School of Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the art of communicating well. Students are expected to be clear, elegant, and reasoned communicators.
In the rhetoric stage, First through Fourth-Level School of Rhetoric (9th – 12th grades) students use knowledge and critical thinking skills to write and speak with fluency, eloquence, and persuasiveness about all subjects in the curriculum. The study of history, literature, government, philosophy, ethics, art, and music appreciation have become so intertwined that they are studied together and examined through seminars in all subject areas. Advanced science, mathematics, and world languages are studied as well as rhetoric and debate.
At Parnassus, the School of Rhetoric prepares students to begin to develop original arguments, support their claims, profess well-informed opinions, and debate ideas. Writing and oration are dominant modes of expression intended to persuade listeners and inspire dialogue. Students are liberated to analyze what they have learned in the prior stages of the Trivium and use that knowledge to express their own opinions.
Academics
The School of Rhetoric scholars at Parnassus follow a college preparatory course of study based on the school’s Classical Trivium and liberal arts curriculum.
The rhetoric stage is the pinnacle of the Parnassus classical education. It is dependent upon and a continuation of the first two phases of the trivium.
The School of Grammar laid the foundation of knowledge; the facts and stories of history; the facts of science and mathematics; and the rules of phonics, spelling, and grammar. The School of Logic taught the scholars to think analytically, to evaluate the validity of arguments, to weigh the value of evidence, to see the interrelationship of the facts as they organize them in a logical sequence, and to begin their own journey toward independent thinking.
Armed with the knowledge and ability for logical argument, the rhetoric-level scholar writes and speaks with intelligence, confidence, coherence, and eloquence. Below is a brief overview of the School of Rhetoric academic program.
The Humane Letters
The Humane Letters sequence begins in the First-Level of Rhetoric, following Parnassus’ structure of historical periods as the back bone of the curriculum, with an analysis of the ancient times, including Greek and Roman history and literature. The scholars continue their studies including a survey of the medieval period up to the early modern history and literature; an examination of American history and literature; and courses in American civics, economics, and government. In their Fourth Level Rhetoric capstone course, the students have the foundation, knowledge, and understanding to see the indissoluble connection between the core of a liberal arts education and liberty.
Science
A science curriculum is of significant importance to the Parnassus classical education. A thorough study of the hard sciences, based on the conceptual understanding and experimentation, provides the students with necessary logic and reasoning skills. Further, such a science curriculum allows a student to question with greater confidence — the scholars possess a firm foundation from which meaningful questions arise. All School of Rhetoric students at Parnassus will study physics, chemistry, and biology. The physics course starts with the analysis of phenomena in the real world and progresses through standard, important physics topics, emphasizing those that are most helpful for future applications to chemistry and biology. Chemistry students explore the interactions and relationships between atoms and molecules that account for chemical changes. The biology course begins with ecology, cells and genetics, organisms, plants, and animals form and function. This sequence allows the students to then move on to advanced science courses. Throughout the courses, laboratory proficiency is fostered including: observation and analysis, oral and written communication, use of the scientific method, and creative problem solving. This approach persuades students to bring together diverse concepts in a practical laboratory setting.
Mathematics
In the Parnassus model of the classical Trivium, the study of mathematics follow the pedagogy taught in the three schools (Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric) from foundational knowledge to logic and reasoning, proofs, discussions, and applied knowledge. The classically-educated scholar at Parnassus will have the opportunity to take courses in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry and Pre-Calculus, and Calculus with options for the Advanced Placement exams. Scholars will also have the opportunity to take other math courses such as statistics. Students are required to take three years of mathematics in the School of Rhetoric, but are strongly encouraged to take a fourth year.
Rhetoric and Thesis
School of Rhetoric scholars study and use rhetorical techniques in composition, written, and oral skills. The study of rhetoric formally begins in First Level Rhetoric and ends in the Fourth Level with the writing, presentation, and defense of their Thesis. The student who has established strong convictions rooted in a worthy education can now effectively communicate that knowledge and those convictions in such a way as to persuade. With these skills, the student becomes a stronger citizen and is able to argue on behalf of those ideals necessary for a free and moral society. Quintilian’s treatise on the art of oratory wrote that “Since an orator, then, is a good man, and a good man cannot be conceived to exist without virtuous inclinations, and virtue, though it receives certain impulses from nature, requires notwithstanding to be brought to maturity by instruction, the orator must above all things study morality and must obtain a thorough knowledge of all that is just and honorable, without which no one can either be a good man or an able speaker.” The virtuous orator is core to the Parnassus Preparatory School graduate.
Classical Languages and Spanish
The study of the classical languages gives students access to ancient civilizations and their influences on other civilizations. In addition to accessing ancient civilizations as the precursors of the Western Civilization, the study of Latin and Greek also opens up an entire world of knowledge in the sciences, philosophy, law, and literature. For nearly two thousand years, the study of Latin has taught students grammar, vocabulary, and also the skills of careful reading and precise writing. For additional information, please see Why Study Latin and Greek? Each year, the Spanish program continues to evolve as the students gain additional skills by progressing through the classical program at Parnassus. School of Rhetoric students are required to study two years of Spanish for graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to elect additional Spanish coursework, especially considering the fact that many colleges require three to four years of sequential Rhetoric level language study.
Visual and Performing Arts
Throughout history, visual and performing arts are explored and used to express the ideals or challenges of a culture as well as to entertain. As with other languages, the language of the arts also relies on certain rules, conventions, and vocabularies for its expression and communication. Artists and composers leverage the different ways to express opinions, feelings, and make statements. Therefore, the study of visual and performing arts at Parnassus equips each student with the ability to perform and create their own art expressions, but also to express well informed critiques.
Physical Education, Health, and Athletics
Scholars are required to complete one year of physical education and health in the School of Rhetoric for graduation. Parnassus is delighted to inaugurate the “gymnasion” and have started to build athletic teams.
Humanities
Scholars are required to take two credits of Humanities courses, including the required HUM 1201 – Foundations of Art History and HUM 1202 – Foundations of Music Theory and History.
Electives
Parnassus offers a plethora of courses students may elect to study. Options include Art History, Philosophy, Principles of Computing, Psychology, Environmental Science, and Mock Trial, for example. To find out more about our courses and options, please make an appointment with the School of Rhetoric Principal by scheduling a visit.
Harkness Method
Harkness Instructional Method
Parnassus Preparatory School is the first classical charter school in Minnesota to adopt the proven Harkness table discussion method in the School of Rhetoric.
The School of Rhetoric at Parnassus has a unique approach with the Harkness Table instructional method integrated with the classical education model.
The Harkness table is a large, oval table used in a style of teaching where students gather at the table with a teacher for in-depth discussions. Teachers participate and guide students in the discussions in a seminar style, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning. Scholars must come prepared and follow the expected rules of a scholarly discussion: listen to each other, reference their annotated text or document, reference each other’s comments, ask questions, and involve everyone.
The purpose of the Harkness Table is to engage students and to foster learning. The main goal of the Harkness table style is to encourage students to come up with ideas of their own and learn good reasoning and scholarly discussion skills while also learning and benefiting from an environment of high-expectation, accountability, respect, and collaboration.
The method is in use at many American elite private and boarding schools as well as colleges and universities and it encourages classes to be held in a discursive manner. This collaborative discussion method traces back to Socrates, approximately 2,400 years ago. The Harkness teaching method is related to the classical Socratic Method — an already familiar style to Parnassus scholars entering the School of Rhetoric.
Parnassus Preparatory School’s unwavering commitment to the classical Trivium pedagogy and a philosophy that values discussion and debate in the last phase of the trivium is reflected in the configuration of some classrooms in the School of Rhetoric via the Harkness Table method. Teachers demonstrate to students how to learn rather than just what to learn. Students learn to think by themselves and express their opinions eloquently, persuasively, and intelligently. This is the apex of a classical education at Parnassus.
Honors and Advanced Courses (AP, CIS, PSEO)
To better meet the needs of scholars, Parnassus offers courses at different levels, although all levels are rigorous and challenging. Grades are weighted according to the level.
College Preparatory Level (4.0)
Most courses are designed for students who are able to master the content and to exercise the academic skills expected of School of Rhetoric students in preparation for college. These courses move at a challenging pace with a level of difficulty and depth commonly expected of the Parnassus scholar.
Honors, University of Minnesota, and AP Level (4.5)
Some Parnassus courses are offered at the honors level for students who are able to handle content and materials of a high level of difficulty. These Honors, University of Minnesota courses, and AP courses deal with content in greater depth and/or at an accelerated pace. Students are expected to exercise higher-level cognitive functions. A teacher recommendation is necessary for placement in these courses. These courses receive Honors designation.
Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis.
By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year, schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year.
There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement.
Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses. For more information on these funds, access the PSEO Mileage Reimbursement Program Instructions.
Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school.
School districts must allow a PSEO student reasonable access to the high school building, computers and/or other technology resources during regular school hours to participate in PSEO courses, whether on-line or on campus.
Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.
All courses taken through the PSEO program must meet graduation requirements. Districts must transcript credits earned in PSEO by a ratio prescribed in statute. Districts have the authority to decide which subject area and standards the PSEO course meets. If there is a dispute between the district and the student regarding the number of credits granted for a particular course, the student may appeal the board’s decision to the commissioner. The commissioner’s decision regarding the number of credits will be final.
Postsecondary institutions are required to allow PSEO students to enroll in online courses consistent with the institution’s policy regarding postsecondary student enrollment in online courses.
Tenth-grade students may initially enroll in one Career and Technical Education (CTE) PSEO course if they receive a reading proficiency score of “meets” or “exceeds” on the 8th grade MCA. If 10th graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. If the student did not take the MCA in 8th-grade, another reading assessment accepted by the enrolling postsecondary institution can be substituted. For students with disabilities, there is an alternative option to demonstrate reading proficiency.
For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.
Graduation Requirements
Parnassus School of Rhetoric required courses meet and exceed Minnesota’s minimum graduation requirements and also meet statutory policies. To receive a diploma from Parnassus Preparatory School, scholars must complete the requirements listed in the school’s catalog. A course credit is equivalent to a student successfully completing one academic year of study.
Parnassus Graduation Requirements
- Successful completion of all required courses.
- Minimum academic credits, as listed, all of which must be earned in grades 1R-4R (exception credits earned for Algebra I or Geometry in the School of Logic). Athletics and extracurriculars such as drama do not count toward this total.
- Successful completion of the minimum required courses per year at Parnassus
- Successful completion of the Fourth Level Rhetoric Thesis (paper, presentation, and defense)
The minimum Requirements for Graduation
| Discipline | Graduation Requirement* |
|---|---|
|
Latin & Greek |
2 credits |
|
English |
4 credits |
|
History |
4 credits |
|
Science |
3 credits |
|
Math |
3 credits |
|
Rhetoric & Thesis |
2 credits |
|
Spanish |
2 credits |
|
Humanities |
2 credits |
|
Fine Arts |
1 credit |
|
PE/Health |
1 credit |
|
Electives |
4 credits |
*Additional requirements may apply to new incoming students.
College Advising
College Counseling Philosophy
Our goal is that 100% of our scholars will apply to college. To support our college bound population and mission, we have committed to offering a developmentally appropriate college counseling program. Scholars will become more knowledgeable about their individual skills, academic goals, and college choices, and will be empowered, guided, and supported as they progress through the college selection and application process.
College Counseling Timeline by Level
First Level Rhetoric (1R)
The focus of this year is to help scholars understand different fundamentals of college preparation by being successful School of Rhetoric students. Since scholars need to focus primarily on their School of Rhetoric academic goals, counselors meet twice yearly with students to help them understand the concept of college, reinforce academic and extracurricular decision making, and discuss the importance of summer opportunities. Counselors also hold seminars for parents to educate them on the landscape of college admissions and financing their child’s education.
Second Level Rhetoric (2R)
In the fall, counselors invite families to attend a seminar on starting the college search utilizing college fairs and college visits. In the spring, counselors introduce scholars to Naviance by exploring different career interests and discussing how interests impact their college search. Counselors educate parents on the overall college admission process and the specific role testing plays in college admission.
Third Level Rhetoric (3R)
Counselors work with scholar groups, taking them through a series of bi-weekly class lessons. The goal of the work during first semester is for scholars to gain a deeper understanding of who they are, establish criteria for the college search process, and understand how to research and evaluate colleges and universities. During the second semester, scholars begin to plan their individual application processes while continuing to explore colleges. Class lessons focus on resumes, demonstrating interest, college application requirements and college essay questions. Counselors meet individually with families during the fall and spring semesters to discuss goals specific to the scholar.
Fourth Level Rhetoric (4R)
Counselors will help finalize and review lists of colleges and develop an application plan with each student. Counselors review essays and work with scholars and families to complete admissions and financial aid applications by the deadlines. Parnassus ensures all letters of recommendation, transcripts, and other school- based documents are submitted by the application deadlines.
Family Connection
Naviance by Hobsons is a comprehensive college and career readiness platform that enables self-discovery, career exploration, academic planning, and college preparation for millions of students across all ages and around the globe.
Parnassus offers Family Connection, via Naviance, to help students explore their interests and strengths and develop a plan that matches their long-term goals.
About Our College Advisors
As a college preparatory school, Parnassus provides unparalleled college guidance and support to all School of Rhetoric scholars. Our program is unique in that students and their families receive one-on-one guidance in addition to group meetings and discussions. We provide group and individualized services through College Connectors.
College Connectors Inc. is a private college admissions consulting practice based in Edina, MN. College Connectors specializes in providing individual college admissions guidance to families and college admissions support to high schools. Counselors at College Connectors have a strong history in college admissions and high school guidance counseling and bring their professional industry experience, knowledge, and specializations to Parnassus Preparatory School. They have designed a program that prepares scholars to make mature and sound decisions as they search, apply, and are admitted to colleges and universities where they will thrive and carry on the virtues they learned at Parnassus.
To College Counselors
Parnassus Preparatory School is a tuition-free liberal arts classical school. Our rigorous college preparatory program emphasizes the humanities as well as mathematics and the sciences. As a classical school, all students are also required to study Latin and Greek in addition to Spanish.
To College Representatives
Parnassus welcomes college admissions representatives to visit with our students in the fall and spring. Please note that Parnassus Preparatory School uses Hobson’s counselor community to schedule college visits. Please contact our College Advising Department for any questions.
