What are services like?
Our Mission of our Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade
The mission of Trinity Lutheran Classical School, Miles City, Montana, is to provide Christ-centered instruction through a classical curriculum that is challenging, academic, and Bible-based in a caring and nurturing environment.
Goals
The goals of our Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade educational program of Trinity Lutheran Classical School are that each student:
Daily live in the eternal hope of everlasting life with Jesus Christ
Remain steadfast in devotion to Christ’s Word and Sacraments
Maintain a godly and healthy lifestyle
Be successful in future educational opportunities
Joyfully serve as a responsible and productive member of society
Notice of Racial Non-Discrimination Policy
Trinity Lutheran Classical School (Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade) a Christian learning center, admits students of any race, color, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other school-administered programs.
Trinity Lutheran Classical School (Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade)
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
What is the community like?
The Classical Curriculum (Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade)
With Christ Jesus at the center, Trinity Lutheran Classical School provides quality education in all academic subjects through a classical methodology and curriculum. Classical education values all branches of learning. Expectations are high and the students are challenged to think broadly, deeply and creatively.
Classical education builds on a pattern of learning that is innate in every human being. The technical name for teaching according to this pattern is called the Trivium, which consists of three phases called the grammar phase, the logic or dialectic phase, and the rhetoric or expressive stage.
GRAMMAR - In the first stage (Preschool – 3rd Grade), when children are most curious, the classical teacher uses songs, poetry, and repetition to build the foundation with the words and facts necessary to learn about various subjects.
LOGIC - In the analytical stage (4th – 6th Grade), children want more than “just the facts.” They also want to understand the reasons why subjects are formulated as they are, so the classical teacher will not only teach a subject’s information, but also the logical reasoning which undergirds that information.
RHETORIC - The expressive stage (7th & 8th Grade) refers to the reasoned and logical articulation of ideas which are original for the student. The goal of a classical education is that children will not only know and understand their subjects well, but they will also be able to explain their knowledge, defend their understanding of that knowledge, and use their knowledge to think creatively about whatever interests them.
The classical curriculum concentrates on the humanities, is teacher directed and is rich in content. It is designed to provide students with the tools for learning and generate within them a love and enthusiasm for learning, as well as the self-discipline to accomplish it.
Religion – God’s revealed Word is the heart of our curriculum. The Holy Bible is the principle textbook. The daily lessons are supplemented with the study of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism which contains a summary and correct exposition and application of those Biblical truths in a simple and learnable format. Memorization of Bible passages and truths is emphasized. In addition, the pastor of Trinity (Headmaster) or the classroom teacher will lead the students each day in a chapel service in which the students and staff are given the opportunity to worship the Triune God and grow in the knowledge and stature of Christ.
Language Arts – Reading, literature, spelling, grammar, handwriting and composition are taught utilizing Spalding’s The Writing Road to Reading and Shurley Grammar. The objective is to help all children learn to speak precisely, spell accurately, write proficiently, and read fluently with comprehension.
Latin – The study of Latin enables the students to gain grammatical discipline, build an understanding in language structure, and enhance their English vocabulary. Song School Latin, and Latin for Children are the primary texts.
Mathematics – Study in this discipline is conducted using Saxon Math. It is an incremental approach that provides students a solid foundation in the language and basic concepts of math.
History – Focusing on Western Civilization, history studies follow a chronological survey: Creation, Egyptian Period, Greek and Roman Period, the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation and American History. The primary text is The Story of the World written by Susan Wise Bauer and published by Well-Trained Mind.
Geography – A thorough study of the continents and the United States prepares students for a better understanding of the world. The goal is to connect geography with history, culture and the economy of the land. Course content is from the text The Story of the World and additional teaching resources are utilized from Memoria Press.
Science – In the early grammar stage, the students study physical and life sciences. They are then introduced to a general systematic study which includes the scientific method, experiments, and the disciplines of biology, astronomy, chemistry, and physics using materials from Elemental Science.
Music and Art – Students are instructed utilizing the Core Knowledge series. Drawing lessons are the foundation of the art curriculum. In music, children are given many opportunities to sing, play chimes, hear, and appreciate quality music. The students study famous composers, hymns, and learn beginning notation. A chimes choir is offered as an extra-curricular activity to enhance their musical training.
Physical Education – The focus is on health, fitness and learning to cooperate in playing games.
What if I'm not a Christian?
Enrollment Information
Registrations for enrollment are generally taken in the spring and summer for the following school year. Names can be added to our waiting lists at any time. Any openings that come up through-out the school year will be filled from our waiting lists. All enrollments are handled by the administrative assistant or headmaster. In addition to paying the Non-Refundable registration fee, an enrollment application form must be completed and a copy of your child’s immunization record must be provided before your child may attend our school. K-8th students must also provide a copy of their birth certificate.
Trinity Lutheran Classical School (Preschool, Kindergarten - 8th Grade) admits students of any race, color and national or ethnic origin. Children are enrolled with first consideration being given to baptized members of Trinity Lutheran Church and those students returning from the previous school year during our registration period and then to those on our waiting list in the order they appear.
A two day preschool program is offered for 3 and 4 year olds. In order to be enrolled, the child must be three on or before September 10th of the current school year. If your child’s birthday falls shortly after this date, exceptions may be made at the teacher’s discretion and with the approval of the Headmaster.
A three day preschool program is also offered for 4 and 5 years olds. The child must be four on or before September 10th. When there are special needs or circumstances a 6 year old may be accepted into the three day program. All such requests are to be made to the Headmaster for approval.
Children ready for grades Kindergarten - 8th Grade will be placed accordingly.
All children must be toilet trained and generally able to care for their personal needs. It is understood that occasionally accidents may occur.
It is assumed when the child is registered that it is for the full school year. If for some reason you are not satisfied with the program, you do not feel your child is ready for school, or you cannot afford to continue sending them, PLEASE speak to the child’s teacher and/or the headmaster before removing them from the program. There may be something we can do to help with the matter. At least 1 week notice would be greatly appreciated before withdrawing your child from the program. Any tuition paid in advance may be refunded on a pro-rated basis at the discretion of the Headmaster and the Board of Christian Education. Any outstanding balances owed are expected to be paid in full when the student is withdrawn.
