The Scholé Method
"The Scholé Way" by classical educator Dr. Christopher Perrin—is an educational philosophy that emphasizes "restful learning" over anxious, performance-driven schooling.
Derived from the ancient Greek word scholē (which paradoxically means "leisure" or "undistracted study" yet serves as the root for our modern word "school"), this framework counters modern, hurried education by encouraging students to deeply contemplate, ponder, and savor concepts.
Rather than treating education as a race to check off a to-do list, the Scholé method seeks the holistic formation of a student's soul through wonder, beauty, and reflection.
Core Philosophy: "Multum non Multa"
The methodology is guided by the Latin maxim multum non multa, which translates to "much, not many."
Depth over breadth: Instead of rushing to cover a vast quantity of disjointed facts, students focus deeply on fewer, high-quality subjects.
Contemplative engagement: Students linger over ideas, literature, and art to digest them fully before moving on.
Intrinsic value: Learning is treated as a pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty for its own sake, not just practical job preparation.
Key Characteristics of Scholé Learning
To practicalize this ancient concept in modern schools, educators build specific environments and routines:
Restful Scheduling: Implementing block schedules or larger time increments to eliminate the chaotic, fragmented feel of shifting subjects every 45 minutes.
Liturgical Rhythms: Establishing predictable, calming daily routines such as morning prayer, shared meals, quiet reading hours, and unhurried transitions.
Socratic Dialogue: Privileging open, reflective conversation over lectures, mechanical testing, and heavy homework sheets.
Shared Community: Studying worthwhile subjects alongside peers and mentors in a relaxed, relational setting—often incorporating elements like nature or art study.