SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Catholic Diocese of Springfield is exploring the idea of a new “Classical Catholic High School,” set to offer a new perspective on the way students learn in class.

The Diocese has a facility in mind, and is in the process of continuing to take parishioner feedback on the idea.

“The term ‘classical’ is a little bit of a modern misnomer,” said Mark Newcomb, diocese director of the Department for Catholic Education, on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.  “It used to be…education up until the late 60’s in America.  There’s an approach to how we understand the human person, how we approach learning.  In a classical mindset, you’re less concerned about ‘Hey students, just learn the formula.  Just get this data.  Just get this information for the grade and the degree.’  It’s looking at things in creation and saying, ‘Why are they this way?  Why is this something rather than nothing?'”

The diocese is looking at the former “Cathedral School” building downtown for what is being described as a “Catholic liberal arts education.”  Newcomb says each of the four years of high school would address a various area:

  • Freshman year: The Ancient World
  • Sophomore year: The Medieval World
  • Junior year: The Age of Renaissance, Global Exploration, and Reformation
  • Senior year: The Modern World

Families wishing to give their feedback on the proposal can CLICK HERE.  Should the diocese go forward, Newcome says he doesn’t expect the school to compete with its other high school, Sacred Heart Griffin.  But, it could start as soon as next fall.  He does say there has even been some interest in the curriculum by those of other religious denominations.

It’s expected to be named the late “Fulton Sheen Academy,” after the longtime Catholic priest best known for his television ministry, and who is in the process of becoming a saint.