Scholé Groups are committed to a classical course of studies, a path that has been tried and proven since ancient times. The long tradition of classical Christian education has emphasized the seeking after of truth, goodness, and beauty and the study of the liberal arts and the great books. A classical education should be like a stroll through a garden of delight. As with any good walk, there may be digressions, but the main path—the key spots and visitations—should be known. Scholé Groups follow a core sequence of studies, which includes Latin, logic, writing, and rhetoric as well as the great books, mathematics, and science. Because each Scholé Group is unique in its setting and composition, we encourage our groups to structure their community time according to the specific needs and goals of their co-op, focusing on certain areas of study together and others individually in their homes. Likewise, we encourage each group to use the tools and published resources they find most fitting and helpful.

Scholé Groups are united by their pursuit of restfulness in learning, or scholé. The word scholé (pronounced skoh-LAY) comes from a Greek word that means “restful learning,” with the connotation of “contemplation,” “conversation,” and “reflection.” Ironically, it is also the basis for our English word school, which no longer holds for us these restful connotations. Scholé Groups seek deep engagement that results in enjoyable, permanent learning that is free from anxiety—that is, they seek to put the scholé back into (home) schools. The concept of scholé cuts across the grain of modern education and therefore takes a principled commitment to the ideal in order to be implemented and realized. We provide each Scholé Group with a variety of educational and practical resources for understanding and implementing scholé in their communities.

Scholé Groups are vibrant communities of adult and student learners united by a passion for truth, goodness, and beauty. Each Scholé Group co-op is comprised of three or more families who gather regularly to pursue studies together. While student learning is at the core of Scholé Groups, parent-teacher education is also of great value to the community. Many Scholé Groups choose to integrate parent education into their co-op activities on a regular basis using ClassicalU, the teacher-training platform recommended by the Scholé Groups Network.

Scholé Groups have the flexibility to customize their practices to their unique settings. While Scholé Groups are united by the values above, they also exhibit a great deal of variety. Some Scholé Groups prefer maintaining a small group setting, meeting weekly in a member's home and focusing on a few key areas of study. Other Scholé Groups have grown into large communities that offer a variety of courses and meet several times per week. Likewise, individual Scholé Groups span a wide range of Christian backgrounds—some Catholic, some Protestant, and some Eastern Orthodox (see our Petra Scholé Statement of Faith). We appreciate the diversity throughout our groups and encourage each group to seek a structure and focus that they prefer. While Scholé Groups have a great amount of flexibility, we understand that guidance can be helpful for those who desire it! With this in mind, we provide support and recommendations for Scholé Groups who are looking for guidance as they establish the structure of their group.