Classical education is best alternative for some parents

Diagram sentences. Learn Latin conjugations in third grade. Memorize the preamble to the U.S. Constitution.

Those assignments don’t sound like a formula for market growth in education. Yet classical schools are seeing enrollment gains in the Indianapolis area.

Herron, a charter high school, has climbed from 680 students a year ago to 744 this fall, plus a waiting list.

The private Oaks Academy has grown from 560 students a year ago to 815 this fall, with a second school in the Brookside neighborhood.

Among smaller private schools, Highlands Latin School in Carmel has gone from 155 students to 170 this fall. Coram Deo Academy (K-12) in Carmel has gone from 83 last year to 104 students. Lumen Christi Catholic School went from 85 to 93.

Why go to schools that teach a dead language? Latin builds vocabulary and helps in learning other languages.

But parents are not necessarily looking for Latin.

“So many of our families are just looking for a high-quality school,” Andrew Hart, head of Oaks Academy, said. “They are not necessarily loyal to a classical branding or philosophy. They appreciate the high quality and rigor. Do they come because we teach Latin? I don’t think so in most instances.”

Some families grow weary of constant shifts in public schools’ curriculum and approaches to education.

“There is some growing cynicism among teachers and parents about a flavor-of-the-month approach in public education,” Hart said. “Classical is timeless and predictable. It’s a robust, thoughtful curriculum that will not be changed every two years.”

Jason Kloth, Indianapolis’ deputy mayor of education, expects more growth in classical education, including applications for classical charter schools. “Look at the leadership of the country over the years,” he said. “Significant numbers of them had a classical education.”

He adds that Indianapolis has a favorable climate for classical startups from national organizations. “Indiana is recognized as an environment that is supportive of school choice,” he said. “We have a robust philanthropic environment. We have the mix of ingredients that operators want.”

Classical schools are not likely to grab a big market share in education. The schools can help families transcend the shifts in public education.

Stare decisis is a Latin term for sticking with court precedents. It also could be a slogan for classical education. Some parents want what is tested and true.

Pulliam is associate editor of The Star. Email him at russell.pulliam@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @rbpulliam.