Bona Verba from the Headmaster
This week, Cincinnati Classical Academy proudly welcomed 96 new kindergarteners, marking an important milestone in our journey of cultivating a vibrant classical education community. As these young Sentinels stepped into their first classrooms and attended their first school assembly, they became part of a growing tradition that defines our school’s mission and culture.
Although this is just our third year, CLASSICAL has already established cherished traditions that root our students in the classical education model. These traditions are not just about creating memories; they are about instilling virtue, fostering a love for learning, and connecting our students to the rich heritage of Western civilization and the American tradition.
One of the sweetest customs that has emerged is the inaugural third-grade practice of writing welcome cards to the new kindergarteners. This simple yet meaningful act of writing personalized letters to each new student by name is a testament to the close-knit, caring community we are building. These cards, crafted with thoughtfulness and warmth, symbolize the older students’ responsibility to guide and support the younger ones—a reflection of the classical virtues we aim to instill in all our students.
The importance of these traditions goes beyond the immediate joy they bring. They are integral to our classical culture, where education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about shaping character and understanding one’s place in a broader historical and cultural context. Our students learn from a young age that they are part of something greater—a living tradition that values humility, courage, justice, and prudence.
As we look ahead, we are excited to see more traditions take root and flourish, just as some of our current practices have taken root: kindergarteners learning to recite the Preamble to the Constitution, fourth graders singing the military branch songs at the Memorial Day Parade, or fifth graders giving roses to veterans on Veteran’s Day, these experiences are invaluable. They connect our students to the past and to one another, creating a sense of continuity and purpose.
Our commitment to classical education is further exemplified by the middle school traditions that continue to grow. Sixth graders competing in the state science fair, seventh-grade Excelsior members reading to kindergarteners, and the eighth-grade spring trip to Washington, D.C., are all part of a broader effort to instill a deep appreciation for the true, the good, and the beautiful. These activities are not just extracurricular; they are central to our mission of developing well-rounded, thoughtful individuals who are prepared to contribute to society with virtue and wisdom.
In welcoming these 96 new kindergarteners, we are reminded of the profound responsibility we have as educators. We are not just teaching subjects; we are shaping lives and guiding our students on a journey of discovery that is deeply rooted in the classical tradition. As we continue to grow, we look forward to seeing how these traditions will evolve, bringing new opportunities for our students to learn, grow, and flourish in a school that values both the past and the promise of the future
Torches Up!
Mr. Michael Rose
Headmaster
Mr. Michael Rose
Meet the Headmaster
Mr. Rose has taught various courses at Brown University, Cincinnati Moeller, and The Summit Country Day School. As a part of his degree work in education, Mr. Rose’s research interests included the Great Books curriculum, the Paideia teaching method, and the “effects of emerging digital technology on student reading, writing, and researching.” Read More