Core Virtues

The Orange County Classical Academy program will introduce and seek to instill virtues of character in the lower grades through these pillars of character education: responsibility, respect, courage, courtesy, honesty and citizenship. Instruction in the classical virtues (prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude) will be introduced in the upper grades as a continuance of the elementary character program and a necessary support of the classical curriculum.

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We agree with Aristotle that one becomes good only by observing and practicing right behavior. Orange County Classical Academy will instruct students in the classical virtues, both inside and outside of the classroom. Discipline, ethics, and personal responsibility will be modeled and expected. Students will be introduced to the virtuous behavior of timeless heroes and heroines of literature and history. Moreover, the Charter School will define a standard of behavior using Six Pillars of Character (responsibility, respect, courage, courtesy, honesty, and citizenship) as complements to the four classical virtues (temperance, fortitude, justice, and prudence). Emphasis upon these standards of excellence will help students learn and develop virtuous behavior alongside patterns of thought and conduct based on high moral standards.

The Academy’s robust academic program and training in the virtues will be supported by a well-regulated campus that fosters positive relationships between students, parents, and teachers. Teachers and volunteers will receive training before implementing curriculum or assisting in the classroom. Teaching methods may be modified and differentiated to meet student needs. The success of every student will depend upon his or her consistent effort and perseverance. Each will receive the support of every staff member whose focus is academic achievement and a commitment to educational excellence.

The Founders of our country believed the purpose of education is to prepare students to become good people and good citizens. In alignment with that vision, Orange County Classical Academy will provide students with a content-rich education in the classical tradition and a clear understanding of actions and their consequences that will prepare them to become excellent, highly literate individuals and active, responsible members of their community prepared to articulate and uphold our Nation’s founding principles.