Kolbe Academy Philosophy

Kolbe Academy's Home School Program

Whether in our day school in Napa, California or in our home school program, Kolbe Academy offers a program which is:

• an orthodox Catholic, Ignatian, classically-based, day school and home school program for grades K-12

• devoted to providing a philosophy and method of education that is thoroughly Catholic and academically challenging

• dedicated to forming the whole individual--mind, body and soul--to renew the world with children and young adults with high educational, moral, civic and spiritual values centered on the principle of Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam--doing all things for the greater glory of God fully

• accredited by the National Association of Private Catholic and Independent Schools (NAPCIS) lay-founded and lay-operated with the blessing of the Bishop of Santa Rosa

Kolbe Academy was founded in 1980 by three families who experienced first-hand the rapid decline of the public school system and who were looking for a wholesome, academically challenging educational alternative. The founders anticipated the need to form young Catholic citizens who could effectively defend their Faith through a thorough understanding of doctrine and regular reception of the Sacraments. They also foresaw the growing need for better, more individualized, intensive instruction in basic education.

Kolbe Academy’s program draws on elements of classical educational theory and Ignatian methodology while remaining faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. The ultimate goal of education is that of forming the whole person, which the Ignatian methodology calls the “cura personalis.” This education is specifically ordered by the Jesuit precept of a “ratio studiorum,” or course of study. This course of study provides an early foundation in reading, writing, speaking, and arithmetic, while introducing the student to the studies of history and science. This focuses on the proper formation of the intellect, done through the teaching of basic facts and language skills, right reasoning, and presentation and persuasion, which are the three components of the Trivium: Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric.

As Kolbe’s curriculum progresses, students read as many original, unedited, and unabridged classics as possible. This begins with the elementary and junior high literature programs, and culminates with the core subjects of history and literature in high school. Along the way the student learns the use of Dialectic, which is commonly called the “Socratic Method.” While a program that is “purely classical” would teach the original Quadrivium of Astronomy, Geometry, Arithmetic and Music, Kolbe uses the principles of the Quadrivium to present the natural sciences and mathematics in a rigorous academic manner while encouraging the visual and performing arts. Throughout the course of study, Kolbe provides a thorough catechesis and in-depth study of theology, so that all students will know and understand the Catholic faith.