Members of the teaching team at Classical School of Wichita attend School of the Ozarks to observe a program for 9th-11th grades, The Great Conversation, in hopes of developing a similar program.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO.— On Oct. 5 – 6, members of the teaching team at Classical School of Wichita came to observe the School of the Ozarks’ program for 9^th-11^th grades, The Great Conversation, in hopes of developing a similar program. The Great Conversation course at School of the Ozarks is an integrated humanities class that explores three eras—creation to the birth of Christ, the birth of Christ to 1500, and 1500-1950. It integrates the disciplines of literature, poetry, history, civics, natural philosophy, natural history, natural science, moral philosophy, divine philosophy, theology, Bible and fine arts.

School of the Ozarks is a classical Christian school with a vision to develop citizens of Christlike character who are well-educated, hardworking, and patriotic. They uphold this vision by implementing a unique and effective classical curriculum. Over the years, School of the Ozarks has become a regional leader in the classical education community and a model for surrounding classical schools to follow.

The Classical School of Wichita is based in Wichita, Kansas with a mission and vision like those of School of the Ozarks. The school was founded in 2005 as a private, Christian school with a classical model. It began as a K – 12 school with only 90 students. Today, Classical School of Wichita has expanded to accommodate over 450 students and continues to grow each year.

Coby Dolloff, the director of integrated humanities at Classical School of Wichita and 2016 graduate of School of the Ozarks, reflects on the importance of classical Christian education and its purpose.

“Classical Christian education is about developing character in students,” Dolloff said. “We want to cultivate wisdom and virtue in our students. It’s not about memorizing facts. It’s about passing down a way of life and making disciples.”

Following are the staff members who visited School of the Ozarks: Coby Dolloff, director of integrated humanities; Chris Leigh, teacher of integrated humanities; Ben Schmidt, teacher of integrated humanities, Greek and mock trial; Kevin Thames, teacher of science and testing coordinator.