COMING FALL 2027 Classical Literature Course 13-15 Year Olds

“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest counselors.” - Charles W. Eliot

Quality, wholesome literature has the quiet power to shape a young mind in ways few other influences can. The great books endure because they speak to the deepest questions of life—questions of courage, virtue, sacrifice, justice, and truth. When students spend time with these works, they are not merely reading stories; they are entering into conversation with some of the greatest thinkers and storytellers who have ever lived. These authors invite us to consider what it means to live well, to think clearly, and to act with integrity. As young people fill their hearts and minds with these noble ideas, they begin to develop wisdom, moral strength, and a sense of purpose. In this way, great literature does more than entertain—it mentors the soul, cultivates character, and helps prepare rising generations to lead thoughtful, meaningful lives.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

I believe in seeking out the best books—those written by authors who not only wrote well but lived lives of purpose and principle. The great classics endure because they lift the mind and call the reader to something higher. When we intentionally fill our hearts and minds with the very best ideas, those ideas begin to shape us. They influence the way we think, the way we see the world, and the way we live.

Why not spend our time with the stories of heroes, leaders, mothers, fathers, and courageous men and women who chose service, sacrifice, and integrity? Why not learn from those who stood for what was right when it mattered most and who treated others with dignity and respect? As students wrestle with these lives and ideas, their own thinking is elevated, and they begin to see more clearly the kind of person they are meant to become.

My hope for every student in these classes is that they will come to love great ideas and recognize the quiet power within them to make a difference. As they walk with these inspired authors, I hope they begin to see the world—and their place in it—as an opportunity to lift, to love, and to serve using the unique gifts and talents they have been given.

CLASS STRUCTURE:

Each class session includes approximately two to five hours of preparation, with the level of work determined thoughtfully by each student in counsel with their parents. Every week begins with a reading assignment from the text and a short written reflection, allowing students to come prepared with their own thoughts and questions. For those who desire to go further, additional challenges and deeper explorations are available. In this way, each scholar takes ownership of their education, discovering that the depth of their learning grows in proportion to the effort they choose to invest.

Students will also need access to the books we will study together, either purchased or borrowed from a local library. Having these texts ready ensures that each scholar can come prepared to engage fully in our discussions. 

In the second week of August, families will receive a detailed email with everything needed to begin the course, including the complete book list, class link, weekly preparation schedule, the additional study guide, and other important details to help each scholar come prepared to participate fully in the class.

Below is the list of remarkable authors whose works we will study and learn from throughout this class:

• Robert Louis Stevenson
• Harper Lee
• Gene Stratton-Porter
• Baroness Orczy
• Arthur Doyle
• Louisa May Alcott

LITERATURE COURSE DETAILS: 

• 30-week course for scholars ages 13-15, designed for students ready to engage thoughtfully with the lives and works of remarkable authors and the enduring ideas found in their writings.
  
• Weekly class gatherings of 50 minutes, centered on thoughtful discussion, mentorship, and reflection on the readings.
  
• Online class setting: Classes will meet online in a small-group setting of up to 10 students, creating a space where each scholar can participate, share ideas, and engage in meaningful discussion.
  
• Weekly preparation: Students can expect 50-60 pages of reading, along with a short written reflection prepared before the next class.
  
• Scholarly exploration: As part of their writing, students will investigate unfamiliar words, references, and ideas they encounter in the text, including their meanings and context within their written work.
  
• Extended Study Opportunities: Each week an additional study guide will be available for students who desire to dig deeper into the readings and pursue further study through extra reading, projects, research, and thoughtful exploration.
  
• Book list: A complete list of the biographies and autobiographies for the course will be provided the second week in August so students may come prepared for each discussion.

FALL MONDAY CALENDAR:

Coming Fall 2027