The term “Humane Letters” was first used in the Renaissance to refer to the body of written work (“letters”) that dealt with the questions that were most pressing to humanity (“humane”). These courses combine a study of history with literature, philosophy, and theology, are focused on a close examination of the Great Books, training students to be active participants in “The Great Conversation.”

Students continue their work in the Trivium by reading increasingly complex texts (Grammar), as well as beginning to take courses in Logic (the art and science of thought) and Rhetoric (the art and science of persuasive communication). Wielding true and illuminating thoughts with humility, skill, and eloquence is the end of the language arts. In practice, junior and senior year thesis projects draw together all that students have learned into unique works of literary art.

While the knowledge we gain from a study of math and science can be practical and put to very good use, this is not the primary reason we engage these subjects at TCA. Rather, we believe that, because all of creation sings of the glory of God, we can and should study all of it first to know and praise our Creator! In our Upper School math and science classes, joy, wonder, and gratitude continue to be cultivated as we see with increasing complexity the order, beauty, and mindfulness of the natural world.

Upper School students study the Bible in greater depth than in the Lower School, beginning with Old and New Testament surveys, and moving on to systematic theology, church history, and apologetics. While students do take classes focused on Biblical and theological literacy, Biblical truth is also woven throughout the curriculum as students are taught to “take every thought captive to Christ” (II Cor. 10:5).

Students begin a concentrated study of Latin in seventh grade and all TCA graduates are required to pass Latin II in order to graduate. Once they have taken two years of Latin, students have the option of continuing their studies in Latin, or taking a modern foreign language (Spanish).

The culmination of a classical education are two original works by the students during the junior and senior years, demonstrating their mastering of the language arts. During Junior year, each student will complete a major argument on “earthly matters,” and during Senior year, each student will complete a major argument on a theological topic.