About Us
What do you mean by "classical Christian education?"
Classical Christian education is a time-tested approach to teaching and learning that has produced many of the greatest thinkers and leaders in Western history.
It follows the trivium, the three stages of learning that correspond to how children naturally develop: the grammar stage (elementary), where students absorb foundational knowledge through memorization and repetition; the logic stage (middle school), where they learn to think critically and ask "why"; and the rhetoric stage (high school), where they learn to articulate and defend their ideas with clarity and persuasion.
What makes it Christian is that all subjects are taught as an integrated whole from a biblical worldview. We don't treat faith as an add-on or limit it to Bible class. It shapes how we teach history, science, literature, and everything else. Our mission is to equip students to know truth, love wisdom, and embrace service, and we believe the classical model is the most effective way to do that.
In practical terms, this means our students read great books, engage in Socratic discussion, write extensively, and are held to high academic standards, all within a community that takes seriously the formation of the heart as well as the mind.
Who is eligible to enroll at ALCA?
We expect that families that join ALCA agree with our statement of faith, our core values, and the mission of our school. We require students to be able and willing to participate in all aspects of our educational program and environment.
Is your school associated with a church?
Yes, ALCA is a department of Abundant Life Church, and is housed on ALC premises. Attendance at ALC is NOT required for admission to the school.
Is ALCA accredited?
We are accredited by the International Christian Accrediting Association, an international organzation recognized by the state of Indiana.
Who is classical education for?
Classical Christian education isn't reserved for a select few — it's for every child. We believe this time-tested approach is simply the most effective way to educate, regardless of a student's background or natural abilities. At ALCA, we're committed to making it accessible to all families.
While we can accommodate some students with IEPs, we don't currently have a special education program and may not be the right fit for students whose needs extend beyond what our classroom environment can support. We're happy to discuss your child's specific situation to help determine if ALCA is a good match.
What is ALCA's policy on discipline?
At ALCA, we believe that discipline is a crucial part of educating the whole person. Our goal is not simply to enforce rules, but to cultivate the virtues of self-control, responsibility, and respect for others. We maintain an orderly, structured classroom environment where students are expected to abide by our Honor Code and conduct themselves with honesty, kindness, and obedience. Parents remain the primary authority in their child's life, and we view discipline as a shared effort between school and home.
For this reason, a student's admission and continued enrollment depend on both the student's ability to function well within our classroom environment and the parents' willingness to cooperate with and support ALCA's standards of behavior.
What if my child is older and has not had a classical education? Will it be too difficult for him or her to transition?
No. Though there is an adjustment period for an older student transitioning to the classical model of education, based on the difference in both material and instructional methods, students generally transition very well, with some work. Furthermore, we are committed to guiding students through this process. Our small class sizes allow personal attention, extra help when needed, and even personalized courses of study, when necessary.
How large are your classes?
We keep classes small by design. Our target for core classes is 10-12 students, and classes often have even fewer students than that. This means that every student at ALCA receives personalized support and attention throughout their education.
What is your policy on technology?
We take an approach we call digital minimalism. In short, this means technology plays a very small, almost non-existent role in education at ALCA. Our students never use personal devices or laptops in the classroom. Technology may be encountered in shared experiences, but generally our students learn in a tech-free environment that prioritizes attention, deep study, and focus. Read more on our technology policy here.
Are students required to wear uniforms?
Yes. We believe that uniforms encourage respect, order, excellence, and a sense of school community.
Do children engage in physical activity?
While we ask our students to work hard in the classroom, we believe that physical activity is no less important for human development. Students in K-6 receive ample recess and activity time, spent outside when conditions allow. We also have indoor facilities that ensure students always have opportunities for active play.
Students in the upper grades participate in physical education and have opportunities to compete on sports teams and in intramural games and competitions.