In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to assume that the best education is one that focuses narrowly on science, technology, engineering, and math. But at classical charter schools like Ascent Classical Academy, we take a broader and deeper approach to STEM learning – one that begins not with test prep or workforce metrics, but with wonder, mastery, and meaning.
STEM Learning in a Classical Framework
A common misconception is that classical schools underemphasize science and math. In reality, the opposite is often true.
At Ascent Classical, students engage with science and math through time-tested, content-rich programs that emphasize deep understanding and logical thinking. We use the Core Knowledge Science Sequence, which builds a strong scientific foundation through cumulative, grade-by-grade content, starting in the earliest grades. Students study the natural world, life sciences, earth and space, chemistry, and physics in a carefully sequenced progression that prioritizes both knowledge and curiosity.
For math, we use Singapore Math, a globally respected curriculum known for its emphasis on conceptual understanding, mental math, and problem-solving. This approach ensures that students are not simply memorizing procedures – they are developing strong number sense and learning to reason mathematically.
As a result of this strong foundation, most of our students graduate at least one year ahead of the district math program, and many advance even further. They frequently outperform their peers on district and state assessments in both math and science.
Why Classical Education Supports STEM Success
A 2020 study by the University of Notre Dame’s Institute for Educational Initiatives, “Classical Charter Schools: Academic Outcomes and Student Engagement,” found that students in classical charter schools showed high performance in standardized math and reading scores when compared to their peers in traditional public schools, particularly as they progressed into higher grade levels.
Additionally, a 2023 Fordham Institute analysis, “Great Hearts, Great Outcomes: An Evaluation of Classical Charter Schools,” of classical charter schools revealed that these schools, while focused on liberal arts, often surpass state averages in science and math assessments. This is due in part to the clarity and intentionality of their curriculum design, which avoids fads and instead builds strong foundational knowledge over time.
Our students are not just learning math – they are mastering it. They understand the why behind the formulas and develop true numeracy that extends far beyond a standardized test.
How We Approach Science and Math Differently
Classical education takes a long view. We are not merely trying to produce the next generation of coders or engineers, but rather students who can think critically, solve problems, and understand the world in all its complexity. In science, instruction begins with observation and curiosity – students learn to name plants, understand ecosystems, trace the stars, and explore physical laws. As they grow, this becomes formal lab-based study in biology, chemistry, and physics.
In math, the emphasis is not only on computation but on conceptual understanding. Whether a student is learning arithmetic or calculus, the focus is on clear reasoning and mental discipline. Thanks to the structure of Singapore Math, students develop a strong mathematical foundation that allows them to advance through Algebra I, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus, often ahead of schedule.
STEM That Serves the Whole Person
At Ascent Classical, we value STEM not only for what it can do –but for what it can help us understand. Technology may change rapidly, but the human mind remains constant in its need for order, clarity, and beauty. Classical education gives students the intellectual tools to thrive in technical fields and the moral foundation to use those tools wisely.
In short: we are preparing students not only to succeed in college or STEM careers – but to contribute meaningfully to society.