Mars Hill Academy Rhetoric School (grades 9-12) is the culmination of a classical, Christian education. During these years, students are prepared to winsomely and persuasively communicate truth to influence the world for God’s glory through formal rhetoric classes and public speaking opportunities. Our philosophy and curriculum guide us toward preparing students to be loving, thinking adults.
Students delve deeply into some of the most challenging and influential works of literature ever written, wrestle with philosophical and worldview issues, and practice the art of listening, writing, and speaking well.
Each year builds upon the previous, with students progressively polishing and perfecting their communication skills. Biblical Interpretation, Apologetics, and Biblical Worldview capstone classes all reinforce the integrated classical and Christian education Mars Hill students receive. The culmination of this training is when each student writes, presents, and defends a senior thesis to an audience of students, faculty, and parents.
Mars Hill Academy students graduate holistically prepared for college, work, service, or any future endeavor. Click here for the Mars Hill School Profile.
RHETORIC SCHOOL DISTINCTIVES
Bible
Bible classes provide students with the tools for taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Students learn Biblical interpretation, establish a framework for the truth, beauty, and goodness of the Christian faith, and examine how worldview impacts all of life.
Rhetoric
Students sharpen their communication skills as they begin to solidify their own opinions and beliefs. Rhetoric training allows students to refine the ability to recognize ideas, form an argument, and communicate eloquently and convincingly.
Humanities
All truth is God’s truth, and thus every field of knowledge is part of a coherent whole. Through humanities, students learn history, literature, theology, philosophy, art, music, and architecture with an emphasis on analysis and synthesis.
Math and Science
The classical study of science and mathematics gives students a wealth of opportunities to learn and practice the skills of reasoning and problem solving. When taught from a biblical worldview, these subjects take on new meaning and point students back to the Creator. Hands-on experiments and dissections in the lab bring lessons to life.
Protocol
This unique etiquette course focuses on Christian relationship-building, self-discipline, and considering others above yourself. After learning the importance of manners, the art of conversation, table etiquette, and other social graces, students practice these skills during social events.
Language
Building on their Latin foundation, students are prepared to study languages like Greek, Hebrew, or Spanish.
Worldview Summit
During this unique, three-day forum in Washington, D.C., students gain a Biblical understanding of important cultural issues and a passion for putting their faith into action. Students select the topic and plan every aspect of the event, including scheduling speakers from Congress, public policy institutes, academia, and advocacy organizations.
Senior Thesis
Seniors research and write a thesis paper on a topic of interest, which they present and defend orally. Through this process, our young men and women become equipped for future opportunities – to write a graduate paper, teach a Bible study, or present a business plan.