How the Tutorial Model Works

The Structure Behind Saints Classical Academy

At Saints Classical Academy, upper school students attend classes either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday from 8 AM to 3 PM, with optional Friday enrichment. Parents serve as the primary educators, directing learning at home on off-days while the tutorial provides structured instruction, accountability, and community.

The Question Behind the Question

When parents first hear "two days a week," the real concern is usually: Is that enough?

It's a fair question. We're conditioned to think education requires five full days in a building. But the tutorial model isn't about doing less - it's about doing things differently, and in many ways, more intentionally.

The tutorial model isn't a shortcut. It's a partnership between the tutorial and the family - and it works because of what happens on all the days, not just the two on campus.

How the Week Looks

On Campus: Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday

Students are on campus from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for structured class time. A typical day includes:

  • Latin instruction (Wheelock's Latin)
  • Logic or Rhetoric (depending on grade level)
  • Literature and History with primary sources and living books
  • Science (Novare curriculum)
  • Math instruction and review
  • Bible study integrated throughout

Teachers introduce concepts, lead discussions, assign work, and provide the kind of peer-to-peer interaction that's hard to replicate at home.

Friday: Optional Enrichment

Friday enrichment is available for all grades. These classes complement the core curriculum with hands-on learning, arts, and community building - without the pressure of graded academics.

Off-Days: At Home

Parents direct learning at home on the days students aren't on campus. This isn't "free time" - students have assignments, reading, and practice to complete through our Classica LMS. But the schedule is flexible:

  • Independent study on assignments from tutorial days
  • Deep reading time without classroom interruptions
  • Music lessons, sports, co-ops - whatever your family prioritizes
  • Nature study, habit formation, and the slower rhythms of Charlotte Mason-inspired learning

Why the Tutorial Model Works

Focused Instruction

No filler periods or administrative time. Every hour on campus is purposeful teaching.

Parent Partnership

Parents aren't outsourcing education - they're leading it, with expert support.

Deep Learning

Home days allow for the kind of sustained, distraction-free study that classrooms can't.

Family Time

Education fits your family's life - not the other way around.

Classical education has always been about mastery over coverage. The tutorial model gives students time to actually absorb what they're learning - to narrate, to wrestle with ideas, to make knowledge their own.

What This Means for You as a Parent

Let's be honest: this model asks more of parents than a traditional school does. You'll need to:

  • Stay engaged - Check Classica for assignments, monitor progress, guide daily work
  • Create structure at home - Set a rhythm for home study days
  • Communicate with teachers - The partnership only works when both sides talk

But here's what you get in return: a real voice in your child's education, a community of families doing the same thing, and a curriculum that's rigorous enough to matter - without handing your child's formation to a system that doesn't share your values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do students get enough instruction in two days?

Yes. The tutorial model maximizes every hour of class time with focused instruction - no study halls, no filler. Combined with structured home assignments, students cover as much or more content as traditional five-day programs, with deeper mastery.

What if I'm not confident teaching certain subjects at home?

You're not teaching alone. Teachers introduce and teach the material on campus. At home, your role is more like a coach - ensuring your student completes their work and stays on track. The Classica LMS keeps everything organized and transparent.

Can both working parents manage this model?

Many families make it work with creative scheduling. The home-day structure is flexible - students can complete work in the morning, evening, or whatever fits your family. Contact us to talk about how other families approach this.

Is Friday enrichment mandatory?

No, Friday enrichment is completely optional. It's available for all grades and offers a lighter, hands-on complement to the academic week - but families can choose whether it fits their schedule.

How is this different from a co-op?

Unlike most co-ops, Saints Classical has professional teachers, a structured classical curriculum (Latin, logic, rhetoric, Novare science), formal grades and assessments, and a dedicated campus. It's a tutorial - more structured than a co-op, more family-centered than a school.

Can I choose Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday?

Schedule options may vary by grade level and availability. Contact us to learn which days are available for your student's grade.

See It for Yourself

The best way to understand the tutorial model is to visit on a class day. Come see what a day at Saints looks like.

Schedule a Visit