Imagine your children arriving at school in a stallion-drawn chariot greeted by all their schoolmates wearing white togas. While climbing the school’s marble steps, they reach a massive portico surrounded by oversized, fluted columns and friezes. Speaking Latin to one another, they enter their new school. Paintings depicting Greek philosophers, Renaissance masters, bucolic Romantic landscapes, and fig-leaf statues of famous personages from Western civilization fill the lobby.
Well, you know this scenario will never happen! However, looking past the togas and marble, Alabama may be having its own academic renaissance: new charter academies dedicated to teaching classical education.
It’s past time. Alabama needs an educational renaissance stat.
U.S. News ranks Alabama 43rd in K-12 public education and 44th in higher education. Other studies report similar findings. For example, the 2023 Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reports these mediocre proficiency scores for 8th graders: 50% in English Language Arts; 21% in math, 41% in science.
Unexplainably, the 2023-2034 Alabama Department of Education's report awarded Alabama an overall grade of B despite a D in academic achievement and an F in English language proficiency. And yet the Alabama Legislature just passed a $10 billion funding package for 2026, which averages over $13,000 per student.
Although some Alabama families may be content with their current traditional education, many others are not and will want to choose a classical education rooted in the liberal arts. Even Barack Obama endorses charter schools: “[W]e celebrate the role of high-quality public charter schools in helping to ensure students are prepared and able to seize their piece of the American dream, and we honor the dedicated professionals across America who make this calling their life’s work by serving in charter schools.”
What is classical education?
Classical education offers traditions bound to the liberal arts, emphasizing critical thinking, moral virtue, and a deep understanding of Western civilization's foundational texts and ideas. This approach fosters intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. By integrating subjects such as classical literature, Latin, logic, and rhetoric, classical education aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate complex societal challenges.
The only charter school in Alabama currently teaching classical education is in Prattville, Ala., and called Ivy Classical Academy. The school began last year by offering K-5 classes and will add a sequential class each year.
Although public schools, charter schools operate with greater autonomy than traditional public schools, making them well-positioned to implement classical curricula. They can tailor educational experiences to meet specific community needs while maintaining accountability for student outcomes. The flexibility inherent in charter schools allows for innovative teaching methods and curricula that may not be feasible in conventional public school settings.
Now that we have school choice, Alabama citizens need to approach their school boards demanding that at least one charter school offering a classical education be started in their district. Don’t be surprised, though, if your school board is dismissive of charter schools, as was the case in Baldwin County at a recent board meeting. Many school boards feel threatened and will want to retain their power.
The Alabama teachers’ union, AEA, has actively pursued legal avenues to challenge the establishment of charter schools, filing lawsuits against charter school startups, aiming to halt their operations.
Despite the inevitable opposition, let’s all stand up for the next generation and demand classical charter schools become an educational option for all Alabama children. Looking at the current academic scores, Alabama can only improve.
Barry Nowlin is a retired English professor from the University of South Alabama. He presently works as an Uber driver for his two grandkids.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to [email protected].
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