Our Direction

ICS exists to advance classical Christian education throughout the United States and the world.  That is our general goal, our true north.  It is also our passion.  Still, we have specific goals and particular ideas about what we should be and do. Here they are:

Mission

Advancing classical Christian education by connecting and equipping leaders.

Vision

The increase and expansion of thriving K-12 classical Christian schools fully enabled to prepare graduates of distinctive faith, intellect, vision, and character who have redeeming influence in our world.

Definition of Classical Christian Education

Classical Christian Education is an educational approach rooted in Christian conviction and theology employing the historic curriculum and pedagogy of the liberal arts in order to cultivate men and women characterized by wisdom, virtue and eloquence.

Statement of Faith (The Nicene Creed 381 A.D.)

We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made:
Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man;
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;
And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;
And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;
And He shall come again with glory to judge the quick and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father*, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped
and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets;
And we believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.
We look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

Core Values

• Prayer: We view prayer as essential to every part of our work and will keep it at the center of all our activity.
• Humility: We recognize all that we have and all that we do is because of our Savior.
• Enthusiasm: We are passionate about this work and want to be marked with a zeal for what we do.
• Friendship: We are highly intentional about building authentic and meaningful friendships in the context of our mission.
• Excellence: We work with integrity and discipline in all of our endeavors in order to, by faith, produce results worthy of our Father and our calling.
• Stewardship: We consider all of our time, talents, expertise, and resources as belonging to God and seek to multiply them with faithfulness and wisdom.
• Talent: We seek to involve highly gifted and experienced people who use their gifts faithfully to bless others.

Brief History of ICS

In 2008 several active school 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. Our call was to engage national leaders and resources in this vision to develop capable school leaders and thriving 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.

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 understanding of classical education to implement a robust program, inexperienced and isolated Board and staff leaders, limited access to experienced school leaders and best practices, and insufficient funding and enrollment to adequately build a thriving school.

The Institute for Classical Schools is a nonprofit organization that exists to address these obstacles and reach a broad coalition of schools leaders, equipping them to establish and enhance schools of unparalleled excellence and financial stability that honor Christ as Lord.