean more resources for students. Our schools achieve a level of administrative diligence that matches our academic rigor. Best practices and transparency are a part of everything we do.

Personalization: Every student receives an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP), which is a dynamic, living road map. Regular, short-cycle assessments allow us to review student performance for each learning objective and react quickly to accelerate instruction or provide support.

Community Integration: We intentionally serve a broad range of communities, and we believe that community involvement is vital to the success of our schools. We work to identify the unique circumstances facing your area and include community leaders in our planning and operations. We make it a priority to develop relationships with our families, neighbors, and organizations that are benefiting our school community.

We look forward to welcoming families and the community to our school and preparing for a successful and thriving new school year this fall. To receive updates and more information, please complete our request for information form.

At Clarksburg Classical Academy, we implement the ACCEL Instructional Model (AIM) which starts with a standards-based curriculum taught by properly certified and licensed teachers. We frequently assess students (on a bi-weekly schedule) to know if a student is working ahead, falling behind, or right on track when it comes to mastering the learning standards for their grade level.

Our school is built on a strong foundation of high expectations for academic achievement for all students. Our instructional model has four key components to achieve strong academic results:

1. Individualized Instruction. Students participate in a variety of learning activities each day that individualize instruction for each subject area. Students receive whole class instruction, small group instruction, and individual instruction with teachers, technology and other curricular tools.
   
2. Properly Certified & Licensed Teachers. Our teachers meet rigorous requirements including a Bachelor’s degree, grade-level teaching license/certificate and ability to demonstrate subject area expertise. Our teachers are supported by trainers and participate in continuous, research-based professional development. Our teachers are accountable for student learning and rewarded for high quality performance.
   
3. More Time on Task. Our students receive double the instruction in ELA and Math to provide a strong foundation for all learning. Our school also follows a longer school day and school year than many other schools.
   
4. Short Cycle Assessments. Student knowledge of academic standards is assessed formally and informally in short cycles by each teacher. Our teachers adjust class-level and individual instruction based on student performance in these frequent intervals.

To receive updates and more information, please complete our request for information form.

We are a proud member of ACCEL Schools—a public charter school network serving thousands of PK-12 students throughout the United States. ACCEL was founded in 2012 by the early pioneers of online learning. Our leadership believes that all children, regardless of location or socio-economic background, deserve a quality education that prepares them to succeed in school and become productive global citizens.  

ACCEL Schools Instructional Model provides: 

• Aligned Academics meet or exceed state standards ensuring your child is on track for rigorous college and career opportunities.    
  
• Certified, Licensed Teachers and a student-centered staff are united in executing our mission to make a difference in the life trajectory of each student.    
  
• More Time on Tasks and double the instructional minutes for ELA and Math maximizes learning in your child’s school day.   
  
• Short Cycle Assessments keep track of how students are progressing in the program, giving teachers ongoing feedback so they can tailor instruction to your student’s needs.    
  
• Individualized Instruction driven by assessment data means we are familiar with the needs of each child and set students up for success in each course of study.    
  
• State Testing Preparation reduces the anxiety often associated with high-stakes tests, helping our teachers and students feel confident with the structure and methodology of state exams.    
  
• Academic Support including education technology, interventional specialists, and instructional aides assist students during the school day. After-school tutoring, summer school, and Saturday school programs extend support services beyond the traditional school day and year.   
  
• Extracurricular Courses & Activities round out our educational offerings providing students social-emotional learning, athletics, arts, service learning & more.