Claiming the Moral High Ground for Character Education

Michael Rose argues that the virtues promoted by classical education serve as a subtle subversion in the modern context, emphasizing its role in moral and intellectual formation. Rose, a former teacher at Great Hearts Academies, one of the largest classical charter school networks in the United States, notes that while visible differences like a great books curriculum, Latin and Greek classes, and mandatory Shakespeare performances are often highlighted, the core of classical education lies in its dedication to character development. Great Hearts Academies explicitly states its mission is "dedicated to serving families in the moral and intellectual formation of their children." This focus on moral education is a defining characteristic, even as over 80 percent of public school principals report implementing some form of social and emotional learning programs. Rose's book, "The Subversive Art of a Classical Education: Reclaiming the Mind in an Age of Speed, Screens, and Skill-Drills," published by Regnery in 2026, delves into this aspect. The classical school model is experiencing significant growth, with over 1,500 such schools operating in 2024, and approximately one-third of these having opened in the last decade.