Internalizing Virtue

Liberty Common students of the Plato Campus experienced profound intellectual and moral growth over the last year, and what a joy it is to be part of their beautiful journey.

 

At Liberty Common School, the goalpost doesn’t move, ever.  We remain committed to its founding principles and philosophies.  As a result, year after year, the children thrive across all four campuses.  They are becoming virtuous citizens, preparing to lead our great Republic.

 

At the Plato Campus, one of my personal highlights, this year, was a beautiful and powerful song performed during the end-of-year awards ceremonies.  It featured a moving excerpt from the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence.  You can watch our 3rd- and 4th-grade scholars perform it here.

 

Liberty Common students are growing in respect and admiration for our country.  Through our Core Knowledge curriculum, they are learning that freedom isn’t free through their study of American history.

 

In the Core Knowledge sequence, students build a rich understanding of American history and founding principles across the k–6 years.  They first encounter Independence Day and leaders such as Washington and Jefferson in kindergarten.

 

In first grade, they study the journey from colonies to independence.  In second grade, they explore the harsh realities of the Civil War and the struggle for civil rights while continuing to develop understanding of liberty and equality.

 

They delve deeper into the causes and principles of the American Revolution, including the Declaration of Independence in fourth grade, and they connect these founding ideas to the creation and growth of our constitutional republic in fifth and sixth grades.  Our young Liberty Common scholars are so smart.

 

They also learn the virtue of citizenship is about leadership, commitment, loyalty, and justice.  They have set this definition to memory as one of the seven Foundation Stone songs they sing daily, and they are moving toward internalizing it.  This foundation prepares them to embrace patriotism, a Capstone Virtue emphasized in grades 7 through 12.

 

As we always say, “Good character is a habit.”  Watching these scholars grow in virtue, knowledge, and love of country this year has been a true honor.  It has been a joy to pursue goodness, truth, beauty, and perfection together.

 

As I sign off as the Plato Campus principal this year, know that I love you all, and it is my honor to serve and protect our excellent school as its Deputy Headmaster.